Absence and Reunion- Trip Down Memory Lane

The exploration of memories and what remains in one's mind's eye in visual snippets is a fascination for an artist. What informs my work is what images are sarked by what i see today and what they remind me of from my past. I use circles a lot to symbolize the circle of life and how patterns are repeated in life. Harry Chapin said, "All my life's a circle, sunrise and sunset..." As I get older, I agree more and more as I see so many things repeated and oen thing reminds me of another years later.

Of course, it is not only visual memories that come back, there are smells, sounds and tastes that bring back past memories as well. Old songs, favorite foods or special smells that recreate experiences or special times.

These three mixed media prints are from high school years in the late 50's- early 60's. The use of black and white are reflected of the 50's, the 55 Chevy was my favorite car, the prom pictures as well as other yearbook pictures as well as the old television and other pictures and ads of the timed are intersperse with patterns from the times as well as monotypes printing in colors.

Trip Down Memory Lane- Absence and Reunion

In my most recent work I have been focused on memory and what remains in one's mind's eye. Images from memory are often included in the mixed media works. On May 22, I attended my 50th high school reunion so memories of high school have been on my mind. Reading over my high school yearbook and remembering incidents from those years as I reconnect with old friends, listening to oldies (some of my favorite music anyway)and remembering my hopes and dreams when I was a teenager inspired a series of 6 mixed media works on paper I have called Absence and Reunion. Here are three of them. I will post the others next time.

Revisiting the Edge- Immaculata University Art Show 2011

Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the uttermost part of the earth, offer native forest and glaciers, fjords and channels. These unique and mysterious places at the end of the earth are some of my favorite places. So much so that we went there twice!! They intrigue me, capturing my imagination and stimulating my creative process. There are such extremes in nature there and so few people. It's so far from everything. There are not many people there but, the ones that are, are very friendly.

Several works inspired by visits there are included in the Immaculata University Art Show which runs from May 14 to 22, 2011.
Here are four examples ( from the top) Revisiting the Edge 5, 3, 4 and 6, mixed media prints. Oops, they got placed out of order.

Silent Narrative- The ART of Memory

I just got back from spending 10 days in Norfolk, Virginia at my sister's house in Ghent which is a wonderful neighborhood in the downtown area. The city is located at the southeastern corner of Virginia at the junction of the Elizabeth and James Rivers, bordering the Chesapeake Bay. Though Virginia Beach and Williamsburg have traditionally been the centers of tourism for the region, the rebirth of downtown Norfolk and the construction of a cruise ship pier at the foot of Nauticus in downtown has driven tourism to become an increasingly important part of the city's economy. There are many museums and attractions in the area. I especially enjoy the Chrysler Museum of Art and the d'Art Center both of which are very close to where she lives.

The two images I have shown are from a series I call Silent Narrative and are # 1 and 2. They were inspired by bits of memory and what comes forward into the present when you spend time with family.

Emerging Spring- The ART of Nature and Flowers

I just returned from a visit to Atlanta and spent a lovely afternoon at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, a favorite spot of mine. Atlanta Blooms! is the current show and boy! is it dazzling- 200,000 bulbs are blooming- tulips and daffodils abound. Also, the annual Orchid Daze exhibition makes a splash with thousands of lovely orchids floating against the backdrop of dramatic water features.

This visit and my recent visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show created a desire for spring that could not wait until the weather turned warm. I had to create my own personal spring in my studio. I created the series "Emerging Spring" using vivid colors,lots of green, floral papers and an optimistic outlook hoping for warm breezes by the time I was finished.

Images from the top are mixed media works on paper: the series Emerging Spring 1 through 6.

Art Inspired by Travel- Ebb and Flow Series

In this series Ebb and Flow, I use monotype and collage to express the mystery of memory and what has remained in my mind's eye from years gone by. I am often surprised by the images that come back and the memories that surface as some experiences of today imitate those of yesterday. Why those? The places I have visited and the scenes I have seen remain in my mind and become part of me. My most recent trip to Hawaii is freshest in my mind and is reflected in the ocean blue used in the series. The intricate circle of life and its impermanence is one of the themes explored in this series.

The images shown are Ebb & Flow 1 through 4. To see the complete series, visit my website www.lindadubingarfield.com

Sun and Sea- Mixed Media Series Inspired by Hawaii

Traveling to the Hawaiian Islands, watching the ocean, sky and beaches... experiencing the colors, textures and smells...retaining images and memories... from different locations... In this series Sun and Sea, I create visual memoirs, informed by an accumulation of what remains in the mind's eye and my passionate response to color. I am also reminded of other beach scenes over the years, of other times, other oceans...blending experiences and creating timeless imagery as I explore the mystery of memory and the magic of place using hand-pulled printmaking techniques, collage and mixed media.

This series of 12 mixed media monotypes is made by several layers of traditionally pulled monotype with collage, silk screen print, stamping, oil pastel, colored pencil.

Titles of images from top are: By the Beautiful Sea, Allowing the Light Through, Bubbles of Contentment, Cause for Optimism.

Contact me for information about purchasing these works at garf621@aol.com