Influx

This painting depicts the motions of immense creativity and none at all during quarantine. I go through periods that feel like mania where my mind spews out ideas that feel like white noise, forcing me to create them. In turn, I also go through periods where I feel like I have no ideas and my creative voice is on mute.

I never know how long each of these ruts will last. Although the mania-like phase seems to be positive and art-filled, its scary when my inner voice can’t take a breath. The ideas become all consuming of my thoughts and I feel physically charged, unable to sleep sometimes.

This piece was created during the frenzy phase, I started 5 paintings within 2 weeks… after not having made any canvas pieces in months. After working on some commissions, I used the left over colours to add to this canvas. It was such a fun and cathartic experience because I used really vibrant colours compared to my usual rather neutral palette. The lines and shapes felt organic, not much planning was done as I placed my paintbrush on the cotton.

Each brush stroke felt like I was putting this incessant voice to rest. For now, anyways. Enjoy the fruits of my labour, essentially an extension of me.

(Influx, Huney, Acrylic and Oil Pastel, 18 x 24, 2020)