“Collecting Memories” marks my hundredth multi-layered painting applying a technique I created and have continued to explore over the past four years. Painting on the front and back of five panes of clear acrylic glass, these paintings are ten layers deep. They are 3-dimensional, sculptural, kinetic works of art that interact within their environment and move with the shifting light of day. They are wondrous to see in person, sparking the creative mind, and inspiring conversation.
This 10” x 10” painting I have chosen to keep in my personal collection. It not only makes me smile, it marks a milestone in this particular painting series, also in my personal life and career as an artist. “Collecting Memories” is the third painting in my wild flower series with more soon to come.
Minimally painted, each petal, stem, leaf is separated on its own pane of glass inviting a closer look into the 3-dimensions, intentionally done to add literal depth and perspective. The unassuming arrangement, carefully laid on a wood table under a warm sun reveals the innate fragility and fleeting, delicate nature of wild flowers. A calling in a different voice, asking us to notice their carefree, impermanent presence. A finger pointing to the still unnoticed field gathering of wild flowers swaying unified in the breeze, soaking up sunrays, a silent urging pulling us closer to observe their simplistic, vibrant, and mysterious beauty.
“Collecting Memories”, 10” x 10” Acrylic on Multi-Panel Acrylic Glass
Personal Collection
When I was a little girl, my mom used to sow a bed of flowers on my back with her hands to help entice me to sleep. First she would till the soil, massaging my back with her hands, then use a hoe she made with her finger to scratch out the rows. After, she would carefully plant each seed, and water the soil with raining fingers all over my back. To help the seeds grow, she would rub my back making it warm like the sun shining down. Finally, she would pull from my back, lightly pinching my skin toward the sky, to signify the growing and blooming of each wild flower she planted in our garden. A lovely memory in my forever collection.
There is no love like that of a mothers or fathers. I am forever grateful for these loving memories.
May many blessing find you in this day!
Kindly,
Janell
