The Umbrella Series
It’s been a metamorphosis for me, as I felt an intense shift in my creative power this year. In my theme of becoming, I decided to embrace play, and my art was now not bound by any rules except those that gave me pleasure. If there was any rule, it was MORE pleasure. Nothing gives me more pleasure than color and pattern. In this space of exploration, an umbrella on the beach inspired me to sketch a point of view that was very specific not only to pleasure but also to protection.
This abstracted view of an umbrella from the observational view of the participant is meant to invoke the feeling of relaxation. One would only view an umbrella from this angle when in places of respite, as this viewpoint indicates to the viewer a space of leisure. The umbrella also implies protection from elements. As a totem, the umbrella becomes representational of a “good day.” And who doesn’t want a good day?
Continuing on the path of relaxation, I found my sessions in the studio became more meditative. The circular pattern exploration became my mandala exploration, and in that meditation, I began to explore patterns and symbols that have been presented to me throughout my art education and my design practice. This interest in shapes, symbols, and what I know is a path to a deeper knowledge of sacred geometry began with my exploration of psilocybin with my art shaman. After my first session last year, I found myself without an art representative of my experience. I could not express the joy of color and pattern I experienced. After this year’s retreat, I feel the umbrellas are my first step in expressing my internal landscape.
As for the technical aspects, I explored the use of gouache and acrylic gouache through this series as well as the use of paint markers—all mediums I have never used before. I also saw my drafting skills come to the forefront, as well as my twenty years of pattern and color play from my interior design practice. To note, I never plan one of these in advance. They truly are improvisational, which allows me to stay in the moment, whatever that moment is.
It would be remiss of me not to address the mental aspects of our current times and what The Umbrellas have allowed me in this time of Covid. I am quite aware of the space I’m allowed to inhabit and am thankful for everything the universe has allowed me to experience. By no means do I dismiss others suffering at this time, as my dealings are petty compared to those suffering during this pandemic. The Umbrellas have been something for me to attach to during this time of forced isolation. Being single and without children, my circle of connection is small at this time. The Umbrellas have given me sparks of joy when every day I listen to news programs that reflect an opposite world, a world that has truly felt upside down and surreal to me over the past months. In the moments that I feel our democracy is drifting away in front of my very eyes, The Umbrellas have been a constant. When someone sends me a kind message about watching an umbrella’s development, I am reminded of the power of art. The Umbrellas allow me an escape, and in return, I hope you use them as an escape too. I dream that these umbrellas become a foundation for helping others find shelter at some point in their life—for every being deserves the right to live fully in their skin with their needs of home, food, and health secure enough for them to live in peace. I envision the umbrellas will evolve into an actionable art in the near future. I am currently working through my vision of this next step.
I look forward to continuing on the path of these umbrellas over the coming years, as they lend themselves to the evolution of an even more abstract representation to realist ones (and everything in between).
