I recently wrote a blog post about the deep infatuation I have always had with human faces (as evidenced by how often they manifest themselves in my artwork). Human faces, ancient or contemporary, fascinate me as summaries of life stories in the moment.
And, odd as it seems, I am always searching for a particular expression that will resonate with a hidden meaning, something that conveys a deep sense of humanity to me personally. I found a rather obscure Welsh work that fits my fits my quest for compelling expressions - "hiraeth" (proounced HEER-aiyth).
"Hiraeth" is often described as a deep longing or yearning, particularly for something that is lost or unattainable, which can be linked to the fading remnants of a dream. There is no word in English that exactly corresponds with this. The word beautifully captures the emotion behind searching for a likeness of a human face that seems to carry a timeless connection. The face, whether in an old photograph, a synthographic image, or an ancient portrait, becomes a portal to another place, evoking a bittersweet connection that resonates with unfulfilled desires and the haunting feeling of something familiar yet distant, almost within reach but forever elusive.
I've just finished a series of twelve faces that seem to convey this sense of lost humanity and timeless connection. Each piece is an 11"x14" inch encaustic collage on wooden cradle board. Each piece reflects my beloved narrative approach to mixed-media artmaking.
These collages will be a part of my exhibition in November at Casa Arte del Sol Gallery at 1512 E. Houston Street in San Antonio. My friend Petra del Sol has created a beautiful exhibition space in an intimate cottage near the Dignowity Hill Arts District. I'll have other work there, including some vessels and other dimensional piece, but there is something about these faces that is dear to my heart!
And, odd as it seems, I am always searching for a particular expression that will resonate with a hidden meaning, something that conveys a deep sense of humanity to me personally. I found a rather obscure Welsh work that fits my fits my quest for compelling expressions - "hiraeth" (proounced HEER-aiyth).
"Hiraeth" is often described as a deep longing or yearning, particularly for something that is lost or unattainable, which can be linked to the fading remnants of a dream. There is no word in English that exactly corresponds with this. The word beautifully captures the emotion behind searching for a likeness of a human face that seems to carry a timeless connection. The face, whether in an old photograph, a synthographic image, or an ancient portrait, becomes a portal to another place, evoking a bittersweet connection that resonates with unfulfilled desires and the haunting feeling of something familiar yet distant, almost within reach but forever elusive.
I've just finished a series of twelve faces that seem to convey this sense of lost humanity and timeless connection. Each piece is an 11"x14" inch encaustic collage on wooden cradle board. Each piece reflects my beloved narrative approach to mixed-media artmaking.
These collages will be a part of my exhibition in November at Casa Arte del Sol Gallery at 1512 E. Houston Street in San Antonio. My friend Petra del Sol has created a beautiful exhibition space in an intimate cottage near the Dignowity Hill Arts District. I'll have other work there, including some vessels and other dimensional piece, but there is something about these faces that is dear to my heart!
