Soul of the Sky and the Earth (Series and Installation)
Gouache and ink painting on printed rice paper
27 in x 55 in
2024
Installation
Gouache and ink painting on printed rice paper scrolls suspended from the ceiling
Approx. 10’ x 8’ x 8’
This Painting series was inspired by chrysanthemums, a symbol of resilience and acceptance of the cyclical nature of our lives, as a flower blooming in the fall when all others have faded. This project is a reminder of the process of re-emerging and new life after cycles of dormancy and recovery. It relates to my own story of perseverance in life circumstances, as well as the broader themes of the ephemerality of existence, the cyclical nature of our lives and world, and an appreciation of the subtle beauty found in unexpected places.
I explored the patterns of the paper, extracting positive and negative shapes and elements from the chrysanthemum imagery to investigate the spatial relationships and evocative landscape imagery pulled from the patterned imagery of the paper. I highlight elements found in the periphery and bring them into the foreground, such as the environment, as well as pattern and decoration, negative space, and the role of the feminine. The paint and pattern of these works emerge and disappear as you move around the paintings, with moments catching the light that draw your attention, and other areas hiding in the shadows or almost disappearing as you adjust your viewpoint.
This body of work was made using local paper while in residence at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China.
Gouache and ink painting on printed rice paper
27 in x 55 in
2024
Installation
Gouache and ink painting on printed rice paper scrolls suspended from the ceiling
Approx. 10’ x 8’ x 8’
This Painting series was inspired by chrysanthemums, a symbol of resilience and acceptance of the cyclical nature of our lives, as a flower blooming in the fall when all others have faded. This project is a reminder of the process of re-emerging and new life after cycles of dormancy and recovery. It relates to my own story of perseverance in life circumstances, as well as the broader themes of the ephemerality of existence, the cyclical nature of our lives and world, and an appreciation of the subtle beauty found in unexpected places.
I explored the patterns of the paper, extracting positive and negative shapes and elements from the chrysanthemum imagery to investigate the spatial relationships and evocative landscape imagery pulled from the patterned imagery of the paper. I highlight elements found in the periphery and bring them into the foreground, such as the environment, as well as pattern and decoration, negative space, and the role of the feminine. The paint and pattern of these works emerge and disappear as you move around the paintings, with moments catching the light that draw your attention, and other areas hiding in the shadows or almost disappearing as you adjust your viewpoint.
This body of work was made using local paper while in residence at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China.
