Clues to the Subtle Messages in My Art.
I guess most artists have a message in their artwork,
after all, Art is a visual language.
I think that as an Abstract Expressionist it is even more so.
Abstract and Expressionist artists can't rely on visual realism but have to find something deeper, something from the heart.
I’m not trying to lessen the skill of realist artist, for I started in that style, but I wanted to express something deeper; things that I couldn't put into words or show in a realistic way.
As an example, here is a recent artwork I created for a National Art prize titled
'You, Me… I'.
It is a mixed media Abstract on canvas.
Here are my thoughts and the message behind this artwork….
I had been thinking a lot about 'connection' and 'relationship'.
So many people 'come and go' in my life;
some stay and become permanent friends while others just pass through.
But all leave an impression, like a fingerprint. All have some sort of an effect in my life, some good and some bad.
In one way or another it becomes part of 'me' and who I am.
There are people that have affected my life hugely and yet I have never physically met them.
For example;
through a connection I have in Switzerland I was able to exhibit my art in Italy and actually visit the exhibition while on holiday there.
A life changing experience for me.
I have never met my acquaintance in Switzerland; we have only conversed by email but she has had an influence in my life.
As I created this artwork I deliberately made use of line, linkages and connections between shapes on the canvas.
This represented relationships and the shaping of the images is the shaping of myself.
I often work in a limited colour palette preferring to emphasis texture, shape and composition.
In this case I used a transparent blue, burnt orange, also a transparent. Unbleached titanium (a favourite) and a selection of mixed greys,
Plus, texture and some of my specialized mixed media techniques,
'You, Me.,, I' was born.
My works often have a message in them.
It may be to inspire you, the viewer, to look closer at the colours and textures in the land or seascapes. To notice the rhythms of the earth,
- God's great creation.
I suppose we all have things we want to say through our art (if we are an artist).
Perhaps your medium is writing or theatre; dance even.
Those that collect my art have said they wanted the piece because it reminded them or spoke to them about a time in their own life. They could relate to it.
Either way, do you have an artwork that is a favourite because of the hidden message that speaks to you?
Share for your thoughts or methods that you use to give yourself a ‘voice’ whether it be Visual Arts or another form of the arts. I would love to hear from you:)
Ciao for now,
Liv.
