Artist's description: During the creative process of this series I decided I would only paint images that could make the back of my eyes feel warm. Having established that this was the ultimate goal of this collection, I can say I've been successful. There's something about these embracing translucent monochrome figures that makes my tear ducts tense up.
Even though I am an affectionate person, Im not a huggy person. I could argue that I save hugs for special occasions or that I only hug my friends when Im incredibly happy, or emotional, or drunk. There had been times in 2020 when I was feeling like one or more of those things, but for obvious reasons I could not hug everyone I wanted. And I missed it so damn much. More than I ever thought I would. I've been through some bitter hug-less moments: my best friends who became 30, the one who had a baby, the baby itself, the ones who lost dear ones, the ones who were anxious, scared and lonely, the one who got an Emmy nomination.
I've created a series of paintings on this theme. I'm naming the series Closeness. It is about:
Gratitude For those I could hold when things got tough or happy or bitter during this odd odd year.
Longing For the moments 2020 stole from me.
Hope For holding my people again.