born a story teller
Some of my earliest memories are of myself surrounded by my cousins who are listening to an imaginary tale that I was making up on the spot. Art has intrigued me since the 1950s when I first heard the story of Van Gogh. I have gone to art museums, shows, galleries, and have read books about artists and their work for some half century. I have carried an artistic vision, of my own, in my head for many years. I have thought that art is a matter seeing. Then one takes what is in their head and puts it in a tangible form. I have always loved color, it fires my endorphins, it makes me giddy like an excited child. Although I have no formal training, one day I decided I was going to start the new millennium off by painting and I have continued since.
Methods
SILK:
I have liked it since the first time that I had seen and felt it. It is unique and intrinsically beautiful in its own right. It is the queen of fabric. It is most durable. The paint does not just sit on the top of the surface, but it soaks in and bonds, because silk has an affinity for water. Since I am not your traditional artist, I do not use the traditional silk. Since the silk I use would not normally be suitable for watercolor paints I had to develop a special technique to get it to work.
WATERCOLOR:
I like the brilliant vividness of this type of paint, Since I do not want it to look weak or thin I have been using my own unique technique to bring out the best of its natural advantages. I want durability so I use only the best quality of paint. I only use pigments that research has demonstrated to be certified light fast. I finish up by using a clear acrylic coating that protects from UV and moisture. The manufacturer says it will never yellow.
MOTTO:
Painting with pallet and canvas transparent, seeing life through it. When asked, "what do you paint?" I reply, "I paint life".
Symbols
I use some icons that are common to each picture. I want them to be a reminder of the creative struggle, which at times can feel like a struggle for survival. Also they are there to provide clues to the story/meaning/mystery that I have woven into the painting. As you view it, ponder what you see, let your mind and imagination go, that you may see what others may have missed. I like a little humor in the picture, as you carefully look you may find what amused me. Some say "walk a mile in someone else's shoes". When you look at my work you will have a chance to walk through my mind and to see through my eyes.
BIRD OF PREY/RAVEN:
Forebodings, vulnerability, feelings of self-doubt, things of which we would like to say "nevermore"
BUTTERFLY/MOTH:
Beauty and the elusive searching for beauty and happiness which even when found may seem to be all too elusive and flirtive.
BOTTLE/CONTAINER:
The influence of commerce in our life which provides us with many marvelous things. However it contributes to the stresses in our lives and can leave us conflicted. Do you follow your dreams or do you work (paint) to pay the bills?
So let us together, fire the imagination, look into our souls, engage our intellect, excite our curiosity, and enhance the joy we find in the beholders' share! ART IN 4D BY GRZ