making space
university of pittsburgh
studio arts senior exhibition
november 2020
CHristina
Danielle
suders
My art to me has always been my safe space, my constant from my ever-changing life around me. Most of my creations you will find, are nature themed. Whether it's flowers growing right out at the viewer, paintings of withering skulls, or animals living peacefully within mother nature, I always like to incorporate the idea of the cycle of life. The fascinating contrast between life and death, the ways in which they endlessly tie together. I love our planet, and I love the concept of rebirth. Nature can heal and come back stronger, and so can I.
I use my art as both a form of creation, and transformation. It helps me calm my mind, and keep my thoughts grounded. My paintbrush is like my very own magic wand. From the colors I use in my paintings, to the music I play while I am creating them, I am always trying to transform my craft into a safe, and healing outlet. I've grown most in the years I've been most creative, and it's something that's always pretty evident when I look back onto my past self. You cannot heal in a decaying environment, so I am happy where I am now, and I hope to one day share the healing properties I have come to find within my craft with those around me. Alot of my work takes inspiration from nature, and all of the wonderful things that come with it. You will probably notice that pattern within my work, and the way there's always some kind of living creature, or dying creature taking the spotlight. It's that wonderful cycle between the two that fascinates me endlessly.
