naked earth
Muted, blended, textured, organic, earthy. Each piece an aria, an operatic medley of agony and ecstacy lived and expressed through the ragged, smooth, ever changing face of what we know as rock, stone and sand that meet the majestic Pacific Ocean.
The muted tones conjure the dreamy quality of cloudy days and marine layer that sometimes settles over the wild dance of our coastline. It also brings the subtle beauty of tones wielded by one of my favorite artists, Andrew Wyeth. Although his subject matter is very different, I'm so enchanted by his earthy tones and the abstract quality of his moody, landscapes. Thrilled to by finally pouring this work out after years of journeying with this rocky coast and drooling over his work from my Wyeth coffee table art books. And from the few Andrew Wyeth's I'v had the privilage to see in person, I can honnestly say it is a spritual experience that it is hard to equal in a print version. I suppose that's the case for most original art vs reproductions.
About my process to get here:
Early in my painting career, in 2021, I delved into muted landscapes. I'm a moody and sometimes sullen person, intense and deeply feeling and self inquiring. I delight in self awareness and the narrative of our lives as they unfold. I challenged myself to get more into color to draw in collectors who would be attracted to that style, and I felt it is important to bring joy and light into the world. My Forest painting grew out of that.
So it's only now, 3 years later that I am revisiting some of what authentically is begging for attention. I'm curious about the self judgement that motivated the more colorful work, but also grateful for the work I birthed as a result of it. Was it any less authentic? I don't think so. It demonstrates the path of a creative person finding themselves in the world. I have no doubt there will more deep dives into both colorful work and muted work, and everything in between!
My new series is inspired by my beloved Mexico coastline where bare feet, sand, stone, and pounding surf meet. Anyone who shares my beach knows I do a lot of walking. It's my therapy and my inspiration and has been for a very long time.
