Our Newsletter: Issue #51
Hello, and welcome to another issue of Our Newsletter.
Today's newsletter takes a closer look at my painting 'The Choice'.
(I was meant to send this out on Friday, but alas I had no internet connection all day and sending out an email on Saturday just didn't feel quite right).
So, let's get straight into it:
The Choice.
I like this title because initially it has an air of seriousness about it, but ultimately I'd say this is an optimistic painting.
Inspired (loosely) by a musical recreation of Charles Bukowski's poem 'Bluebird' wherein the bluebird symbolises the poet's inner soul, which he hides from the world lest his vulnerabilities are shown, this is a painting that turns the slightly depressing edge of the poem on its head to instead creates a narrative about daring to get out of one's comfort zone, daring to dream and having the tenacity to just be yourself. Rather than hiding the inner soul, this painting asks whether you'll take a leap of faith and allow the self to shine.
2023
Oil on canvas
100x90cm
(Available - reply to this email for further info)
A couple different blues appearing in this piece.
Blue is calm and expansive, reminiscent of the sea and the sky. The dark(ish) blue outer frame is mixed using ultramarine and magenta, which lends the colour this rich, comforting and almost magical quality.
Central to the canvas is a lighter sky blue dotted with fluffy clouds: a window (perhaps to another reality?). The clouds are a very deliberate nod to René Magritte's work (Belgian surrealist artist) whose work I've always really enjoyed.
This window is all about daring to dream
(and to an extent about redefining the term "head in the clouds", which is associated with being absent-minded or impractical when it should be all about actually having dreams and goals, but I digress).
The gold birdcage simultaneously symbolic of entrapment and luxury is portrayed with its door open, offering an exit: a choice, if you will, of staying or going.
The bird, a great tit - frequent garden visitor in the UK (and elsewhere) - is symbolic of joy, spring, and going out to get the things you want. This little feathered friend is perched on a bird stand ornate with lavender (symbolic of calm and serenity).
The question this painting poses is truly a straightforward one: will you stay in your comfort zone where everything is familiar and wonderful, or will you take a leap of faith and see where it takes you?
I suppose that's for you to decide.
As always, feel free to let me know what you think by replying to this email.
Before I go, a reminder that 'Awakening: The Journey to the 5th Dimension' is on for only a handful more days (until the 31st of Jan).
It's located at Ice Health Cryotherapy, 237 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6SA and is open Mon-Fri from 9:30am-7pm.
Also, if you didn't catch it last time, I recently had an interview with Shoutout Colorado - you can read it here.
Wishing you a great week ahead!
Lots of love,
Arietta xx