The 2016 original one-of-a-kind holiday cards for collectors also includes last year as I began them in 2015, upon return from my first residency painting in Italy. I used new paint brushes and watercolors from Rome.
When my first round ended up looking disturbingly like 1990s Zubaz pants, I flipped the paper over and began again….as sometimes we just have to do in life:)
The paper symbolized maps.
The use of metallic gold represented the depth and value of history as experienced in Italy, which had influenced so much of that year and the beginning of 2016.
The ink acted as a journal, noted locations traveled to, lessons learned and connections with people along the way. The ink also drew thoughts for future experiences.
I experimented with different textured mediums combined with crimson acrylic to speak of a zest for life and self expression.
There is freedom in getting to put paint on a surface, just because it feels fun…
The golden color which completed the abstract map of past & future, reminded me of vibrantly colored buildings in Italy. I cut these papers up, glued them to cards, gave them original signatures, and assembled a message for the holidays. I tend to approach projects by dividing them into a lot of steps and taking breaks between each step. I want each part of the process to be meaningful because that is what I am sending, an attention to moments. This is a mirrored in how I make art.
It really is a fun for me….to make little abstract original pieces to give to the people whose support over the years has aloud me to do what I do. The energy of each card is hand selected for who it gets sent to. The process reminds me a bit of being a kid—giving people scribbles that may or may not be beautiful, with a pure intention of love, as attention is love.
Scroll below to see all of the cards this year.
If you are a collector and haven’t received a card…I probably don’t have your address and you are welcome to send me a message. If getting an original card would be a good motivation to become a collector…well then, I welcome you to find a painting for your wall:)
Happy Holidays with love! Here is the 2015-2016 collection:
