Evolution

Since my workshop with Samantha daSilva I've been working on my two canvases, adding layers of colour and texture...modeling paste, gloss gel media, glass bead gel, pages from an original copy of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' by Betty Smith (almost feels sacrilegious BUT it was falling apart), stencils that I created after being inspired by 'The Great Gatsby' (FABULOUS movie...amazing visuals), a spray bottle, rollers, paint scrapers and a notched trowel (for applying adhesive for tiling walls).  I love the hardware store for a variety of interesting tools.

It's an interesting process, no palette to clean (bonus) and a lot of area is certainly covered quickly.  It's also been interesting to see the evolution of the work...so many steps, totally following intuition, a desire to incorporate symbols and images from the Art Deco period.  A fascinating time of decadence and over-indulgence and also absolute poverty but, boy, the creativity. 
 
Many years ago I was accepted into fashion design in Toronto based on the designs I created for my portfolio, which were all inspired by the 1920's...sumptuous fabrics in simple styles, pin stripes and silk, clean lines.   Instead I stopped in Manitoba for the summer and ended up married to a wonderful man shortly after...not such a bad trade.  And I did continue my fine art studies being mentored by a professional artist through the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

The words and images that keep coming to my mind while I work are those of the beauty of decay, archaeology, history, memory, evolution, erosion...time.  Each layer is kind of frightening, especially when I really love a layer, but I know that as I keep pushing and pulling the paint and texture, the more interesting it will be.

I've been listening to 'The Great Gatsby' soundtrack as I work, both indoors and out (thanks to my daughter) and it is so hauntingly beautiful, just like the story and the movie.  It feels like the paintings are beginning to feel.  It's perfect.