Inspiration, Becoming, Passion, Family
“I am an artist.” Most artists will understand how difficult that statement can be to say out loud. I’ve painted most of my life. It’s a passion that replenishes me with the fuel I need on a daily basis. It’s like the air I breathe. It soothes my soul and creates a fire within that leads me to more ideas and an insatiable desire to do more. To do more art, yes, but also, to do more for others.
The paintings in this show are a window into my life and into my soul. Each one has a personal story. The stories are about my family and friends – my nuclear family, siblings, cousins, in-laws and my family of choice. Each painting begins with me writing a positive word or affirmation on my paper or canvas. You can look closely but most likely you won’t see it. That may change in the future so stay tuned. Each creation is either a celebration of a memory or a fun, exciting future event. It could be a current feeling. I will use bright colors even when I’m sad, exhausted and weary because I love them and that makes me instantly feel better to see how the colors interact on paper or canvas together.
My inspiration is everywhere; the sea, a conversation, a feeling, a scenic view, other artists, a quote, a friend and my experiences. I am the youngest of six children in my family. So, after years of constantly being told what to do by well meaning parents and siblings, I finally found myself. I found myself in the pieces I create and in the response I get from others surrounding those paintings. I found myself after realizing that what I need to soothe my soul or to fuel my fire isn’t necessarily the same thing that a sibling, parent or friend would need. It’s such a beautiful world with individuality, love and acceptance.
I love the word “becoming”. I like its meaning in the truest sense of the word. As a noun: any change involving realization of potentialities. Because I am a constant work in progress, it’s been relatively recently that I realized MY potential as an artist. Call me a late bloomer but I kind of love that about myself. Each of the paintings in this collection is an integral part of my “becoming”.
Feed Your Fire/ Soothe Your Soul is the first installment of “me”. I explore relationships within my community and my family. I discover love in abstract ways. I grow more cognizant of my past and how that feeds my fire to be the best me possible through my artwork. My paintings are targeted to bring joy and happiness to others. I hope to soothe one’s soul in whatever way that means to you
