Just over a year ago, I opened my very first solo art show called “It Started in Paris.” I can still remember the feeling of excitement, nerves, and anticipation as I was about to share my creativity and story in a way I never had before.
The body of work was deeply personal. I went to France to trace the steps of Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and other impressionists, and to find inspiration for a new chapter in my art.
What I discovered was the courage to face myself as an artist. I was challenged to create some of my boldest work to date. For art not only changes how we see the world but also how we see ourselves.
The resulting kaleidoscoped lucite, mixed media, and fused glass creations that were born out of this work on myself and my time in France push the boundaries of my glass work and explore the themes of simplifying expectations, embracing curiosity, and breaking down perfectionism.
This exhibition brought me healing and peace. I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to share such a true and genuine version of myself and my art with the world. I explored various different themes. These three map my personal journey beautifully.
Dreaming in cityscapes
As the title of my solo show implies, my travels around France started in Paris. It also ended in the city. Paris is where I spent my first and final nights of this trip. I can see the full circle moment. I entered the city with so much excitement and expectations of what lay ahead of me. At the end of my three weeks, I had learned the value of simplifying my expectations and enjoying what was in front of me.
“Dreaming of Paris”
This piece encapsulates the endless possibilities you see when in such a romantic city with a rich history and an eye on the future and what is yet to come.
“Evening in Paris”
Inspired by my final night, this piece is a display of the strong voice I had built during my trip. I had the courage to experiment with light on dark and turning perspective on its head to create a kaleidoscoped vision.
“Paris Minded”
This installation is like postcards of Paris, elevated through the Lucite form and the thrown glass layering. It represents the memories and feelings from Paris that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
The beauty of nature
From the city to the countryside, both landscapes were an important part of my physical, emotional, and artistic journey through France. The astounding beauty of nature stopped me in my tracks, encouraging me to take a slower pace. When I slowed down, I was able to embrace curiosity and see things I hadn’t before in my life and in my art.
“Let It Be I & II”
Depicting Mont Sainte-Victoire, the inspiration behind a series of paintings by Cézanne, didn’t go as I expected. The light kept changing. I couldn’t pin down a static scene for my sketch. But when I leaned into curiosity and let it be, I was able to create lasting artwork out of the ever-changing world around me.
“Let It Go”
The beauty of nature can be found in small glimmers in our homes too. That’s why a vase of flowers has been an enduring artist’s muse. In this glass mural, I have created my own version of flowers in a vase, taking the time to find petals in the thrown glass pieces and letting curiosity drive the creation forward.
“French Reflections III”
Truly pausing and being present with nature is such a healing experience. The worries of the world fade away and all you see is the beauty in front of you. In this piece, I used a kaleidoscoped Lucite method to portray the encapsulating and mesmerizing feeling of immersing yourself in nature.
Facing myself as an artist
Exploring cityscapes, appreciating natural landscapes, and reflecting on the history of the artists who came before me gave me the courage to face myself as an artist. I was able to break down perfectionism and see value in sharing my messy human experience through my unique artistic vision. I found my voice again. To celebrate this rediscovery and new chapter in my art, I created a series of self-portraits.
“Let It Be Beautiful”
This piece is a celebration of the beauty in myself, my life, and my art, right here, right now. I don’t have to change anything to see beauty right in front of me.
“Let It Be Bold”
I see this piece as a recognition of the bravery artists have when they use their voices and share deeply personal experiences that make others feel understood and less alone.
“Let It Be Now”
This is a representation of my determination which has been what got me this far and will be what keeps me going even when the road is rocky.
A selection of my artwork from “It Started in Paris” is currently hanging at ALG Fine Art as part of their Spring Collection. All available artwork can also be purchased online. I’m so glad I expanded my artistry, creativity, and courage through a solo art show. It was more than a body of work. It was a period of growth.
I’m so excited for Lisa Moriarty who is about to open her solo art show at ALG Fine Art in a couple of weeks. I’ve seen some of the pieces that will be in the show and I can already tell it will be stunning. Find out all about it HERE.