graceful lines
Uprooted by Lisa Goesling
It's fascinating to me that roots hidden deep below the surface of the Earth can mimic what rises above them.
Complicated systems of 'branches' weaving in and out, soil still clinging to their armature even though the roots were removed from the ground weeks ago. The only thing that has shown signs of passing are the leaves, still attached but twisted into something very different from their previous incarnation.
Top: Art of a Catkin from a Pussy Willow and a Fingerprint. Bottom: Lacy Leaf and Dragonfly by Lisa Goesling
Have you ever noticed how much nature's patterns repeat themselves? I first became truly aware when I was drawing a dragonfly. Not long before, I had completed a black and white scratchboard of a leaf eaten away by bugs. I named it Lacy Leaf because the patterns were so delicate and intricate, just like a fine piece of lace.
When I began to study the dragonfly, it too had a detailed pattern, much like the leaf. I was stunned by how the same seemingly random shapes fit together to form a majestic dragonfly.
Just the other day a friend came across one of my scratchboards of Pussy Willows. Her immediate response was, "they look like fingerprints!"
By this point, I was well aware of designs repeating themselves in birds, insects, plants and flowers. What I hadn't considered was that we share similar patterns with the rest of nature. All I had to do was to take a closer look.
What better way to get a sense of how dramatic my art is than to see it in a residential setting. The clean designs grouped together create an exciting statement and you can't help but to come in for a closer look.
Copyright: Small Evolution of An Iris by Lisa Goesling
My folks were art lovers and built a stunning collection. I remember being quite young and being shown a small painting they had recently purchased. It was no larger than 8"x10" done by a Dutch artist in the 1700's, I believe. The art was filled with layers of details, so much so that they had me look at it through a magnifying glass. It opened up a whole new world for me, I could see so much more than appeared with the naked eye. I believe that that little painting influenced the way I approach my work today. I begin with a magnifying glass, studying all of the shapes, textures, and details. Small Evolution of An Iris, captures the multiple layers and movement of the leaves and flowers outside my door. Art doesn't have to be huge to be powerful!
