Untitled, 2021 Painting

My name is Masha Eretnova and I’m a self-taught abstract artist. I was born and raised in a small village in Russia, but since 2020 I travel the world I think of my abstract paintings as unfinished thoughts, rarely naming the works to ensure I don’t plant ideas to prime viewers. My work is intended for viewers to imbue with personal meaning. I believe any meaning and feelings attached to a particular painting can evolve and change over time. Through my paintings, I can look deeper into myself, and I encourage viewers to embark on this journey. Although I started exploring abstract painting focusing on only one color, black, today I sometimes introduce more colors and work with other mediums like epoxy resin, jesmonite, gouache, and oil pastels to bring fresh ideas, physical and emotional feelings and perspectives into my work with acrylic paint. My process rarely starts with a sketch. Rather, I begin with a blank canvas and let the paint guide me. Adding water allows the paint to flow freely. Just as in meditation, I keep my focus on one thing - painting - keeping my mind still. When I work on paper and canvas, I apply thick layers of color to create depth, texture and volume. The paint, a heavy, honey-like consistency, flows on the canvas making the painting process meditative and therapeutic. Finished shapes and forms take viewers on a subconscious silent meditative journey.