Art tells a story, and YOU get to write the narrative
Let me paint a literary picture for you. Imagine walking through a gallery with your favorite person by your side. You can hear the echos of your shoes with every step, soaking in the cool lights and crisp air. Each wall has complex, thought provoking works of art, perfectly spaced so that each piece gets the attention it deserves.
You and your person stop in your tracks to look deeper, and there it is. A piece that draws you in, that you’ve been looking for, but didn’t know that you were looking for it. As you’re standing and gazing into the piece, you look over at your person. They’re lost in the story too. You then look at and each other and say “what did you see? what’s the story?”
And the awesome part of this whole thing is…both stories can be completely different. The emotions involved, the journey, everything is its own entity. The story of each person is completely valid! This is why I love art so much.
“Curious” Oil Painting on Stretched Canvas, 2023
Art tells a story, and YOU get to write the narrative. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the artist and viewer. The artist has an idea, an inspiration that is then turned into a piece. They start from nothing and create a one of a kind something. Speaking for myself for a moment here, I have an idea of an emotion and story behind a space while creating. It usually evolves and flows into something more, which I absolutely love.
And then, comes the moment of letting go of the piece. The piece releases from the artist, and is ready to be viewed publicly. Allowing others to view and get lost in their own narrative. It’s incredible.
The best moment of all is when someone views a piece and you can see the light in their eyes. They’ve connected, it’s a completely spiritual thing. Art is not a form of logic (there’s definitely some science there, but it’s an emotional and spiritual investment). Even if someone connects with a piece and chooses to make it a part of their home because it “looks cool”, that is their expression of their story. They felt a connection to that work that couldn’t and shouldn’t be severed. That’s the beauty of art.
“Imagine” Oil Painting on Repurposed Cabinet Door, 2023 "Imagine"
The artist needs the viewer and collector, and vise versa. Both parties need each other for the stories to continue.
This topic lights a fire in my belly, and it was the core inspiration for my recent “Story Collection.” It was a series of work inspired by the center topic of art taking us on a journey, and you as the viewer get to soak it all in.
“Curious” was inspired by the idea that there’s so much more to us then meets the eye. It’s a thought provoking piece that makes a visual representation of introspection.
I was originally inspired to create this piece while listening to the song “Passenger” by Deftones—-while listening to the chorus, I immediately saw a curious figure looking in an antique mirror. The reflection was looking back at them, but it wasn’t a complete replica.
In regards to telling a story, I believe this piece can spark a conversation regarding what is being reflected on the surface vs. the real story, beneath it all.
“Imagine” provides an opportunity to dream. Looking into this piece, I can immediately smell the crisp, fall air. I feel myself laying down on a hill of grass, gazing up into the clouds and seeing this narrative take place.
It’s a world of fantasy and wonder, and I can’t help but feel as if I was made for it. It’s a sense of dreaming, and belonging at the same time. It’s a whimsical sense of peace.
It’s a place to let your mind wander and simply be.
Something I want to challenge you with, I want you to picture in your mind a piece of art that you saw recently that took you to another place. That allowed a space for you to get lost, to just be. Maybe it gratified feelings that you had bottled up, maybe it helped you get lost in a fantasy. I just want to you be present and think about that piece.
Much love my friend, have an amazing day!