Where things Flow, vertical view.
Where Things Flow
Mixed Media on Canvas
Horizontal view
Where Things Flow
Mixed Media on Canvas
Horizontal view
Changing My Process
Honduras has been in quarantine for 71 days. I have experienced the emotional highs and lows of this situation. My family is safe, and during this time I decided that my main goals in creating art are just to enjoy the process while approaching this process in new ways (like not using brushes).
In creating “Where Things Flow” I did not use any brushes or pens to create the marks. The majority of the painting was created with a spatula and squeegee.
I’d like to share some photos of my thought process as seen in my sketchbook notes.
Note 1
Late March 2020.
The sky seems to be one of my largest inspirations during this time of grief. Its vastness reminds me of my impotence, yet observing it allows me to slow down my negative thinking.
Note 2
March 20 2020.
Tegucigalpa feels like a hole. Like a giant hole that is stuck among “barrios” (neighborhoods).
You weave in and out.
Break free.
Wings.
Fly away.
Should the layers of paint be thin, should the layers be thick?
Note 3
Red: the color of roses. Color of blood (it runs deep)
Black: dark times. Memories of a dirty city.
Pink: the color of flowers.
Change in the course: large marks that remind me of rapid changes in the course of our history.
Bold changes.
Recognize: as humans, we are not in control of certain things.
Contrast the calm vs. the anxious.
Don’t use the brush. Don’t go to the expected.
Note: 4
April 2020.
Overall I want this piece to feel more like a roller coaster.
It sort of reminds me of the city, with its steep hills and stairways in the middle of the barrios.
While not what I planned the markings remind me of Tegucigalpa. My city which I have not seen in over 50 days.
Closing Remarks
Experiencing the quarantine with the regulations imposed by a government in a developing nation has been unique. Nonetheless, it has given me time to try out new things and evaluate things I don’t on a regular basis.
Overall, while this piece is predominantly red and black, the underlying pinks are possibly one of my favorite details.
I have just finished this painting and several others which look drastically different. The art I create is not for you to see exactly what I see or feel, but maybe.
It’s why I love art, each expression and interpretation is subjective to a personal experience.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this new piece, and maybe how you’ve dealt with quarantine.
Live Inspired.
Helga
