My Artistic Odyssey: From Doodles to Gallery Debut
In the distant memory of 2018, a spark of creativity ignited within me when I decided, rather impulsively, to embellish my 6-year-old son's colorful splatter paintwork (with his enthusiastic consent, of course). Little did I know that this spontaneous act would mark the inception of a profound artistic journey. It took me well over a year to gather the confidence to share my initial sketches with the online world, let alone bestow upon myself the title of "artist."
Fast forward to the present (October 1, 2022) and I find myself basking in a sense of gratitude, as two of my paintings have found their home in the enchanting embrace of the Ho’omalauhia Botanical Garden Gallery. The ambiance of this gallery, nestled amidst nature's wonders, is nothing short of magical. I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Windward Artist Guild (WAG) for orchestrating this marvelous exhibition and for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my artistic journey.
Allow me to introduce you to my debut creations:
"Waking Dream" - Acrylic on Canvas (11x14 inches)
With "Waking Dream," I embarked on a voyage of experimentation, employing humble toothpicks and scrapers to weave multiple layers into my canvas. The result? A harmonious symphony of abstract expressionism that dances on the edge of timelessness. I chose to present this piece as it encapsulates the essence of my evolving style. There's a trove of older paintings on paper, tucked away, awaiting their frames, and a modest pile extracted from the pages of various sketchbooks, yearning for their moment to shine. The task of varnishing my completed works also beckons, a testament to the evolution of my craft.
"Scattered Breakthrough" - Acrylic on Canvas (11x14 inches)
"Scattered Breakthrough" marks a personal milestone in my artistic journey. In this creation, I achieved a delicate equilibrium between abundance and balance upon the canvas. Once again, toothpicks and an assortment of plastic scrapers played their part, joined by an unlikely ally – those leftover plastic contraptions, remnants of water balloon endeavors. These artifacts lent their randomness, while small objects like paper clips and miniature plastic toys contributed to the tapestry of textures. A brush, albeit sparingly, guided the creation of black outlines, infusing the piece with depth and definition. Crafting both these paintings consumed weeks of meticulous effort, during which I juggled the development of four or five concurrent projects. Consequently, you might notice a symphony of hues resonating between the two artworks.
I count my blessings for the opportunity to dedicate time to my art, and the fact that my creations are gracing the walls of a physical gallery is a dream realized. My gaze has fallen upon the awe-inspiring works of fellow artists, leaving me in profound admiration. I eagerly anticipate the day when I can engage with local artists, for I am curious about their artistic odysseys – the catalysts that propelled them, the inspirations that fuel their creativity, and the nuggets of wisdom they might share. This is but the beginning of a promising journey, one I am excited to traverse alongside kindred spirits in the world of art.
Artist Brent Skillicorn Outside the Ho’omalauhia Botanical Garden Art Gallery
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