I have been involved in the arts in Wichita for over 20 years. Starting with photography at an early age, I continue to use the fundamental rules of composition and color theory to expand into other mediums. Since Fall of 2016, I have been painting abstract fluid expressionism fine art using acrylics and other additives to achieve different patterns and textures within the painting. I get deeply involved in every step of the artistic process from helping my husband design and build the custom birch panels to managing all aspects of inventory and sales. While I appreciate the business side or being an artist, the act of creating a piece from a blank panel is invigorating and without rules or restrictions. It is unlike any other creative work I have experienced.
For the duration of my art career leading up to Fall of 2016, I have had a deep desire to draw and paint things with a good degree of realism but I have found that to be an area in which I struggle with wanting perfection. This style of fluid expressionism painting forces me to paint more freely and get excited for the somewhat unknown results. This technique uses a fairly quick process with a limited working time. Because of this, my attention to the individual piece is fully engaged and I am able to create multiple pieces without loosing interest in the process or individual works. The process in which I paint with this fluid technique is extremely messy but very fulfilling. The act of pouring the paint mixtures directly onto the birch panels, sometimes without any rhyme or reason at all, creates a very freeing feeling and one that lends to the fluid motion of these pieces.
I have always been drawn to the beauty of natural stone, geode elements and gem stones and I strive to replicate some of those beautiful features in my art. To add an extra element of beauty, each of my fluid expressionism pieces utilize an inclusion of shine or sparkle which may utilize metallic pigment or paint, metal leaf or glitter. These elements allow the piece to come alive in different lighting situations and change throughout the day. All of my fluid expressionism pieces also utilize a final art archival formulated epoxy resin which creates a glass-like, hardened finish. This resin finish creates unique depth and color saturation which is unachievable with other finishes. The resin process is an art in itself as I may often tint the resin with pigment or other additives to create more interest and depth within the piece. The resin process includes heat torching the resin coating to gas out any bubbles and impurities in order to have a flawless smooth glossy finish.
Each piece I create mimics an element in nature. Many of my works replicate the beauty and motion of the sea while other pieces tend to have characteristics of natural earthly events such as thunderstorms or riptides. I am always in awe of the beauty of a sunset or the ocean breaking against the land and I strive to create works in which capture the unique beauty of these scenes in an abstract and interesting way. My color palette varies but often includes deep jewel tones and turquoise ocean hues. I have not found another technique that creates such beautiful motion and fluidity as these works. My hope is to create a sense of calmness and joy for the viewer as they engage in the visually pleasing color palettes and flowing movement within the piece. To add to this pleasing feeling, I ensure that each piece is carefully finished with proper gallery ready backing and vast attention to each small detail. My desire for myself while creating these works and for the viewer after the piece is complete is only to be able to pause for a moment in time to truly take in something beautiful. I’m glad you’re here!
