Big.
In 2024, I went big.
I was commissioned for a project that was 60”x72”. I had never considered a scale like that before. 60”x72”. That is roughly my wingspan and height (in heels) and like most opportunities in the last couple of years, I said YES.
And, It was a glorious experience. Life changing, actually. I loved the final result, but mostly, I loved the whole experience of having done something that pushed me into all of the uncomfortable and exhilarating parts of being an artist. I mean, what if it doesn’t work? What then?
Well, what if it does?!
I delivered that painting on a Friday and the very next day I went into my studio and started working on a canvas that I had toned and been thinking about painting. I hadn’t started because it was too big and seemed overwhelming. Each time I thought about starting, I talked myself out of it. But, compared to the one I had just finished, it seemed almost diminutive. So, I started that one, and finished it. And then the next one, and the next one, and I haven't stopped.
My whole artistic career has been pushing the now into the next experience. Each painting I do is built on the information I got from the previous one (or 5). And that process is the why for me. Those moments of process fill me up.
I am forever grateful for the opportunities to push my practice. Large scale commissions have become a beautiful part of my world and it’s a total thrill. I will never not be grateful for the champions who knew I could go big before I did.
'And So, She Makes Her Own Light' Anne Pollard James 2024 // A very big flower in a private collection. Photo by Caty Smith
In floriography, commonly known as the beautiful language of flowers, Viva Magenta symbolizes a bold and irresistible kind of love that is not afraid to display affection, take leaps of faith, or conquer the odds stacked against them.
Playing with scale has changed everything for me, and I am here for it.
Photo by Caty Smith
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