My painted interpretation of a large quilt my grandma made and stitched by hand decades ago using upcycled shirts. It’s gotten a lot of use and is showing the wear and tear that a well loved quilt will show on a long enough timeline. Still, I can’t bring myself to put it away for long. While a piece of me thinks I should keep it safe and preserved, my grandma is a practical woman that likes knowing something she made is getting good use. A sentiment I can appreciate. And so, maybe I can extend it’s life through watercolor.
Chromatography is used in chemistry to dissolve a mixture and place it into a "mobile phase," which allows the solvent to carry it and its components up the paper. It shows the layers, exposing deeper, hidden tones and colors, something only seen when a solvent of the same polarity is used. It's odd. Life feels a bit like that, and I'm seeing the colors separate for the first time. It's all there, everything that's been hidden in the inky mess for the past however many years. And now it's smeared. Bold. Clear. But blurry. What's on me and what's on you? Where do we go from here?
I'm working on a mini series in which I'm drawing some of my favorite Pokemon,Sceptile is my favorite Grass Type Pokemon, plus this drawing gave me an excuse to use several different green watercolors that I own. The rest of the gang can be found over at Instagram (link in bio).
Thanks for viewing!
It's crazy to think that 6 years have already flown by since I first moved onto the Xcel gymnastics team, let alone the fact that I've spent 15 years of my life as a gymnast. Tomorrow, August 6th, 2021, marks my last day as a gymnast on the team since I'm officially a college student. I've genuinely been dreading this day, but it's not the ending I expected...in an oddly good way. I know no one expected to spend the past year in a pandemic, and I definitely didn't think gym would shift so much in the following months, but here we are. Gymnastics has taught me more than I ever imagined it could, and my coaches (especially one of them) have become two of the people I'm closest with, words can't describe how grateful I am for everything. This 'ending' doesn't feel like an end, more so a closing to this chapter. Honestly, my love for the sport has only grown, and it feels like I'm finally figuring it all out. So, although my final practice as a team member is tomorrow, my journey is not over yet. "Goodbyes are the hardest part, and this ending has been something I’ve been dreading, although I know it’s time to let go. I’d like to say this isn’t a permanent goodbye to you or the sport, it’s more of a natural conclusion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me and managed to teach me in this short amount of time, I couldn’t have asked for anyone, or anything, better. Thank you most of all for helping me achieve my dreams and for helping me get to a point in which I can say I’m proud of my journey.
All that’s left to say is I care about you, I love you, and take care."
The jarring moment when you are asked a thoughtless question. The decision to respond appropriately and proportionately that protects yourself versus answering in a manner that protects the status quo.
Once again playing with shapes, colours, marks, and loads of squiggly, smudgy ink lines. No pressure. Just trying to get back into splashing around with paint and seeing what emerges.
My book Kimbop Was Born To Explore! Is now available on Amazon! Great for readers 7 and up but can be read to kids of all ages! 32 pages of illustrated fun! Explore with Kimbop! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M4THLX5
Impalla, Wart Hog and Topi is a strange painting of a young doll like female puppet head with large intimidating eyes. The scary doll head puppet looks like a frozen predator. Her expression almost ferrel but still oddly innocent at the same time. I chose the vintage storybook background based on the mottled rich tones of the paper itself and the fact that the title refers to prey and predators in Africa. It is an excerpt from an old African adventure story. I love the arresting expression and bright colours of this painting. She has great stopping power and evokes all kinds of emotions.
I made a mess! And it makes me happy! Because I finally 'did' something after what seems like a too-long period of very little art. This is a 'no pressure' piece, playing with shapes, colours, just making marks, doodles, and just allowing things to emerge. Brilliantly therapeutic.
I know this isn't an elaborate piece and I know I've posted different cards before, but I just wanted to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays! I hope everyone is doing well and can enjoy the time left in 2020. Thank you for being so supportive of my art, and for sharing some of the most incredible art I've ever seen!
