A little note about........ 'Paradise Found'

TLDR: Look deeper at art; it has something to tell you about yourself.

Here goes. While editing the video for this painting. I thought quite a lot about sharing my thoughts and discoveries…. and on whether or not artists should even share intended meanings of their work. I went back and forth in my head about it.

Specifics about the painting can be found here, and the video, you can watch that here).

Ultimately I’ve come to the conclusion that; this is not the bloomin’ renaissance, and i’m not that special. But ART is. We need more art, we need more beauty in this world. We need more deep discussions on ALL of it. We need to celebrate it. Art is action in my world. Creativity my philosophy. Wooo, I am deep in my feelings today!

My paintings are an intuitive process; mostly I just let the paint and paper do its thing. I’m just the one holding the brush, responding to what is happening in front of me, in the moment. When I started this particular painting, I was aiming for something simple, i’m sitting here brush in hand, thinking about a ‘nice nature hike, and a pretty little waterhole with lots of trees’.... but that’s the thing about intuitive painting. If you’re in a place to allow the flow… not just of the watercolour, but of meaning; magic happens. I learned a lot about myself through this painting.

This painting emphasises the waterline; this isn’t a mistake, its a message. So is the slightly uncomfortable or awkward composition here, and I’d like to talk about it, and its meaning.

Bodies of water can represent emotion, and in this painting, it is front and centre. This symbolises someone letting their emotions get the best of them, seeing the world through a emotional filter, or the prioritisation of feelings or fears; above all. Yes, I’ve been there.

The trees surround this body of water, almost like a dam wall; holding the water back from flowing outside of the boundaries. A representation of our outer world and physical body, perfectly flawed. The focus in these trees is obscured and unclear. Just like the parts of ourselves we cant see clearly, or refuse to look at.

You cannot see what is beyond the trees, who knows what is on the other side? The unknown. Are you curious about what is beyond your own field of view, or clinging to comfort?

The waterline and rocks emphasise the boundary between this body of water, and the tree line. An area that is consistent, only in that it is undergoing constant change. Water laps at its edges constantly demanding our attention, but from this vantage point, you get to choose what to pay attention to, instead of being swept away or worse, drowning in it.

This space is the epitome of growth, abundance and LIFE. A place where you can adventure into the unknown, or take a dip into your feelings, when you need to.

So (the painting) asks you this: Do you allow your emotions to lead your life; and you just endure the turbulence? Or; do you take accountability for your thoughts & emotions, and stand firm on solid ground? Do you test ideas and try new things, or let fear hold you back? Wading through the emotions can be uncomfortable, hard even, but you will reach that waters edge with effort.

I challenge you to look again at the painting, or any painting, what do the elements mean to YOU? The colours, the shapes. The composition, how does that effect your interpretation? Can you look beyond the surface and find meaning? Visceral reactions - pay attention; indifference is still a response.

Some people paint pretty pictures. Nice scenery. Holiday style plein-air with sunshine and ‘good vibes’; and I do it too. But to me a painting’s value is in its message. The majority of my work comes from a soul-deep place. I encourage you to look longer; look deeper; there’s more to find than just trees and rocks. Maybe the same is true of life.

Look deeper at ALL art, for it will reveal to you, something about YOURSELF.

So tell me, what is YOUR interpretation of this work (or any work that holds meaning to you)? What elements did you identify? How does the composition or orientation of these elements, alter your interpretation? What other influences are at play? How do the colours effect you? and so on…..and if you dare, what meaning did you find? All responses are relevant. Love to hear your thoughts…

… and I’d LOVE for you to find meaning in some art every day.

Big love my friends, 

~Karlie.

PS: let me know if you would like more rambling about various themes or elements in my work. I’m feeling chatty!