"How Do We Go Forward"
Acrylic and Mixed Media (paper, tape, organic matter, black gesso) on Hardboard panel.
24 x 24"
This piece grew gradually over months during the first two years of the pandemic, starting with words inscribed onto a wet black layer, covered in tissue, and painted on top. The leaves were used several times in gelli-plate printing, and had become completely encased in multiple colours of acrylic paint. They looked so lovely to me that way that they eventually found their way into the painting. (They have been further encased in acrylic mediums, so I think are there for good!!)
The rusty orange paint pops off the blue. There are multiple thin lines and textures that draw in the eye. Although it has a lot of quiet space, I've been looking at it for months and can see nothing to add. So it's done.
It both asks and answers a question about how to move forward when our path is unclear. Much like the process of painting, we take one step and then reassess.
