HOME    NEW ARTWORKS  VIEWINGS    SHOP

Hello

from the studio

Our shy British spring is finally here and nothing makes me more happy. Or maybe your lovely messages to the last winter letter. I was really touched by all the feedback, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading it and felt the genuine aspect of it. So a big big thank you for taking the time.
Without any further wait, here are my 5 spring chapters
 

  • a thought,

  • a place,

  • a moment,

  • a painting,

  • a wish,
     

A thought

Art transforms you

One of the main reason I do and collect Art is simply because it makes me feel good. I never really understand clearly why - the sensorial chain of reactions together with the strong feeling of alignment - is magic
The scientists that study this sensorial mechanism claim that art does transform our brain and body. I'm no scientist but this is my understanding :
We are sensorial beings that react to our environment. We engage neurons that need to be connected and our sensorial experiences of the world creates neural pathways that make us grow, learn, think & more. The more we are connected to things we like and stimulate us, the more we allow theses neural pathways to build up. Contemplating a piece that connects with you is a beautiful way to experience over & over this incredible process that it is all in us.

These last couple of months I simply tried to dig more in me, defining what I like the most and my road map was ... don't hold back, go where it feels good.

If you want to learn more on this subject, a very promising book has just been released:
Your Brain on Art, by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross

I can't wait to read this book, if you do so, I would love to know your thoughts on the subject.

DON'T HOLD BACK

Acrylic on wood panel

45 x 61 x 0.8 cm

A place

Marrakech, Morocco

... is my happy place :)

A place where everything finally slows down. I've noticed that the artworks I do when I'm on holidays is quite different from the ones in London. The energy is more loose, more free.
It is fascinating to notice how places impact you unconsciously. Lately I've been trying to bring this energy back into the studio. How to be more free and less conscious and allowing my self to experiment and play more.

ETUDE 6

Gouache on paper

Artwork size: 19 x 29 cm

Frame size:  32 x 42 x 2.8 cm

A moment

When the most personal becomes universal
I often paint personal scene of my life, my kids, my strolls or some ordinary moments of my daily life. I can hold back and think it's strange and who will be interested ? But I'm really drawn to celebrate and magnify these simple scenes of life. I enjoy the process of diving in my memories, mixing them together and create a dreamy, expressive atmosphere.
Somehow my most personal paintings found new homes first, would the most personal be the most universal?

AN AFTERNOON IN TOKYO

Acrylic on canvas

Artwork size: 76 x 91 cm
Frame size: 78 x 93 cm

A painting

Are you dreaming or hiding?
Do you sometimes feel guilty dreaming? I certainly do... Probably because my surroundings don't enable me to be grounded enough or because our contemporary lives are so demanding.. no much time left for recreative escapes. Worse, we feel (or it makes you feel) like we are hiding and avoiding "real" life when you take the time to dream.

But what if dreaming is actually just a way to face life and to build healthy tools to function? Would that be more acceptable?
In a "modern" society obsessed by productivity & time, I reclaim the right to dream. This is where my brain heals and expands, not hide. 

ARE YOU DREAMING OR HIDING?

Acrylic on canvas
76 x 101 cm

A wish

20 minutes
Is the recommended time to make art per day. Using colors, mark makings, drawing will stimulate some areas of your brains that we don't stimulate enough. It can be as simple as colouring a page with one colour, connecting with a memory, reflecting, expressing yourself or simply giving an intention for the day. Could making art be the highest form of meditation ?
I wish we allow all ourselves to play at least 20 minutes per day, or if you really don't feel to, just take the time to contemplate and connect with art around you... It can start just here, through this letter.

SWEET STILLNESS

Acrylic and Oil on paper (framed)

26 x 33.5 x 2cm (each)

I realise it's been 4 months since my last letter... as you can see, I'm not bombarding you! I hope it won't take that long for the next one and hearing from you will definitely motivate me to keep the momentum so don't hesitate to hit reply in your mailbox ;)
 
Warm Regards,
Assia


*Header-photo copyright to Brigitta Nagypál who interviewed me this month for an article on local artists of Ealing borough, this is one of the photo she took at the studio.  

If you had your eyes on a piece in particular and wish to see it again, feel free to email me to schedule a visit. In the meantime, most pieces are visible on the website or catalogue below:

 
CATALOGUE [.pdf]
Follow on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
338 Windmill Road, London (visit by appointment only)

www.assiabennani.com