Artist Statement

I paint in an abstract mosaic style that primarily reveals flashing memories for me of things, I have seen and emotions I have experienced.   Other painting series that I have painted, such as "Patty’s Story" or the "Corroboration of Photography and Paint" speak for those who are not given a voice to do so for themselves.

My paintings incorporate the experiences I have gained throughout my life as a horticulturalist, an art major, and a psychology major.  An example of this would be the painting “In The Heat Of The Summer.”  As a horticulturalist, I know the warm colors of zinnias, dahlias, marigolds, and native flowers that are in abundance in late July to August.  As a psychology major, I am aware that it is in the heat of the summer when crime rates, arguments, and discontent are on the rise.  The heat and  passion are expressed by these same dark warm colors.  Mother Nature knows us well!

I use colors to convey different emotions.  For example, dark colors may represent despair, and feelings of loneliness.  The color of red may represent anger or passion.  Whereas the brighter colors of yellow or pastels may be signs of joy or a soul filled with promise.  Green colors may be signs of life or new beginnings.

Another passion of mine that is incorporated into my paintings is music.  When I listen to music, ideas for paintings will start taking form.

Symbolism may be found in my paintings.  At times, they are obvious whereas other times they are subtle and are for the viewer to find.

My goals in painting parallels with my goals in landscaping; which is to use a combination of colors, textures, and lines to entice the viewer.  The goal of my paintings is to beguile the viewer to see or experience whatever I am fascinated with.

Often I work from photographs I have taken.  I have returned more than once from a trip with over 800 photographs.  A handful of these photographs will later become incorporated in my paintings.  The photograph is downloaded to my computer and using software, I draw my composition from the photograph.

I feel my most successful paintings are when my soul makes love to the canvass.  This happens when it is just the canvas and I and the rest of the world is blocked out.  The canvas and I totally connect.  Nothing else exists.  At times, those paintings are difficult to share due to their feelings of privacy and the feelings of exposing my vulnerability.

                                                                                                ---Bonnie Van Moorlehem