Series Statement from the Artist

“Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos” is a series of paintings I started at the beginning of the lockdown in 2020. The pandemic, coupled with struggles from my past and my personal life prompted a mental health breakdown. During this time, I dove deep into my studio practice as a way to process and find truth.

Then, as 2020 progressed, and the overtones of death and systemic racism dominated both our physical and psychological realms, my emotional body was triggered and the processing of grief and trauma began. My studio became a haven where I was able to spend long days creating. Motivated by a single Fuschia plant, I bagan simplifying the imagery and the work began to take on a darker, ethereal version of itself. I worked on multiple three by four foot canvases at one time, techniques were discovered and carried from one piece to the next. Using downward repetitive brush strokes to cover the canvas became a meditation resulting in movement. Having a new-found freedom in the larger format, sweeping movements and thinly drawn lines alternated with layers of thin washes. I use acrylic paint because it allows me the ability to quickly move from one painting to another. My authentic painting style was revealed to me, combining old techniques with new revelations.  

My work has always been a place to explore my psyche and my personal journey, but my experience in 2020 peeled back the layers, allowing me to explore myself on an even deeper level. As a result, this series of mystical compositions emerged while painting became an act of self soothing. With thankfulness for all that was revealed to me, I look forward to exploring these new modes of expression while creating new series and collections.”

— SH