Film Studies, 2023-24.
|
Film Studies was an exploration: a time to discover and play, a time to reset and refill my cup.
Around the time I finished Liminal Space, I received an offer to move to Hawai'i for a year. It came at a time when I was in desperate need of a break and the idea of a literal breath of fresh air was too good to pass up. I knew it was an opportunity do some traveling while gaining inspiration along the way. To encourage myself to maintain a creative practice, I bought a point and shoot film camera. I used it to capture moments I wanted to explore in the studio when I got back. It kept me connected to my practice and also made my transition back to the studio so much easier after returning to Austin. Film Studies was the fulfillment of a promise I made to myself when I left over a year before. Past me had a feeling coming back might feel hard- having to decide what to paint while also trying to find my flow again could feel overwhelming. Taking photos with the intention of painting them gave me a way to jump back into the studio while also soaking in the adventure from the past year. Once I got my new studio set up, I picked out 12 small canvases and got to work. These pieces were a labor of love for awhile. I felt like I was moving at a snail's pace when I was used to being a sprinter. However, they returned me to my practice and I am so proud of the final result. |
Some of my film photography from Hawai'i
It was a year of beauty.
I saw volcanoes erupt, I watched the sunset above the clouds, I swam in the ocean more times than I ever had in my life combined. It reframed my outlook on the world and what it means to be connected to the Earth beneath our feet. I met beautiful new souls and basked in the warm sun. It renewed my hope in the world and made me more confident than ever that my life's purpose is to create art.
I worried that the side quest might hinder the forward motion of the career I was creating. Now upon return, I realize it gave me exactly what I needed. I can't wait to share series 3 that is on the way. I am confident you will see the impact of Film Studies on this new work as I return to the art that makes me, me.
I saw volcanoes erupt, I watched the sunset above the clouds, I swam in the ocean more times than I ever had in my life combined. It reframed my outlook on the world and what it means to be connected to the Earth beneath our feet. I met beautiful new souls and basked in the warm sun. It renewed my hope in the world and made me more confident than ever that my life's purpose is to create art.
I worried that the side quest might hinder the forward motion of the career I was creating. Now upon return, I realize it gave me exactly what I needed. I can't wait to share series 3 that is on the way. I am confident you will see the impact of Film Studies on this new work as I return to the art that makes me, me.
You can see more of Film Studies here: