I’ve been interested in this idea of finding space in both my paintings and my life. I recently started an art journal because I wanted a sketchbook that was larger where I could be more free and expressive. I was looking back at the pages in my art journal, and I wrote the word “space” on the first painting. It wasn’t something that I was aware of at the time, but obviously the thought was in the back of my mind. I have been craving this feeling of more space in my work.
The idea of having space in my paintings is one that I have explored before, and one that has recently resurfaced for me again. My paintings tend to be busy—like me—since paintings are a reflection of who we are inside. I like to keep your eye moving throughout the piece. I naturally lean towards painting more active pieces that keep you engaged. Busy or active paintings need a resting space for the eye to settle. In order to balance the busy spaces, there has to be a quiet space. It’s a place for your eye to rest. In my paintings, I have quiet spaces that emerge to create this balance.
I have noticed that in the art journal, I have been able to find more open spaces in my work. I love this idea of paintings that are more free flowing and open to possibilities. My art journal has allowed me this opportunity to paint more expressive marks and expansive passages. I am enjoying the larger size of the art journal, and I think the larger substrate has enabled more space in my work. That said, I did this beautiful expansive piece in my small sketchbook (pictured above) with these earthy tones that has a beautiful sense of space. It reminds me of a landscape. The painting has an openness to the composition, passages for your eye to travel, and a few bold marks to energize the piece. It is simple and spacious.
In addition to finding space in my paintings, I have also been exploring the idea of space in my life. In particular, I have been focusing on the body and mind. I practice yoga everyday to create space in my body. The postures help to open up areas such as your hips and shoulders. The poses require both strength and flexibility which are necessary create this openness. I have also been practicing finding space in my mind. I meditate every morning for fifteen minutes. This simple practice helps to open and create more space in your thoughts.
Painting is both a physical and mental practice, so aligning your body and mind is very important! I have found that allowing for more space in both my body and mind helps to center myself when I go to paint. The time that I spend preparing to paint is just as important as the time I spend painting. We often think that we need to just paint—and we do—but we also need to be in the right alignment to do our best work.
