Coffee on the Pier 2 Painting

"After floods of emotions came with acquiring a sudden disability, I started to re-evaluate concepts of time: the past, present and future and how we must embrace all three time periods. Nostalgia of the past, specifically, the era of my youth, greatly inspires me. Not only am I attracted to the bright colors and energy from the Golden Age of pop culture (the 80's), but it is the memories of little moments of time during my childhood that have left vivid imprints in my mind. It brings up a playful and joyful energy that is evident in my work. My latest collection entitled, “Verve: Unfiltered,” (Merriam Webster definition of verve: a. the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition b. energy, vitality) features multiple layers of paint in different textures. The freely poured, splattered paints are an expression of letting go and the recovery of my lifelong battle with perfectionism. The experimentation of allowing different consistencies of paint to organically interact and react with one another reflects my acceptance of all events that are happening in the present (that we cannot control). I have a new appreciation for the beauty of imperfections, mishaps, chaos and brokenness. As layers are built upon one another, certain parts of each underlayer are always revealed to show every stage of the piece’s history. Just as art imitates life, our past experiences, history and evolution are important elements that make up who we are. There is a newfound courage expressed in “Verve” after I came to the realization that there is nothing to fear because the future will always be uncertain, regardless. Recently, I’ve had more trust to let go of control over future outcomes. My process is no longer result-driven, but rather initiated by intuition, allowing the piece to naturally evolve. However, more conscious decisions are made regarding the composition as a piece is being finalized. I always like a certain amount of balance and symmetry, albeit ‘imperfect’ and never too structured. I am constantly fascinated by the shape of the swirl which I have been doodling since childhood. The evolution of these swirls reflect both my personal and artistic growth. The designs began as structured and defined, and then have evolved into looser, more deconstructed patterns, once again, indicating my letting go of control. The swirls, to me, are a symbol of life’s continuity or the idea that everything eventually comes full circle.