MARTINA SESTAKOVA: In the “Embodiment” series, I focus on the human body’s capacity to always reside in the present while our minds relive the past or imagine the future. There is palpable energy in these paintings: layers, scrapes, twists and turns. Just like there is energy in our body’s sensations. It’s a chaotic process: many steps that can be easily erased as I work on a non-porous paper, Yupo. It’s also an exciting process: one of constant change as the main driving force is what my body’s messages are in a particular moment. I move through the painting process intuitively. As I embrace my body’s sensations, they transform into dynamic lines, twisted shapes, and open spaces created in acrylic inks. Being in my 40s, I am experiencing my life and body with an increased awareness and these artworks have facilitated much discovery. They have improved the quality of my life and mental health. I am asking questions about our human experience and seek answers through the unrestricted movements of colorful paints on Yupo. Martina Sestakova resides in Kensington, MD. Check out Martina’s website as www.RadostByMartinaSestakova.com and follow her on Instagram at @martinasestakovaart.
Ella Soroori of @Flowpaintbar and I are excited to announce "The Essence of Abstract" - an art show featuring our colorful artworks at The Chesapeake Framing Company. April 1-30. You are invited to our reception on April 6 (1-3pm). Yay! MARTINA SESTAKOVA: In the “Embodiment” series, I focus on the human body’s capacity to always reside in the present while our minds relive the past or imagine the future. There is palpable energy in these paintings: layers, scrapes, twists and turns. Just like there is energy in our body’s sensations. It’s a chaotic process: many steps that can be easily erased as I work on a non-porous paper, Yupo. It’s also an exciting process: one of constant change as the main driving force is what my body’s messages are in a particular moment. I move through the painting process intuitively. As I embrace my body’s sensations, they transform into dynamic lines, twisted shapes, and open spaces created in acrylic inks. Being in my 40s, I am experiencing my life and body with an increased awareness and these artworks have facilitated much discovery. They have improved the quality of my life and mental health. I am asking questions about our human experience and seek answers through the unrestricted movements of colorful paints on Yupo. Martina Sestakova resides in Kensington, MD. Check out Martina’s website as www.RadostByMartinaSestakova.com and follow her on Instagram at @martinasestakovaart. ELLA SOROORI: I discovered my passion for fluid art in the early 2020s, being drawn to its dynamic nature and the opportunity to explore my creativity and inner self. My fascination with fluid acrylic pouring lies in the unpredictable beauty of each pour. Although I have never lived by the sea, my paintings often evoke the fluidity and rhythm of oceans, resonating with the emotions they inspire. For me, the joy of painting lies in embracing the chaos of the pouring process and relishing the artistic freedom it offers. My love for abstraction and spontaneous techniques guide me, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind paintings. My art have been featured and sold in exhibitions across the United States. As I continue to explore fluid art, my goal remains simple: to learn, grow, push the boundaries of my creativity, and find beauty in the unpredictable artistic process. Ella Soroori resides in Silver Spring, MD. Check out Ella’s website as www.flowpaintbar.com and follow her on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@FlowPaintbar.
0 Comments
Change, self-discovery, whimsy. These were some of the themes I pondered as I curated a section of the "Carte Blanche" art exhibition at the Adah Rose Gallery in Kensington, MD. Adah Rose Bitterbaum, the gallery owner, kindly invited me to spend the afternoon of March 5 at her lovely space. Here is the story of that afternoon. Having just returned from a trip to Florida and filled up on golden sunshine, my curation started with a fantastic yellow/pink piece by Chris Truman (the largest artwork on the wall). I grabbed it and it became a center piece of my visual exploration of, well, myself. Art is personal, isn't it? Thus, this curation revolves around the topics I think of these days. And you may too. Spring seems for many of us to be a time of change. Nature is waking up; we are coming out of our winter rest. Change can be hard but I hope these artworks showcase shifting one's life in its more whimsical side. The wall consists of abstract works with intriguing textures and colors and landscape-inspired paintings. Some of them are quiet; others grab out attention with their intense colors. And then, of course, we need the human for a change to take place. I selected artworks that overflow with magic (and a sense of subtle humor): moments of concentration (Taegan's apple picking), pondering, quiet (Nathan Mullins' figure walking on the rocks), but also those of intensity, such as a bed indicating sleepless nights, and intense energies (such as Kyujin Lee's artwork). It's like these artworks that depict people suggest, 'Yes, I am here but I am hard to catch (and capture). I am changing.' None of the figures are looking at us, the gallery visitors. They are rooted in their own privacy. And thus we have ours to appreciate what's in front of us. Our environment informs us and changes us. While I had the artworks all laid out on the floor of the gallery, I moved them around. This lead to my finding additional opportunities for deeper thought (and also realizing I am dressed in colors that were appearing in front of me on the wall. Coincidence, I think not. Again, art is personal). Art is such a wonderful vehicle for ideas: we stop in our tracks in front of a painting as it deeply pulls on our inner experience. Artist Allison Rash is represented with the only artwork that contains words: "I care a lot more about a lot fewer things." What a clever way of distilling change: the focus on what's important to us as we go through life. It's like the wall is asking: 'How do I emerge with my authentic self within the various environments I occupy?" Time to pause. And look. And discover whimsy and fun. Enjoy the show. Adah Rose Gallery is a fine arts gallery in Kensington, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC and part of the Greater Washington, DC capital area. The gallery was established in 2011 and represents local, regional and national artists. The gallery is located at 3766 Howard Ave, Kensington, MD 20895. Contact: adahrosegallery@gmail.com. Carte Blanche is on view through April 20, 2024.
SCARF SPECS RADOST infinity scarves are crafted with much joy in the United States. Each scarf has a name and comes with a short story of inspiration to remind us of the good things in life. These scarves are lightweight, comfortable, and great for all seasons and occasions with a variety of styling options. RADOST scarves have been featured on Voice of America and at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Material: Lightweight crepe de chine (100% polyester) Dimensions: 5.5" high x 25.5" wide (doubled over) Care instructions: Hand wash cold and line dry; do not bleach For best drape, hang on a hook SHIPPING All in-stock items are shipped within 3 to 5 business days via USPS (you will be provided a tracking number). If an item is out of stock, I will ship it out within 14 days. Need your order by a certain date? Is it a gift? Use the comments section of your order or contact me. SHOP HERE! Thank you for your support of a woman-owned small business! What my customers say...
"I absolutely love this scarf! I have been looking to buy one for a while and this pattern and the story behind the design spoke to me! So happy with the purchase!" "I bought this scarf as a present. I like the color theme and the dynamic of the patterns. It made my friend so happy. This scarf is not any ordinary one but something that brightens up someone’s day!" "I have always loved scarves, but these have far and away become my favorite. They have wonderful and distinctive designs and the color choices are great. I use them year round. They add a little finish and interest, are not bulky and can be worn with any article of clothing. They are my go to. I highly recommend them. I have four and have them on my Christmas list." "I own quite a few of Martina's scarves because they are so comfortable, versatile and can be worn every season. Her scarves work beautifully to elevate t-shirts and tank tops during the warm summer months. I love peonies and this black and white scarf captures their beauty perfectly." "I had a top that I wanted a scarf to match. Martina was able to suggest this scarf and it matches perfectly. I love the design and the feel of the material." I am getting quite collection of your scarves. I bought my first one years ago and love adding new ones. They are my go-tos. Thank you for sharing your talent." 3D Floral CollageDo you enjoy flowers and their blooms? Are you intrigued by watercolor? Join Martina Sestakova, art educator, for a workshop, during which you will create a colorful 3D flower collage in watercolors. We will tear out shapes, assemble our flowers, and paint them in a variety of bright colors. No experience is necessary as you learn the basics behind watercolors and create a unique floral composition. Abstract Self-portraitMany artworks have been created about the self. In this workshop, join art educator Martina Sestakova, in a visual exploration of your senses and what makes you a unique self. We will take a look at the works of artists such as Sonia Delaunay, Paul Klee, and Karel Appel, while we write, share, and work in watercolors. We will study up on abstract art and create a cool self-portrait. Abstract Art Inspired by PoetryEnjoy a workshop of poetry reading and abstract painting with art educator Martina Sestakova. We will refer to poems and songs for inspiration for intuitive visual explorations. May words be interpreted through colors, shapes, and textures? Join in and see! You will explore the exciting interaction of words and watercolors in abstract compositions. Insightful CollageIntrigued with abstract art? Drawn to watercolor? Join art educator Martina Sestakova for a workshop, during which you get to create a unique collage. We will learn about basic watercolor techniques and explore ideas behind colors, shapes, and textures. Then, we will create a deeply meaningful collage through a fun creative process. Mini Floral PaintingsDid you know flowers are the most popular theme in art? Join art educator Martina Sestakova for a workshop, during which we take a look at famous fabric patterns and create a series of our own small floral paintings in watercolors. We will play with colors, shapes, and textures and delve into basic watercolor techniques. Supplies: watercolors on paper. Abstract Art Inspired by MusicEnjoy a relaxing workshop of listening to music and painting with art educator Martina Sestakova. Let’s pause to the music by Mozart, Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, and others and use their musical creations for our own intuitive visual explorations. May music’s healing aspects be interpreted as colors, shapes, and energy? Join in and see! You will appreciate the exciting interaction of tunes and watercolors in abstract compositions. What my students say about THeir Experiences"Thank YOU for the class! We had a great time, as always. We love your sense of humor, your energy, and the friendly and casual vibe during the classes. Clearly we're big fans since we can't seem to stop signing up for them. I'm sure we'll see you again for more fun, new, interesting projects and techniques!" (Nicole)
Martina did a great job warming us up to the idea of watercolor. She also provided a short art history lesson about Monet and encouraged us to use our own creativity rather than copy someone else's work. It was fun to see her light up when we showed our finished pieces! (Regina) "Martina is an excellent teacher, she is very kind, she knows her work, she explains very well, her classes are very entertaining, I enjoy her classes very much." (Claudia) "I had such a nice time last night! Martina was a great teacher. The whole group was lovely. I found it very relaxing. The class was good timing for me. My youngest is getting ready to move out next month. I am going to have more time on my hands and want to get back into crafting. Last night was just what I needed to get the spark to get back to crafting. Thanks! I can't wait until the next craft party!" (Meredith) "Martina was a gentle and encouraging guide to watercolor painting in this fun online class. She creatively woven poetry with painting to allow all of the participants to explore watercolors and share ideas and stories. So much fun!" (Fran) "I signed up (for a new class)! Can’t wait! Ended the semester with one of your classes (gave my last final and bolted over to you) and now starting the new one with one given by you! Abstract is tough for me and I love going on the journey with you! Happy 2019!" (Moira) "Martina's workshop was a joyful experience! I attended alongside two of my family members as a holiday gift. None of us familiar with watercolor, we learned to play and create without reservation through Martina's guided process." (Kara) "Martina was amazing. She gave me a totally new perspective/philosophy on art and what it means to be creative." (Noor) No matter what ‘balance’ may mean to you, the theme will inspire us during a guided meditation and a visual exploration of ‘balance’ in a mandala. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a one-of-a-kind artwork communicating your particular experience. No experience needed. Virtual on Zoom. February 28, 2024. 6-7:30pm. Suggested donation: $15. Register HERE.
Yay! My art workshops at retirement communities are featured in the UPPERCASE magazine (Issue 59). It’s amazing to see the creative hands of my dear students (ages ranging from 85 to 97) in print (I mean, in creative action).
Chesapeake Framing Company welcomes the "Chroma Connections" group exhibit, featuring the artwork of Jennifer Kahn Barlow, Jennifer Lynn Beaudet, Jennifer Dreyfus, Martina Sestakova, Lian Sever, and Pritha Srinivasan. 10507 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD 20895. Can't make it in person? Check out (and shop) our artworks HERE.
THANKS 😍 Our group appreciates everyone who stopped by our reception on October 8 at @chesapeakeframing ❤️ Art conversations warm up one’s heart!
. CHROMA CONNECTIONS: Chesapeake Framing Company is hosting a great selection of works by 6 local artists: Jennifer Kahn Barlow, Jennifer Lynn Beaudet, Jennifer Dreyfus, Lian Sever, Pritha Srinivasan, and me! You will learn about our connections and love of colors. 10507 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD 20895 Shop opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm @chesapeakeframing CHROMA CONNECTIONS RECEPTION IS ON OCTOBER 8 * Chesapeake Framing Company welcomes the "Chroma Connections" group exhibit, featuring the artwork of Jennifer Kahn Barlow, Jennifer Lynn Beaudet, Jennifer Dreyfus, Martina Sestakova, Lian Sever, and Pritha Srinivasan. 10507 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD 20895. Artist reception is on October 8 (3-5pm). Light refreshments served. Can't wait to see you!
. @chesapeakeframing @martinasestakovaart @jenniferlynnbeaudet @jendreyfusart @jkb.art @lianseverart @prithasfineart Past Exhibitions & Events
Dec 2-3: Juried Art and Craft Fair * Greenbelt, MD In-Person: Chroma Connections Group Show * Chesapeake Framing Co, Kensington, MD Nov 4-5: Autumn Art Show * Private Home in Bethesda, MD Nov 9-11: Strathmore Museum Holiday Market * Rockville, MD Oct 21-22: Ch/Art Art Walk * Chevy Chase, MD Sep 30: Tenleytown Main Street Art All Night * Washington, DC Sept 2-3: Montgomery Art Association Paint the Town Show * Kensington, MD Sep 10: Takoma Park Folk Festival * Takoma Park, MD In-person: 10x10" Art Showcase, Knollwood Retirement, Washington, DC Mar 2023 In-person: Celebrating Life's Beauty Solo Chesapeake Framing, Kensington, MD Mar 2023 In-person: Group Show at OASIS Montgomery Art Association, Rockville, MD Jan-Apr 2023 In-person: "Joyful Life" Brookland Busboys & Poets, Washington, DC Nov 2022-Mar 2023 In-person: "Peaceful Places" Capitol Hill Art League, Washington, DC Aug 2022-Jan 2023 In-person: "It's the Little Things" Girls Who Paint, Kensington, MD Dec 2022-Jan 2023 In-person: "Relief from the Heat" WWCA, Gaithersburg, MD Aug 2022-Jan 2023 In-person: "Life's Beauty" The Muse, Frederick, MD Nov-Dec 2022 In-person: "Celebrating Color and Light" MAA, Rockville, MD Nov-Dec 2022 In-person: "Through Mary Oliver's Eyes" Little Gallery, Washington, DC Nov 2022 In-person: "Fauna and Flora" Washington Water Color Assc, Wheaton, MD Aug-Sep 2022 Online: "The Many Altars" Watercolor DC, Sept 2022 Online: "Pink and Red" Montgomery Art Association, Sep 2022 In-person: "Paint the Town Labor Day Show" MAA, Kensington, MD, Sep 2022 Online: "Stillness" Montgomery Art Association, June 2022 In-person: "All Abstracts" Montgomery Art Association, May/Jun 2022 Online: "Action" Montgomery Art Association, May 2022 In-person: "Transitions" Washington Water Color Association, Kensington, MD Apr 2022 Online: "Self-portrait" Montgomery Art Association, Apr 2022 In-person: "The Nature of Art" MAA at Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD, Mar-Apr 2022 In-person: "Woman's Club 46th Annual Community Art Show" Chevy Chase, MD Apr 2022 In-person: "Visual Insights into Life" Chesapeake Framing, Kensington, MD Mar 2022 In-person: "MAA at OASIS Art Gallery" Bethesda, MD, Jan-Apr 2022 In-person: "Seasonal Inspirations" MAA at Windridge, Darnestown, MD, Jan-Apr 2022 Online: "SheDC" Shop Made in DC, Mar 2022 Online: "Clash" Montgomery Art Association, Mar 2022 In-person: "Beauty is Everywhere" Capitol Hill Art League, Apr 2021-Mar 2022 In-person: "Renew, Refresh, Revitalize" Capitol Hill Art League, Apr 2021-Apr 2022 In-person: "Abstracts" Arlington Dermatology, Arlington, VA Jun 2021-Mar 2022 In-person: "Ode to Joy" MAA at Kensington Park Library, Kensington, MD, Feb 2022 Online: "BEST in Show" Emerge Gallery, Artsy, Jan-Mar 2022 In-person: "Faculty Show" VisArts, Rockville, MD, Jan-Feb 2022 Online: "Tiny Art Show" Shop53 Tattoo Studio, Dec 2021 In-Person: "Solo Show" Kensington Park Library, Kensington, MD, Dec 2021 Online: "PETIT" Emerge Gallery, Artsy, Nov-Dec 2021 In-person: "Cultivating Joy" Nishan Halim DMD Dentistry, Jul-Dec 2021 Online: "Artist's Sunday" World Wide Web, Nov 28, 2021 In-person: "10x10" Show & Sale" MAA at Goldman Gallery, Oct-Nov 2021 In-Person: "Solo Show" Davis Library, Bethesda, MD, Oct 2021 In-person: Solo Show Plaza Art Bethesda, Jul-Aug 2021 Online: "Creative Expressions" Montgomery Art Association, Jun-Jul 2021 Online: "Our Stories, Our Journeys" Montgomery Art Association, Apr-Jun 2021 Online: "Out of Order" Maryland Art Place, May 2021 Online: "Fotographia" Emerge Gallery on Artsy, Apr-May 2021 Online: "SHE DC" Shop Made in DC, Mar-Apr 2021 Online: "Light & Hope" Montgomery Art Association, Feb-Apr 2021 Online: "12th Annual Abstracts Art Exhibition" Light Space & Time Gallery, Mar 2021 Online: "Virtual Exhibition" Hill Center Galleries & Capitol Hill Art League, Jan-Mar 2021 Online: "Faculty Show" VisArts, Jan-Feb 2021 In-person: "Symbolism" Frame of Mine Gallery, Washington, DC Dec-Jan 2021 Online: "Abstracts" Montgomery Art Association, Nov-Dec 2020 Online: "Portraits" Montgomery Art Association, Oct-Nov 2020 Online: "Self-Portrait" Ruby Projects, Fairfax, VA Nov-Dec 2020 Online: "Latela Curatorial x Artsy: Women in the Arts Online Exhibition", Oct-Dec 2020 Online: "Creative Distance" Shop Made in DC, Oct-Nov 2020 Online: "Life's Simple Pleasures" Washington Water Color Association, Sep-Oct 2020 Online: "Urban Landscapes" Montgomery Art Association, Aug-Sep 2020 Online: "Orange Juiced" Emerge Gallery on Artsy, Sep-Nov 2020 In-person: "Making New Connections" Frame of Mine Gallery, Washington, DC Sep 2020 Online: "Art All Night" Tenleytown Main Street, Sep 2020 Online: "Natural Landscapes" Montgomery Art Association, Jul-Aug 2020 Online: "Isolation" Emerge Gallery on Artsy, Aug-Sep 2020 "Carte Blanche" Adah Rose Gallery, Kensington, MD, Jul-Aug 2020 "Selected Artworks of Kensington" Kensington Town Hall, Kensington, MD, 2019/2020 Online: "20th Anniversary" Artomatic, Jul-Aug 2020 Online: "Creative Expressions" Montgomery Art Association, Jun-Jul 2020 "Art from the Heart" Art Watch DC, Bethesda, MD, Jul 2020 Online: "Our Stories" Montgomery Art Association, May-Jun 2020 Online: "Mother May I" Art Works Gallery Richmond, May-Jun 2020 "World Central Kitchen Fundraiser" Adah Rose Gallery, Kensington, MD, Jun 2020 Online: "Art at a Distance" Art Works Gallery Richmond, Apr-May 2020 Online: "Colorful Explorations" Montgomery Art Association, Apr 2020 Online: "Oasis Art Show" Montgomery Art Association, Apr 2020 Online: "Art & Poetry" Kensington Park Library, Kensington, MD, Apr 2020 "Solo Show" Davis Library, Bethesda, MD, Mar 2020 "Colorful Explorations" Glenview Mansion, Rockville, MD, Mar 1-27 2020 "Montgomery Art Association Show" Oasis Art Gallery, Bethesda, MD, Jan 13-Apr 10 2020 "Solo Show" Java Nation, Kensington, MD, Feb/Mar 2020 "Solo Show" Simon Says Yoga Studio, Bethesda, MD, Feb 2020 "2020 Faculty Show" VisArts, Rockville, MD, Jan 10-Feb 9 2020 "True Blue Bliss" Meeting House Gallery, Columbia, MD, Nov 2019-Jan 11 2020 "Sounds of Winter" Adah Rose Gallery, Kensington, MD, Dec 2019 "Paint the Town Labor Day Show" Kensington Armory, Kensington, MD, 2019 "Charmed, I'm Sure" Adah Rose Gallery, Kensington, MD, 2019 "Seasonal Visions" Montgomery Art Association at Artists & Makers, Rockville, MD, 2019 "Spring/Summer 2019 Exhibition" Oasis Art Gallery, Bethesda, MD, 2019 “It's a Wonderful World” Friendship Heights Center, Chevy Chase, MD, 2019 "Visual Insights into Life's Beauty" (solo) Plaza Artist, Bethesda, MD, 2018-2019 “Creative Expressions” Friendship Heights Center, Chevy Chase, MD, 2019 "Into the World" The Daily Dish Restaurant, Silver Spring, MD, 2019 "Montgomery Art Association Show" Oasis Art Gallery, Bethesda, MD, 2019 “One House by Art Watch DC" BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown, MD, 2018 “Ebb & Flow” 505 North Gallery & Studio, Frederick, MD, 2018 “Rust Is An Artist” (solo) The Muse, Frederick, MD, 2018 “1460 Wallmountables” DC Art Center, Washington, DC, 2017 It's time to play! Enjoy my no-experience-needed art classes in private settings in the DMV area. Let me introduce you to unique techniques and support your creative spirit. PRIVATE WORKSHOPSPrivate in-person art sessions for your friends and colleagues are available in the DMV area. It's all about relaxation into the colorful world of creativity. Create, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. What are some fun occasions to create with a group?
What are you getting?
What are the approximate prices?
PAST WORKSHOPS
ZOOM Oct 19 * 6pm: Abstract Self-portrait (Smith Center for Healing and the Arts) IN-PERSON Oct 26 * 6:30pm: Visualizing Home: Meditation & Collage (Girls Who Paint) ZOOM Nov 16, 2022 * 7pm: Vincent van Gogh's Irises in Watercolors ZOOM Dec 7, 2022 * 7pm: Henri Matisse's Window in Watercolors ZOOM Jan 25, 2023 * 7pm: Watercolor Painting: Claude Monet’s Water Lilies IN-PERSON Jan 27 * 6pm: Floral Design & Painting Workshop ZOOM Feb 1 * 7pm: Watercolor Painting: William Turner's Storms ZOOM Feb 23 * 6pm: Visualizing Home (Meditation & Collage) ZOOM Mar 15 * 7pm: Watercolor Painting: Georgia O'Keeffe's Poppies IN-PERSON Mar 25 * 2pm: Floral Design & Painting Workshop I am excited to be featured by Bold Journey in "Meet Martina Sestakova". I hope you check out the interview at https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-martina-sestakova/
This painting - "Seen for All that I Am" - has a special place in my heart. @mseum.space commissioned me to create this acrylic ink on Yupo artwork for their space in New York state. As you know, I love words and the title of this artwork is a line out of "No Filter" - a set of essays by @paulinaporizkov. I enjoyed reading the book and connected with many of the sentiments and experiences. Follow @mseum.space for exciting opportunities for female artists!
Hooray! Slow Down Market in Dupont Circle is now featuring my original abstracts on Yupo. Niko, the owner of this local store, kindly opened his space to my colorful artworks (1710 Connecticut Ave NW). Stop by on May 18 (5-8pm) for Dupont's Third Thursday Gallery Walk. I will be there!
Two of my paintings on Yupo are included in a curated showcase at the Carnegie Discovery Center in Gaithersburg, MD, via my membership in the Montgomery Art Association. The exhibition is on through end of July 2023. Stop by!
In my April newsletter, I mentioned modeling for Bethesda-based artist Teresa Jade Jarzynski's painting and shared my BLOG about the experience. Here is the final version and I love it! My "Hearts Full of Love" scarf is making an appearance, too!
It all always works out. Teresa asked me about 4 or 5 years ago if I would be a model for a painting and here we go! And dare I say: we both needed this time together. Teresa Jade Jarzynski is a visual artist who works in oils and watercolors and captures the beauty of daily life. Based in Bethesda, MD, she works and creates about a 10-minute drive from my home studio. A conversation several years ago led to recent quick text messages and over the course of three sessions, Teresa started to create a stunning 30x24" oil painting. I am humbled to be the subject of it and am excited to share the work in progress with you. So, why does it all work out? They say timing is everything and in our case, Teresa and I came to spending quality (and oh so lovely) time in her studio. When I first sat down, Teresa was all bubbly with energy and joy. She casually mentioned that her word of the year (a choice she makes as a ritual to reaffirm her life experience) is 'auspicious'. Well, mine is 'home'. Don't these work just perfect together? Parallels in our life journey facilitated a delightful experience for both of us. We started with a sketch: Teresa brainstormed composition, the goal of her own creative experience, and how to proceed next. Why did we both need this time together? To tell the truth, I just needed to sit. For long stretches of time. To be. To feel home (in her studio) and in my own mind and body. I do a bit of rushing and organizing and sitting down was essential to pondering the next steps in my life and creative practice. Teresa, on the other hand (as it seems to me), needed a fresh new experience: exploration, stepping outside of her comfort, looser brush strokes to capture this opening up. And painting big and no holding back! We mixed lively conversations with long periods of quiet time. Dynamic brush strokes on the canvas and music comingled in the background of the cozy studio. We are both thinking about how we want to live and create. We also connected over our experience of the DMV art world and as women artists. I rested in my chair while Teresa whispered to herself about the piece of art taking shape in front of her. It was an honor to witness the process: her coming creatively alive in her studio. We chatted about books, films, friendships, living where we live, family histories. I find that time in an art studio is just good for the soul. Scroll below for photos of Teresa in action. The notions of 'auspicious' and 'home' are coming together in this vivid painting. The collaboration of two female artists may have taken place during chilly weather outside but has brought much warmth on the inside. I say, how fortunate! But stick around: this is indeed a work in progress and Teresa and I will be sharing the final artwork at a later date! To learn more about Teresa's art, check out the resources below. Teresa lives in Bethesda, MD, and may be reached via email at tjade@me.com. In addition to original artworks, prints and commissions are available. Thanks for your support of DMV-based female artists!
Website: https://www.teresajade.com/ Instagram: @teresasstudio Newsletter: sign up here |
|