17 April 2023, Berry
Hi There
Having recently watched the documentary 'Yayoi Kusuma - Infinity' and visited the Art Gallery of NSW to be greeted by a commissioned sculpture 'Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos 2022' also by Kusama, dots seem to be top of mind ... not really surprising as I am partial to a dot or two!
What is it about pattern, repetition and rhythm in art that we find so satisfying? Perhaps it's a sense of harmony or connection that we feel?
Yet disrupting a pattern or rhythm is a powerful tool to bring us, as viewers, back to the present moment, asking us to look more closely at the use of pattern and repetition. Nature with its scaling, mirroring, rotational elements and imperfections does this most effectively!
A grid of dots, lines of text, the repetition of triangular shapers are all easily discernible patterns that often appear in my work and where I often choose to start!
More irregular patterns such as those in my recent collage papers and the patterns created by natures twinning stems and plants, add layers of complexity.
While some of these elements are symbolic for me, they also add texture and direction as well as harmony and disruption. The variety and combinations of pattern are all part of the story of the piece.
The use of 'pattern on pattern' is incorporated in a set of recent works on canvas paper that are part of my 'Songs from the Garden' series. Here are a couple of examples ...
These have been fun to create and hold the feeling of hope and renewal for me.
In the past couple of weeks I have added a monthly email newsletter 'Art Life Abstract' to my offerings. It focuses on what's happening in the way of new work, exhibitions (mine and others) some special offers (ie free art wall paper for your phone) as well as other interesting art related stuff that sparks my creativity and I hope might inspire you.
You can join the Newsletter HERE or just reply to this email and I'll add you to the list.
These Art Journal posts from the studio with their focus on the art making, process and inspiration will continue in the same format in the middle of each month.
My aim is to build a community of friends, supporters and art lovers not reliant on social media! You can choose what type of content you would like to receive ... either or both?
I am very glad you are part of my art community and greatly appreciate your time, interest and support ....
Carolyn
Carolyn Collins is a contemporary Australian artist working with a mix of acrylic paint, ink, collage and drawing materials.
Her work is an exploration of resilience through connection to the natural world.