I was in a group art show at BYU! That's right. For two weeks I was able to display my art for other's to see. It's about time, eh? I like to think so. Anyway, I promised to post pictures to some friends and family and I guess I should probably keep up on that promise. Along with that promise I will do my best to explain what I'm trying to accomplish with my pieces. But first, a picture of the show! (I apologize for the glares on the images, these were taken on my phone...)
These are the four pieces that I had in our group show, Haven. Our theme revolved around the idea of finding a haven in our daily circumstances. Now I know, leaves aren't exactly the first thing you think of when you think of a haven. But trust me, there was reason behind my desire to paint leaves besides my general obsession with leaves. Let me explain it to you.
Our explanation begins within me. I have a lot of issues, at least I like to think I do but I'm probably not that bad off. Anyway, I've never really felt like I fit into any "clique" and I have already explained how I don't fit into stereotypes. So I've always felt like a bit of a loner, but that doesn't really bother me too much. I feel as though it's expected that people fit within a clique and I just don't. I like to think that I am just as strong on my own as I am with other people. Now let's check out how this ties into the art.
Each piece within this series of work displays a minimum of three leaves. If you'll notice though, none of the leaves are actually connected. They may interact with other leaves, one overlapping the other and the other ducking behind, but they are not truly connected together. This is easy to see in the first painting with the little berry. (Don't ask what kind it is, I have no idea. Just took a picture of a plant with berries...) I wanted the leaves to be strong and finished, but I also wanted them to be isolated like how I feel. Like I said though, I don't want that to sound bad, hence why the leaves are painted in full detail.
The leaves are painted onto a background with a single circle of color surrounded by textured black. The circle itself represents the 'haven', that one place where we should feel strongest. The textured black space is symbolic of a new setting, someplace that is uncomfortable. However, I didn't want the leaves to only be strong within the circle. I really wanted to express how we can be strong on our own. Even when we are without our safe place, when we are apart from our comfort zones, we can exhibit true strength. Thus the leaves being focused inside the circle, but emanating outward.
I hope that clarifies the pieces a little bit to you. If not just know that you are not alone! I began this project with a brief understanding of what I wanted, and now that I have finished four pieces and had a show I am beginning to understand what it truly means to me. My main focus was on the idea of being isolated, yet being strong.
This series is not finished, not for me. I am currently working on three more pieces for this series. Each of the painting exhibited here are 20"x25" and the three paintings I'm working on now are 16"x20". I hope to be able to exhibit this show again, and maybe if you missed the first show you can catch the next one! If you have any questions regarding the work feel free to ask here!
