Prism Series
Photo by Lou Mora
Prism Series
2024
My first experience in a kelp forest was indescribable, like seeing the Milky Way for the first time. The light dancing on kelp blades and the rhythmic swaying of the fronds mesmerized me. I felt completely at peace, as though I had come home.
The Prism series is inspired by my transformative experiences in the kelp forest. It’s about nurturing the self with unconditional love, fostering a deep connection to nature, and discovering light in the darkness—allowing it to expand infinitely, like the cosmos.
As always, 10% of proceeds from kelp-inspired artwork benefit SeaTrees' kelp restoration projects.
Photo by Lou Mora
The Process
Walnut oil paint on earth-friendly canvas or linen
This series invited exciting experimentation with materials and techniques. To create a smoother surface for the kelp blades and set them apart from the background, I sanded the canvas for Giant Kelp, giving it a unique texture. For Sea~ing Stars, I rotated the canvas on its side and upside down, painting from both vertical and horizontal perspectives, allowing the piece to be presented in various orientations. With Catalina Lights, I explored a new approach by starting with my favorite technique: glazing. For In the Light, I embraced bold texture, beginning with thick applications of paint and even using a palette knife to build dynamic, expressive layers. Each piece is distinct in its mark-making and process, reflecting the individuality of the moments that inspired them.
