Yesterday, I was listening to @thejealouscurator speak with @gioswaby on a recent episode of Art For Your Ear (you should subscribe). As they began to talk about Gio’s work, I was fascinated by the descriptions of images I could picture in my mind (I was enjoying my drive between Terrace Bay and Red Rock), filled with fabrics, thread and beautiful colours. When Danielle confirmed that these artworks were life-sized, something in my mind clicked. What if there is a way to work my way into my paintings? To make them more personal?

The idea grew as I put brush to canvas, and as I painted the storm, I began to paint myself. The soft lights in the sky became mixtures of my flesh tones contrasted against the darkness of the churning storm. I saw my anxiety in the bruised, fleshy hues, battered by unceasing and relentless thoughts that are whipped around in my mind. The search for peace, a spot of light, a reprieve.