Express Yourself. Because It's Worth It.

Elaine de Kooning is one of my favorite American Abstract Expressionist painters. She handled color and movement beautifully. Upon researching her work, I was inspired to create a textile print using some of the ideas behind her process. So, here we go ... 

Kooning has these beautiful long and large strokes of paint in her works. I love the feeling of a quick movement, a movement that's both planned and whose results are a surprise. I decided to go with a monoprint to create a textile full of energy, color, and dynamic movement. I selected my paints, added them to a board, and then wish one stroke of a squeegee, I created a vibrant melange of colors. 

Basketball Players by Elaine de Kooning

Express Yourself by Martina Sestakova

Kooning's work and this process appeal to me on a variety of levels. As an artist, I seek to use different techniques in my own work. I love spontaneity, the element of surprise, the magic of turning a blank surface into a world of colorful imagination. And I also am drawn to the potential of what art, textiles, and fashion accessories, such as scarves, can do for us on a practical levels. I believe that if you put something on your body, it should work for you. It should keep you comfortable as you go through your day. And it should act as a reminder of your inner beauty and the importance of bringing this beauty out and sharing it with the world. And that's exactly the purpose of this scarf, appropriately called "Express Yourself". 

There are just so many lovely colors in this textile pattern. It pretty much goes with anything and everything in your existing closet. As as research shows, it's mostly like to improve your mood as colors have that power. And I really hope it will inspire you to share what you find lovely about yourself with those around you. I promise it is worth it.