Heidi Thompson
Land scape
CONTEMPORARY ART REVIEW symbols. Common symbols are like stick men, sun with rays, or a Christmas tree. The first lesson a teacher gives the art student is one that will help the student see reality as it really is.
The effective combination between both intense and thoughtful nuances of tones we can admire in your OK Sunshine Series sums up the mixture of struggle and emotions. How much does your own psychological make-up determine the nuances of tones you decide to use in a piece and in particular, how do you develop a painting’ s texture? Moreover, how did you think about your style— your choices of composition and palette?
My paintings reveal the state of my mind I was in when I painted it. If my mind was agitated, reactive or insensitive, my painting will look agitated. If my mind balanced, my painting will appear balanced. As well, my choice of color and brushstrokes are governed by my state of mind. If I don’ t like my work, I know the problem lies within me. I believe that the greatest advancement of an artist lies in his own self advancement.
Recently, I worked on a commission for the Kelowna International Airport. The series was called OK Sunshine( reference to the Okanagan Valley where I live). I was in an agitated state. My first attempts turned out very red, black and explosive. My husband kindly pointed out those explosive colours might heighten stress of travelers about to board their flight. After an angry reaction, I realized he was right. I took time off to calm down and establish inner peace. When I did, my palette changed to bright, light yellows and uplifting compositions. I have to establish harmony within before I can create a harmonious work. Painting is a journey of self-discovery. A painting will mirror who I am. I can use my paintings to self analyze. My paintings will honestly expose both my noble and ignoble qualities.
As you have remarked once, painting is a journey of self discovery. How would you describe the relationship between intuition and technique in your practice?
Having developed my painting technique to a point where I can trust what happens, I am free to paint intuitively. My feeling-mind guides the process and chooses the colours and method of application. I believe my intuition is my“ higher” mind which has the capacity to experience space, infinity and timelessness.
Your work allows an open reading, a multiplicity of meanings and interpretations: associative possibilities seem to be of greater importance. How important is this degree of openness?
When someone takes time to look at my paintings, I am honored. I enjoy people interpreting my work. Everyone’ s reaction is unique. My paintings offer little for the viewer to recognize. That makes their reactions even more interesting. The viewer can only“ experience” the work’ s colours and composition. Some people see angels, faces or figures. Some feel a sense of mystery. Some see outer space. And others just like the work’ s tactility, texture and messy chaos. I’ m happy if my paintings draw the viewer in. And if they resonate this might indicate that the viewer recognizes something. Perhaps