<\/p>\n
Dolores artist Bronwyn B. Strickland sees a blank canvas as a countdown to action.<\/p>\n
Her art studio\u2019s name, Three Two, is part of a momentum-inspired philosophy to take the creative process head-on.<\/p>\n
\u201cI approach artwork as taking action. My goal is to create paintings and sculptures that help motivate people to think more critically of our world,\u201d she said during a visit to her home studio.<\/p>\n
In a subtle and evocative way, Strickland incorporates Chinese culture and language into her mixed-media paintings. She has a degree in Chinese language from Arizona State University and has traveled to the country numerous times.<\/p>\n
The geometric painting \u201cCompass\u201d was inspired by an ancient Chinese poem: \u201cSpill water on level ground, it flows north east south and west, life too has its destiny.\u201d<\/p>\n
The large painting won Best of Show this year at a Durango Arts Center juried exhibit.<\/p>\n
Strickland, 34, journeyed through the uninspired life before realizing her destiny.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a series of office jobs, and I was continuously unhappy,\u201d she says. \u201cThree years ago I decided to be a full-time artist because I knew it was something I was good at.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her paintings sometimes takes on an abstract quality such as the piece \u201cWildflowers in a Thunderstorm,\u201d inspired by a deluge she was caught in while hiking at Bear Creek.<\/p>\n
Her 7-foot-tall sculpture \u201cCocoon\u201d is full of texture, twigs, cloth, and color. It symbolizes \u201cinner greatness,\u201d Strickland said.<\/p>\n
Other times, her work features refined drawings with a surrealistic tone that is hard to put your finger on, yet interesting to look at.<\/p>\n
In other pieces, her Chinese influence shows up more prominently. \u201cNew Moon\u201d features the Chinese writing that becomes part of the artwork, and spells out a poem about a woman seeking inspiration by bowing to the new moon.<\/p>\n
Strickland\u2019s enigmatic style makes the viewer want to stare a little longer to try figure out the hidden meaning, a process that satisfies the artist.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m trying to connect with the viewer, while also satisfying my creative whims,\u201d she says. \u201cSome of my pieces people might find disturbing. I\u2019m trying to draw them in and want the viewer to take a moment and think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHold On\u201d depicts a hand with what might be interpreted as dripping blood, but despite the Gothic touch, Strickland sees a positive silver lining.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe grip is strong, symbolic of the will to hang on, maybe in the face of adversity,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Strickland has synesthesia a rare neurological phenomenon that combines some of the senses. For example she sees colors in letters and numbers and texture in sounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see it has a gift, and it guides me visually through my art projects,\u201d she said. \u201cI spontaneously create artwork by sensing the essence of something and then taking a spiritual journey. I\u2019m looking forward to taking my art to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her work has been shown at Raven House Gallery in Mancos, the Durango Arts Center, and Studio &.. She recently painted portraits of the homeless from the Bridge Emergency Shelter. The mixed-media paintings will be featured at the Faces of Folk fundraiser for the shelter on May 2 at the KSJD Sunflower Theatre.<\/p>\n
Visit her website at www.threetwoartstudio.com to view her artwork and to purchase a piece.<\/p>\n