Chimera

Creating Chimera was not just an artistic endeavor but a deeply personal journey through a period marked by intense grief and the search for healing. This piece emerged from a profound need to explore and reconcile complex emotions, serving as both a canvas and a therapeutic medium. The preparation and execution of Chimera were as much about navigating my emotional landscape as they were about pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice.

The period leading up to the creation of Chimera was one of introspection and reevaluation. The physical and emotional toll from creating my previous large scale work had left me seeking a new approach that prioritized producing art sustainably by focusing on my well-being. In choosing to design the piece digitally, I was able to experiment with forms and colors with ease, adjusting details minutely without the physical strain associated with traditional canvas painting. This method allowed for a deeper, more meditative engagement with the work, enabling me to embed each stroke with more intention and reflection. Most importantly, I actually enjoyed it!

Chimera, named for the mythical beast composed of various elements, symbolizes the complexity of human emotions and the multifaceted nature of recovery from grief. At the center of the piece is the lion, arms outstretched in attack. The lion’s mane, a vibrant array of multicolored triangles, erupts forth from the ram’s mouth in a fiery representation of anger and pain. The ram, skeletal and outlined in a neon glow, represents the underlying thoughts and emotions brewing beneath my conscious mind, influencing my outward expressions and actions.

Completing the trio, the serpent forms the tail of the lion, its fractal-scaled body curling around a black backdrop symbolizing the void of loss and a window into the subconscious mind. The void is punctuated by a single spark - a representation of the dual nature of grief, at once the implosion of self and the emergence of new beginnings. The serpent, with its close proximity to the lion’s ear, suggests the influence of deep, often unacknowledged feelings on my conscious actions and reactions.

After around 275 hours of digital design work, the transition to physical media marked the final stage of the artwork's creation. Twenty five hours more of applying reflective acrylics to the printed base brought an additional layer of chromatic depth to Chimera, making the print a singular embodiment of the experience it represents. This tactile enhancement not only elevated the visual impact of the piece but also ensured that it retained a unique, handcrafted quality, underscoring the individuality of each moment’s encounter with the artwork.

Chimera stands as a personal testament to the transformative power of art in navigating life’s rough waters. It marked a significant turning point in my practice, in learning to harness the creative process as a practical means of processing my emotions through artistic expression. The piece not only reflects my journey towards emotional and creative balance but also continues to offer insights into the enduring power of art to express, communicate, and heal. It remains for me a profound reminder of the power to approach personal grief as a chance for renewal and hope.