To Text Or Not to Text

( good question )

"Disconnected Memories"

 

I worked on this piece, sometime ago, in preparation for an Art Walk event...then slid it back into the storage bin afterwards when it came back to the studio with me. Going through my stock of paintings last week, I pulled it out again and thought it might be time for a re-fresh.

 

I started this refresh by painting out things that just weren't working for me or for the painting. Next was deciding what I loved about it, letting the rest go and remembering..."everything can't be important"!

There were so many things I liked about this piece...and then there were things I found distracting. While I loved the story and meaning about dreams here...dreams are just disconnected memories...I felt like I was giving too much away with the text.

 

I actually do love text in my art...though more as a design element, not so much as a narrative. Text offers the bold shapes and line work that add a bit of structure...I like that. Sometimes a hidden peek of a word or sentence is enough to pique the interest of the viewer...it's that mystery that draws us in.

 

I really like this explanation of why artists use text in their artwork. Instead of simply transporting the viewer into a scene, the use of text breaks the mind into conflicting modes of observation.

I'm really happy with where Disconnected Memories has ended up...still dreamy! I like how it's not as busy and has nice resting space, even with the papers, textiles and paint that are all added into this mixed media piece. The text is just enough to add the line and structure that I like in my art ...and make the viewer wonder about its meaning. I'm calling this one done.

 

Disconnected Memories has been added into my portfolio/shop

on my website, if you're interested you can click the link here

and be taken right to it.

Disconnected Memories

Sometimes you will never know

the value of a moment,

until it becomes a memory!

Dr. Seuss

THANK YOU...

to those who visited My Fall Colors and found a piece or two

for your own. Tomorrow (October 31) is the last day of

25% special savings on this collection!

You still have time to click below, take a peek and find your color.

 

Use code fallforart at check out and pick up in studio if you're local.

My Fall Colors

One More Thing...

I'm honored that the San Diego Water Color Society has invited me to teach a three day workshop next year, May 22, 23 & 24 / 2023. I know it seems a long way off, though it's amazing how fast all of their workshops fill up! I'm adding another link here so you can check it out, especially my mixed media students who were looking for more time to work on their mixed media process...sign up early!

What's Underneath Workshop
Liberty Station / Barracks 16 2730 Historic Decatur Road San Diego, CA 92106
760-717-2024

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