Well-Rounded Work: Circles

I like circles. Simply put, they are beautiful. There is a satisfying feeling to drawing a round object, either freehand or using a template. I remember a specific event that started my interest in using circles as part of my paintings, aside from prolific doodling in notebooks. I was visiting one of my friends in the industrial design program and he was practicing freehand circles (or ellipses, if you want to be fancy ;) on a large sheet of newsprint. The fluidity of the movement and pattern created was deeply gratifying. This inspired an elliptical bowl shape that I call “annaspheres”, although I can’t take credit for the name. Unfortunately, I don’t remember which friend came up with that term. Conceptually, I imagine that these spheres hold “something”: ideas, objects, anything you want, but it will always be a mystery (à la suitcase in Pulp Fiction). These spheres are also a metaphor for creating my own little worlds, where my imagination has free reign. Art allows me to be deeply in my mind, in a positive and productive way, that otherwise promotes anxiety and stress. While resuming painting isn’t the only factor, it is quite significant in feeling more like myself again. for the first time in many years.

Their Own Voice

Mixed media on 4.5 x 7” paper, 1999

Private collection, Goshen, IN

Paddy

Mixed media on paper

42 x 57”

1998

Work in progress

Acrylic on canvas

36 x 36 x 2”

Art is Communication

The other evening a friend was asking what subject matter I paint. For the most part, I describe what I do as abstract mixed media. I am excited by colors that overall look good together, the contrast created by using other materials such as graphite or ball point pen, and words that suggest an underlying story open to the viewer’s interpretation. But, a further dive into my subject matter revolves around communication. I explained that a frequent roadblock with communication is that most people listen to respond, instead of listening to understand. I know that for me this has been a huge change, and challenge, in how I act, personally and professionally. This can also be further complicated by our inherent biases we bring to an interaction with another person. The beauty of making art, for me, is that a painting invites the viewer to to superimpose their own thoughts, biases, and experiences. I love to hear what someone sees and feels when they look at a piece. Sometimes it is the simplicity of the colors and composition, other times it can be far more complex.

What piece of art has affected you? What inspires you to seek out original art?

When the cosmic tumblers clicked into place

Rarely are we presented with the perfect time to make a major life change. And, it’s not always obvious when the opportunity is staring us down. It took me a few weeks to realize life was handing me the perfect opportunity on a silver platter.

I was ambiguously “let go” from my scientific and regulatory consulting job of 15 months in July. After 15 minutes of panicking, I calmed down and let the excitement of not having to to do a job I didn’t enjoy take over. Less exciting was the thought of a job search. The intersection of jobs I want and am qualified for might be non-existent.

Detail of a large scale, mixed media, work on paper from college

This is when the cosmic tumblers clicked into place: now I have the perfect opportunity to make art my career. I have a bachelors degree in Fine Arts and yet I have hardly done any art work since graduating. I’ll spare you the excuses of why, although there was a detour through medical school and practice during this time.

More of this story will unravel over the coming months and years, and through my work. Please join me on this adventure.

What surprising turn has your life taken after an unfortunate event?

One in a series of 20-25 self portraits on 4.5 x 7” paper.

Concept map for a series of paintings depicting my artistic timeline.

Various postcard size mixed media pieces that I’ve worked on over the past 15-20 years.