"This Limited Collection was created in 2020, during a time of change and discovery for the whole world. I experimented with blue and black acrylic paints mixed with water onto paper, resulting in the opposite form of what a cyanotype would look like. Normally, cyanotypes are blue with white images, made with a chemical solution and sunshine. This collection, on the other hand, is white with blue images, made only with pure water. As the world experienced a time in which we all needed to adapt and become flexible, I wanted these paintings to reflect the movement of flowing water, by using water to allow for the paint to find its own "path" on the paper. What developed took on a life of its own, as did that time in history. I also felt that cyanotypes, an art form created with the sun, reflected how humans needed to return to nature, to perhaps heal during this turbulent year and adapt as water does to carry on. Looking closely at these pieces, they perhaps personify something, from this unique moment in time. As we individually struggled with our own challenges (or personal demons), the images emerged onto paper almost as if they were characters needing to be born...or seen....and recognized in order to heal and grow. It was as if shining light on these demons was to cast them away, cleansing and refreshing a new chapter in history. Many people changed careers, lifestyles or perspectives during this time. It would not have happened without the worldly disruption. Here are examples of how the images present themselves as shadowy disturbances ultimately becoming healed with light and hope .
A Gremlin, for example, represents an imaginary, mischievous creature, responsible for unexplained problems-- A gremlin's main weakness is direct exposure to sunlight.
Goblins, as well, in folklore, serve as a blanket term for all sorts of evil spirits / a little devil who is mischievous--A goblin also stays away from bright light.
Quarantine Lady remains apart from others, forcing society to reflect on many things-- ethics, compassion, our regard for others, capitalism, access to health care, trust in political structures, the importance of introspection, etc.). Looking at the image makes me think of a woman (much like myself) being transported by an animal with long legs— a form of being carried by a beast or traveling away from reality.
Underneath the Umbrella is a painting of a person laying down, holding a parasol-- We, as humans, were, shall we say, "under one umbrella"... simultaneously trying to protect ourselves and loved ones...An umbrella protects us from disturbing elements.
The Rodeo represents us having to wrangle such an otherworldly force which was taking over our lives. We each had to learn how to ride it, so-to-say-- In order to survive being thrown from a wild beast, a lasso can be used as a source of control...something not many of us had.
Horns Came Out is an image of a little devil monster represented as the smallest piece within this collection. Ironically, it was the tiniest of things (a virus) which affected everyone on the planet, reminding us that even a small thing can have massive power... good and bad-- It's the light that we shine on it which dictates the outcome.
I hope this collection inspires you to shine light on your own demons, casting away darkness to let in the light."-- April Popko
A Gremlin, for example, represents an imaginary, mischievous creature, responsible for unexplained problems-- A gremlin's main weakness is direct exposure to sunlight.
Goblins, as well, in folklore, serve as a blanket term for all sorts of evil spirits / a little devil who is mischievous--A goblin also stays away from bright light.
Quarantine Lady remains apart from others, forcing society to reflect on many things-- ethics, compassion, our regard for others, capitalism, access to health care, trust in political structures, the importance of introspection, etc.). Looking at the image makes me think of a woman (much like myself) being transported by an animal with long legs— a form of being carried by a beast or traveling away from reality.
Underneath the Umbrella is a painting of a person laying down, holding a parasol-- We, as humans, were, shall we say, "under one umbrella"... simultaneously trying to protect ourselves and loved ones...An umbrella protects us from disturbing elements.
The Rodeo represents us having to wrangle such an otherworldly force which was taking over our lives. We each had to learn how to ride it, so-to-say-- In order to survive being thrown from a wild beast, a lasso can be used as a source of control...something not many of us had.
Horns Came Out is an image of a little devil monster represented as the smallest piece within this collection. Ironically, it was the tiniest of things (a virus) which affected everyone on the planet, reminding us that even a small thing can have massive power... good and bad-- It's the light that we shine on it which dictates the outcome.
I hope this collection inspires you to shine light on your own demons, casting away darkness to let in the light."-- April Popko
