I’ll be playing piano Saturday June 3, 6-9 pm, for grand opening of the new Mixed Media Exhibition at Five Deuces Galleria. I have three pieces in this show, one original collage and two acrylic prints, the first time I’ve put my designs on acrylic. I think they look pretty cool; expect to see more of these in the future!
Pieces from over 40 talented local artists will be on display and available for purchase through July 31. Five Deuces features the most innovative work from some of the most talented artists in town. It’s a must-visit location for artists and art lovers, with new work on display in new exhibitions throughout the year.
This Saturday night I’ll be trading sets with a talented young pianist. I’m looking forward to this gig and hope you can make it!
My pieces available at Five Deuces are:
Modern Art, Old Emotions
I’ve shared my recovery journey often, and related how important art has been to my emotional healing and continued health.
I see that happening again as I continue to process trauma from the physical and sexual assaults I experienced January 28 in Palm Springs. The new pieces seem to come from a place of mental and emotional integration and healing.
And these recent abstract pieces originate from the same material: photographs made of, and through, a rainy window in Washington DC.
The first, Rain, is made entirely of torn-up prints. I combined the original photos to create a new pattern of colors and textures. I also submerged the prints, photographing again through clear and sudsy water, which added ambiguity and distortion.
Rain, 19” x 22” collage on paper/mat, May 25, 2023
I prefer to manipulate original images mechanically, rather than digitally. It’s more satisfying to me and better represents what seems in need of being expressed, in my core of being.
Rain is more subdued than a lot of my work. I used a matt medium, which is translucent, to soften the colors. I also finished with a matt rather than a glossy varnish.
The finished collage uses a combination of original and manipulated material, a torn-up original print floating above the organized chaos behind.
The second piece, Fusion, is made entirely of the mechanically manipulated images, with and without suds, cut into strips. Energy comes from the lower corners, combining and fusing and exploding again across the canvas, rising and receding toward the top. One might imagine all sorts of things in these images; I used to show this type of abstract collage to my mother, and she would always invent little stories about what she saw, usually people or animals of some sort.
Fusion, 23” x 26” collage on paper/mat, May 30, 2023
Somehow, for me, they mean healing. Integration. Acceptance. Moving on.
Plus, I think they are pretty cool. They just are. They don’t have to be or say anything more.
Personal Update
On May 17, police arrested the man who assaulted me and others in the Palm Springs area. He is currently being held, without bail.
Here is an interview I gave after the arrest.
I now know of 11 people who had encounters with this man before his arrest. The pattern of abuse was similar, involving high amounts of drugs given without warning or permission, followed by physical and sexual abuse of the victims.
I feel for all the victims, and encourage anyone who has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse to seek counseling.
For me, art continues to help in healing. For that, I am grateful.
Below are some resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
Be safe.
Resources
If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual abuse, click here.
For more information about trauma, the body, and trauma healing:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, don’t stay in them, click here
For more about art therapy, click here
