As you may know, my creative process has taken a delightful turn into the world of texture over these last few months. This exploration has become a significant part of my creative voice, and honestly, it's been an absolute blast. Why? Because it's all about freedom, experimentation, and letting loose with various mediums and broad, bold strokes—whether that's with a brush, a palette knife, or even my hands. It's fast-paced, high-energy, and wonderfully unrefined.
However, I've come back to the place that I always do when I dive into mixed media and acrylics. There just comes to a point where it feels unfulfilling. As much as I love the versatility of acrylics and the uniqueness of mixed media, they sometimes feel... unfinished. They lack the refinement I find in oils, a medium I've always associated with a more polished look and a different creative energy. My birches series was a perfect match for an exclusive mixed media approach, but it's not always the case.
As a result, I've been on a mission to find the perfect balance between the wild, untamed energy of acrylics and mixed media, and the slow, meditative refinement of oils. It's a journey of yin meeting yang, of seeking harmony in my art. And while I haven't found that sweet spot just yet, I'm closer than ever.
So, this is where I'm at: diving back into oils, savoring the slow and steady (sometimes ritualistic) process as I find myself applying what I learned these past few months and finding ways to combine them with acrylics and mixed media. It's an ongoing process, but one I'm excited to share with you all. Stay tuned as I continue to explore and, hopefully, find the perfect balance.