Embracing the Journey: The Inspiration Behind the Coastal Series
The Northern California coast, with its rugged beauty, mystical atmosphere, and vibrant sunsets, has always been a source of inspiration for artists. For me, living in the small town of The Sea Ranch, it has been a muse, a companion, and a mirror reflecting my journey through life's ups and downs. I am excited to share with you my latest collection, the Coastal Series, a deeply personal and intimate reflection of my experiences and surroundings.
The Coastal Series is a collection of five modern, abstract artworks crafted with watercolor, Japanese ink, and acrylic paint. Each piece represents a different aspect of my journey and is inspired by the natural beauty of the Northern California coast. The series includes "Oceanic Calm," "Airy Dreams," "Earthly Dreams," "Ethereal Thoughts," and "Fiery Passion."
The Sea Ranch, a small town on the northern coast of California in Sonoma County, has been my home and my sanctuary. Building custom houses on the cliffs, overlooking the ocean, I have been inspired by watching the natural weather-worn terrain being pushed around by the wind, salt in the air, heavy rolling morning and evening fog, crystal clear sunsets, and the abundance of sea life passing by every day. The northern coast is mystical and magical. The natural eroding terrain inspired the industrial designs in my artwork.
My artistic process is deeply personal and intuitive. I approach each piece with an open mind and an open heart. I clear my mind and allow my subconscious and the canvas to engage in deep conversation. Watching and waiting for the conversation to end and the piece to fully say what it needs to say. I faced extreme self-doubt during the creation of this series. I felt like a fake and unworthy of my artistic ability. I had to fully embrace all my flaws and combine them with my desire for perfection, creating a space to allow the inner battle within myself of "chaos vs order" to fight it out on the canvas.
I chose watercolor because of the ocean. Japanese ink because of the bold color and uncontrollable flow of the ink on the paper. Acrylic paint because of how it blends with the watercolor and Japanese ink. The unique blend of watercolor and ink create crisp lines combined with organic flow. Each piece differs in size and technique.
Oceanic Calm
"Oceanic Calm" is the inaugural piece of the Coastal Series and a testament to the natural calmness of the ocean and the freedom that comes with accepting our true selves. This artwork mirrors the weathered terrain shaped by the wind, salt, and rolling fog that I witness daily from my home overlooking the cliffs. The simplistic and industrial style is a metaphor for my journey through life's highs and lows. Let this piece serve as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
Airy Dreams
"Airy Dreams" is inspired by the refreshing winds of the Northern California coast that have whispered secrets to me over the years. This piece combines watercolor, Japanese ink, and acrylic paint in a simplistic and industrial style that embodies the freedom of the coastal air. It represents a journey marked by happiness, joy, celebration, and the acceptance of life's challenges. Let this dreamy addition to your collection inspire you to embrace your authentic self and the beauty of nature.
Earthly Dreams
"Earthly Dreams" is a piece inspired by the rugged beauty of the Northern California coastline that has been my companion and muse. This artwork captures the earth's natural textures and represents the struggle between chaos and order that has defined my life's journey. Let this grounding addition to your space remind you to embrace your flaws and desires, creating a space for inner battles to play out and find resolution.
Ethereal Thoughts
"Ethereal Thoughts" is inspired by the mystical atmosphere of the Northern California coast that has enchanted me for years. This piece captures the ethereal beauty of the coastal skies and represents the spectrum of emotions—hurt, despair, anger, passion, love, and fight—that I have experienced on my life's journey. Let this mesmerizing addition to your collection inspire you to embrace life's ups and downs and find beauty in the struggle.
Fiery Passion
"Fiery Passion" is inspired by the vibrant and fiery sunsets of the Northern California coast that have warmed my soul. This artwork captures the intensity and warmth of the coastal sunsets and represents the passion and fight required to navigate life's journey. Let this passionate addition to your space inspire you to embrace the chaos and order of life, finding beauty in the struggle and the journey.
The Coastal Series is a deeply personal and intimate reflection of my experiences and surroundings. Each piece represents a different aspect of my journey and is inspired by the natural beauty of the Northern California coast. I hope that this collection inspires you to embrace your authentic self, appreciate the beauty of nature, and find beauty in the struggle and the journey.
