I wonder.....

A couple of things came to mind today - one followed from a seemingly callous comment of a stranger on my FB page, calling my recent work "garbage." Further conversation with this individual revealed that they felt my work was "too literal." Ok, "too literal" is far more interesting to ponder than "garbage." As I worked my way through the concept of literal, I began to visualize all the ways - other than symbolically - I could depict things like fragility, feeling inconsequential, immortality, and learning to speak up. Today I embraced one of those approaches - allowing my form to dissolve into the ground. Sort of like she's melting - yet she's still fully present for the moment. Two of the studies I approached in this way are pictured above.

I have no end result in mind for these - yet - but I am spending time alone with them, asking myself lots of questions, and listening for answers. How does intensity of color impact my message? What about contrasts - can I use them intelligently to play off the temporal message? How do I marry the gesture of the subject with the gesture of the paint? or is this even a serious concern? Is what I'm doing even of any consequence?   Looking forward to pursuing these ideas more tomorrow.

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Divine Intervention

"Divine Intervention," a self portrait, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel. Available to the first asking nicely, $899 (includes s&h inside the US). Thank you so much.

I've been painting regular selfies for over two years and find it a great practice for examining my emotional state and working through various situations. Today's selfie was begun a few days ago and has been my obsession ever since. My original concept was set aside when I realized the painting (and my subconscious) was asking for something else.

Each of the items in the painting were chosen for symbolic reasons. They tell my personal story of this year so far - it is my hope that viewers will weave their own tale from the composition.

Thanks for supporting my art,

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com  

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Seeking Faith

Another one from The Dryad Series, "Seeking Faith," a portrait of my daughter, 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, not currently for sale (this one is headed to an exhibition). However, inquiries may come to me. I could tell you that the inspiration for this painting came after a heart to heart talk with Annie about the election and believing in a system that has carried our country through centuries, yet has disappointed so many. But I can't lie to you. The real story is that I had the concept of a figure looking upwards and off to the side, with a sweeping drapery of blooms. I had literally (and I am using that word properly, trust me!) 60 seconds to capitalize on the natural light and take the inspiration photos before she ducked into ballet class. (All the flowers symbolically speak towards seeking affirmation, love, acceptance, remembrance and honesty. Or you could just say that they are super pretty, and enjoy them for that. Also, she requested ice blue eyes and perfect brows.) Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com   Shop Reproductions Here

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Reach

"Reach," 24" x 30", acrylics on panel, $699 to your door (inside the US). Inquiries may come to me. This is my newest self portrait. The flowers have special meaning to me - peonies grew outside my grandmother's farm house (I have a piece of that same bush growing in my yard), and ranunculus are one of my personal favorites. This is my hand, reaching for the beauty and promise of the blooms, but it also could be anyone's hand doing the same. What are you reaching for? Thanks for following along with my artwork, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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