Paula Valenzuela
My artwork explores the connection of darkness and light within us, the complexity of layers that we show to others and to ourselves, as well as the parts that we keep in the shadows.
As an artist and psychologist, I am interested in exploring the unconscious and human process that we all go through when embraced in an act of spontaneous creativity, without preconceived ideas. Painting for me is a way to be open to the moment, to be fully present in my body and mind.
My work process is exploratory, utilizing multiple materials and textures. I work with pouring mediums, fluid acrylics, resins and pigments that allow me a flowing movement and to be surprised every time. I work through several paintings at once, mixing, dripping, scratching painting, covering, uncovering, brushing and scratching again… until I get to a place with each piece that reflects a moment in time, the unexpected.
In this body of work, I explored the concept of "hiraeth", a welsh word that refers to the longing and bond for a home to which you cannot return, or a home which maybe never was. Home, as a physical and psychological space , is represented by the colors and textures of the places that are part of my history. The desert inspires me and remind me of my home country, Chile, connecting me to my origins. The combination of natural and mineral colors result in archetypal images seem directly related to patterns found throughout the natural world.
For more information about the artist, please visit her website.
