"It's Not There" is a work belonging to my ongoing series of emotional abstract paintings, Nothing Felicity, in mostly hand-mixed chromatic blacks. The use of high-chroma, low-value oils creates a greater contrast when cinched in with lighter and more fluid glazes and details, although on a value scale they are not so far apart from each other. It is a kind of dreamscape meant to provoke thought, stillness, and encourage us to confront our inner selves through the observation of texture and color.
I have been compelled to create since I was a child, and am grateful it followed me through my life. Frankly, something terrible occurred some years ago when I lived in Washington State, and my soul was extinguished, along with my desire to create. I somehow ended up in Manchester, had my materials shipped to me from whatever hole they had been sitting in, and decided to give them new life. What I did not expect was that I'd have to give myself new life as well.
I feel the expression of emotions through visual means is inherently esoteric, yet it can be deeply understood by all. That both fascinates me and compels me. My art is, at its core, an attempt to master my ego, lest my ego masters me. In the process of creating, I am not quite wondering or worrying about you understanding and absorbing the colors and textures before you.
I’m worried about you understanding and absorbing me.
