Today, I invite you into the depths of my creative process and the profound significance behind my latest project (a title yet to be revealed). My art is a reflection of my emotional realism and the landscape of my mental health. Each stroke on the canvas is infused with a piece of my soul, emotions, fears, and more. So, let's not delay any further and embark on this intimate and in-depth exploration.
New Oil Painting Journey
The idea for this new project had been percolating within me for some time. I had this canvas in my possession for an extended period, but I had previously created a digital piece. It was as though the canvas was patiently waiting for this specific piece to come to life.
This creative spark ignited one night, a vivid dream that lingered long after I woke up. As I mulled it over the following morning, it became clear that I had to bring this vision to life. The concept that stirred my soul was none other than my profound fear of death.
This fear, which at times has been paralyzing, serves as the inspiration for this painting. The very notion of death sends shivers down my spine, especially the thought of a day when I might no longer be able to create art. While therapy and a return to my spirituality have aided me in coping, this fear remains a constant presence, challenging me to accept its weight.
First Design and My Experience with Death
I was initially content with my first design, but a certain aspect troubled me. The flowers I had chosen failed to resonate with me. Roses, typically associated with funerals, didn't align with the memory of my late grandpa, who, nearly a decade ago, had a love for lilies. This marked my first encounter with death, and strangely, his passing left a profound impact on me, despite our less-than-ideal relationship.
My earliest memory of death occurred during my childhood when I lost my first pet, a hamster. I was just a young child then, unable to fully grasp the weight of the experience, but it left me deeply traumatized. Since then, I've encountered various personal experiences related to death, as well as grappling with challenges to both my physical and mental health. These encounters have brought me perilously close to the brink of death on several occasions, intensifying this paralyzing fear that I carry with me.
Design Changes
After some reflection and gathering valuable feedback on my design, I made the decision to incorporate magnolias and red spider lilies as the chosen flowers. In Japan, red spider lilies symbolize death, while magnolias celebrate life. Recognizing the importance of balancing both aspects of life and death, I initially concentrated solely on the theme of death for this piece. However, I came to realize that these two floral symbols harmonize beautifully, emphasizing the interplay between life and death. With the design now finalized, it was time to begin the captivating process of transferring it onto the canvas!
In the final design, I chose to fill the spaces surrounding the skeleton with delicate flower petals, a decision that, in my opinion, enriched the artwork both aesthetically and emotionally. While the eventual canvas coverage will be in oil paint, the current stage of the painting is executed in acrylic. My preferred medium is oils, and I intend to use pastels and deep hues to symbolize the intricate interplay of life and death within the piece. Below, you can watch a time-lapse video capturing the swift and skillful transfer of this design to the canvas
I'm truly grateful for your interest in getting to know me better and learning about the creation of this artwork. If you're comfortable with it, I encourage you to reach out via DM or leave a comment, sharing your own thoughts and experiences on this subject. I'll also be filming the entire creative journey in a YouTube video, so stay tuned for that. Once the piece is complete, you'll have the opportunity to acquire both the original artwork and prints. For the latest updates on my art and to explore a collection of original paintings, prints, and more, please follow me on my social media platforms and visit my online shop. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing more of my work!
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