Finding respite from the mess

​I mean...the world right now. I've been overwhelmed by the horror in the Middle East, and the hate being demonstrated here in the U.S. Too many conflicting feelings to know how to act, so I'm doing what I know best... moving forward trying to put beauty into the world.

I hope these two paintings bring you some light in the darkness!

Swing Dance. 18" x 18" Acrylic and hand-printed paper on gallery-wrapped canvas.

Swing Dance (above) started with an underlayer of gel printed papers, collaged to cover the whole canvas. I gave the collage a golden glaze, then added a creamy layer of acrylic so that I could quickly scrape out the lines with a silicone color shaper (like a spatula, sort of!). I danced the shaper through the paint, keeping my body loose for easy movement. There is serendipity in what collaging was revealed in the end, though the initial choice of papers and their positioning was a creation in itself. (If you're curious, I do have process pictures I can share — just drop me a line). 

Emerging Life (below) began with textured and dripped gesso, from which images were pulled out in wax pastel. As they developed, an aquatic theme emerged. I leaned into it with collaged hand-printed tissue papers and some light marker. Something I did in my earlier textile collage work is present here, as well. There are places where you're viewing something from its side, and others where you're looking down on something, all in the same artwork. Much of the painting feels up close and flat to the surface, yet there's still depth. I like mixing up the perspectives. Makes me feel like Picasso. Hah!

Emerging Life. 18" x 18" Gesso, wax pastel, collage (hand-printed tissue paper), and marker on gallery-wrapped canvas

Want to see my art in person right now into January? This link will show you where I'm showing my art. I'm so grateful for your ongoing support and wish you, and all those you love, a joyful season, regardless of when your particular holiday is celebrated!