 Painting on the earth, with the earth, reminds me where we came from and where we will eventually return. We owe so much reverence and thanks to this sacred land we tread upon. My paintings are snapshots of my earthly journey. They capture the essence of a place, a feeling, a moment in time. Titanium white, yellow ochre, neutral grey, payne's grey, burt sienna, burnt umber, green clay, white sand, pebbles, feathers, bones, brine flies, charcoal, and salt water from the Great Salt Lake where all used to create this work.  These are strange times indeed. The dichotomy between connection and isolation have never been more apparent. Fortunately, painting offers a gentle, yet powerful reprieve. But you don't have to take my word for it! Allow me to share a recent testimonial from someone who is channeling the healing power of painting during this time in quarantine:  There's never been a better time to begin your "fearless" abstract painting journey. Use your time in quarantine to clear some space and experiment on the canvas. Have fun! In the following blog post, I share my Top 3 unorthodox acrylic painting texture techniques:  Join me for my first ZOOM workshop on May 30th from 10 am - 4 pm MST to learn how to make ethereal, highly textured abstract paintings using unorthodox tools & techniques. For me, there is no better way to homage to the sacred land we tread upon than to infuse the environment into my work namely: iron-rich Utah dirt, salt from The Great Salt Lake, plaster, repurposed paint, and local newspapers. I am inspired by nature's pairings of texture, color combinations, and the way it uses water to cut, carve, blend, build, feed and destroy. For more information & to register: https://continue.utah.edu/lifelong/class/llart_141_diy_acrylic_mediums_and_texture  “After Gold” is a reminder that we are all creators, and that we have the power to manifest our dreams into physical reality. For more stories check out @samanthadasilvafineart In this video, I share my unique set of tools & materials to help you set up your own “Fearless” abstract painting studio.  All this time I've been going about it the wrong way: changing my outward circumstances instead of finding peace and safety within myself. Tonight's Gallery Stroll at 15th Street Gallery was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic Nevertheless, the show is up and it's beautiful!
 You paint who you are. The attitude you take inside the studio reflects your attitude outside of the studio. And vice versa.  The energy we infuse into our paintings is real, and others can feel it when they experience our work. |