Feelings Made Visible
Finding representation in Nature
Perhaps as a very sensitive introvert with a deep desire to not be seen growing up our human mask or shield is something that’s always fascinated me. This impenetrable facade is something that’s either always present in my work or the effort to see behind the mask is what my paintings strive to explore but in different ways. I’ve always been fascinated by what feelings and thoughts humans choose to hide or share. I started thinking of our faces as a facade that conceals any number of goings on behind it. How interesting would it be if that was beyond our control (scary perhaps!).
These works came from the thought What if our emotions or thoughts were visible to everyone? What would represent those expressions in nature? It could be floral or animal.
A stern woman that hides her passion represented by wild roses that bloom behind her. This was my first piece exploring this idea. The shadows / silhouettes leaves and flowers along with the delicate pencil drawn roses speaks to her insecurity at expressing this side of herself. Her heart is bright red because it is full and guides her through the fear on following her bliss.
Wild Roses, 2013
Acrylic, graphite on wood panel
24″ x 18″
Available
Mourning doves showing the sadness this still woman conceals. Her heart is fragile. The still bird speak to the weight and the flying doves represent the chaos of all the feelings that come with loss and the unknown.
Mourning Doves, 2013
Acrylic, graphite on wood panel
24″ x 18″
SOLD
A few years later I revisited this idea. This time I explored how sometimes we are not aware how our words can be seen by others.
In this piece fear and worry are represented by moths.
All She Talked About Was Her Fears, 2014
Watercolor on watercolor paper
17″ x 13″
Available
In this piece bugs, beetles represent the mean talk coming from this woman’s words.
Her Words Are Always Mean, 2014
Watercolor on watercolor paper
17″ x 13″
Available
