Layers of Life

Layers of Life

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Layers of Life. That is the line that comes to mind when I think of this piece. As in all of the art I create, as well as most artists I have spoken with over the years, it is almost impossible to separate one’s life from their art. Even if it is a subject possibly not related to one’s own life, which is very rare I would guess, there still is an intangible piece of one’s heart, emotions, connections, inspiration, questions, reflection, and processing that happens through brush or pen.

The most recent piece of “Wenatchee Spring” has been probably the most challenging and time consuming piece yet for me. As my 6th grade ‘Wenatchee famous’ art teacher, Mr. Valdez told me at the end of the school year -” There are no mistakes in art. You can always add to your work and make it something new, even if you think you ruined it. You can work with it and turn in into something that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.” I am not sure those were his exact words, but the idea has always stuck with me. And I am grateful. While I cannot say I have never thrown away an artwork that seemed hopeless, that comment still runs through my mind every time I feel discouraged or perplexed about where a painting is going! Thank you Mr. V! Essentially the artist’s version of “never give up hope.”

So when the first layer of this painting took shape there were things I loved and didn’t. The layer of masking liquid I paint on to create the deep white lines, was left on longer that I wanted, and therefore permanently stayed put! Rather than call it quits on this painting, I became very excited about the process of instead creating layers with the lines in a different process. Repainting the entire canvas with the layer of textured lines, meant saying goodbye to the parts that I loved, in order to begin again with the parts I didn’t want there(at first), and could not remove. I hope you can see where I am going with this train of thought. Beginning the process again as another layer, adding dimension, texture, an invitation to using even more mediums to contribute their own strength, I discovered the new piece emerging as a true mixed media layered piece. Every layer necessary in the end, and every texture and color, every abstract section of gold wrapped blossom of hope in the foreground invites viewers in, while the depth and playful blues hopefully comforts, under clouds full of promise and the unknown.

I love how life parallels art and expresses a different side to every landscape. Even throughout the process of painting over months, I could see and feel unwanted colors and communication happening in the first layer of Wenatchee spring, as I was going through several challenges in life I did not have hope around yet. It wasn’t until finding new hope and a season of trust in the unknown that I simultaneously finished this piece and unconsciously( at first) reflected that in the colors and mediums and choices I made artistically.

I believe art heals. I hope you feel that as you experience ‘Wenatchee Spring’ and have your own encounter with a new perspective as you view it.

Currently , February 2024, you can find ‘Wenatchee Spring’ in person as part of a show at Cafe Mela.