Catch and Release

The 13 paintings in this gallery were created during a time when the Covid-19 pandemic was so prevalent around the world. The gallery is in part intuitive, and part intentional. I hope that it is moreover, inspiring, and helps anyone to be confident enough, to explore their own interactions with life, through art, especially during challenging times. During the time of this gallery’s creation, many causes that shed light on human condition, and vulnerability were at the forefront as well. I discovered a outlet to sieve through it all, that would allow faith and optimism to override worry. Henceforth, I channeled my ensuing thoughts with artistic expressions; thus this painting journal came into being. I am so glad that I discovered this medium. My painting journal is more about the process, than the paintings themselves. I believe it’s about listening and responding ….and most of all, trusting in your own process. The paintings display my love of color and how I have tried to use it to amplify my compositions. I have tried to relay in each piece something deliberate coupled with expressions that were more intuitive and abstract in nature. Collectively, color, balance, shape, and intention each play an important role in the execution of each piece. I wanted each piece to have ‘wallpower’ - to perhaps inspire, motivate, or to encourage. I’ve learned that expression is more important than perfection. I’ve also learned that there is an artist in all of us. That’s the attitude that propels me when I take on the task of exercising my process. That said, it also took the convergence of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual energy to ‘complete’ each one. This painting journal was my marathon, in every essence of the word. Each of the paintings in this “Catch and Release” gallery were done in one sitting- the reason the gallery is aptly named « Catch & Release.” I hope that those viewing the gallery can see that there is a symbolic value in that. Each piece represents a moment when I felt extremely sensitized to the environment around me. So in turn, I went to my art box and used my newly acquired treasures to help me express on canvas, what was playing out in my mind. These paintings are a pictorial journal of life around me, and how I have interacted with it; they are how I have chosen to chronicle this significant time. I hope that this artwork connects others with their own creative outlets, because art is a collective, not just one person’s experience. It is truly the result, I believe, of sharing in the experience of others who have shared, while at the same time giving motivation to those that will dare to share in the future..… Art acknowledges and explains, what sometimes is difficult to define. I hope that more people find outlets to express themselves during times like these, because everyone has a story worth sharing. Lastly, I hope that you can sense that this mode of expression brought me joy- especially as I got into my flow state. And that is my wish for others- Hope and Joy! All the Best Wishes, Anita