Tore Bellis and I have art in the Botanicals exhibit through the Visual Art League of Lewisville. Stop by now through June 24th to see our approach to the theme at the Lewisville Grand Theater. I’ll showcase a series of blogs that highlight our art in the exhibit.

Title: Out of the Ashes by Denise Holguin

Artist’s Statement: From dust we came, to dust we shall return.  The photo of the three women represents the vibrancy, youth and vitality of our existence on this earth.  But just as roses whither and fade, so do we.  Our hope is that the beauty of our soul remains and continues on in the afterlife.  This is represented by the sweeping upward motion of the shades of pinks, purple, light blues as well as the golden ‘ribbons’ that wrap around the roses. 

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I photographed the back of the photo before attaching it to the art piece. The names appear to be: Sallie S. Cox, A.B. Simpson, Opal Payne. While it pains me to attach the image and lose the history on the back, I justify the action because the photo was gifted from one person to the next until it ended up in my hands.

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Backstory (or as Tore Bellis described it, “how this art piece lived its title”)

I wrote the word “Love” continuously on a piece of wax paper.  It was a time-consuming, yet peaceful process.  Then I spray painted the wax paper in shades of pink, green and metallic colors.  I attached the wax paper to a canvas with decoupage.  Then I added texture with fake snow. 

But I hated the colors.  I hated the piece. 

In an effort to improve the art, I covered the piece with dark spray paint.  I hated that too. 

While the spray paint was still wet, I peeled off the wax paper, hoping to reveal a clean white canvas to start over.  Wishful thinking.  The paper ripped as I removed it, leaving wax paper in various layers of color and creating a dramatic look.  I can work with this. 

I added a few pools of pink alcohol ink for added vibrancy. 

The torn wax paper has a linear effect, creating the perfect backdrop for dried roses.

The piece seemed to name itself, “Out of the Ashes”. 

Out of the ashes, color and vibrancy emerge.  And to expand on the idea, “safe from the trash heap, this piece came back to life with possibility.” 

After more contemplation, the story of my art piece was complete.  It was just a matter of selecting the perfect vintage photo to add to the piece. 

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Materials Used: 

It’s important the materials I use in my art have a story.  Many people give me objects, art supplies, etc, to support my creativity (and I suspect they want to clean their homes!)

This art piece incorporates a variety of connections with people through the materials.

1. My aunt Angie Holguin gave me the vintage photo.  (The photo is of strangers, no relation)
   
2. The roses are from my friend Tom Cao from Flowerama of Plano.  He was kind to donate a generous mountain of flowers for my art endeavors.
   
3. Wax Paper, decoupage and foam brushes:  Supplied by my friend and art supporter, Paulette Lyman
   
4. The nut is from Tore Bellis.  It is from his dad’s collection of supplies.
   
5. The decorative paper (I used it as a ribbon) is from a photographer friend from work, Terri Gibbs, who discovered I love fancy papers but am too cheap to buy them!

The art didn’t come together from isolation or a solitary moment. Rather, the random objects are a connection to people and moments in time that led to this piece. My role was to see the possibility and to be open to the creative process.

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Botanicals exhibit: May 20 – June 24th

Location: Lewisville Grand Theater / 100 N. Charles Street, Lewisville, TX

Special thanks to Visual Art League of Lewisville member and exhibit curator, Crystal Nelson. You are a pleasure to work with and a wonderful friend.

Want to display your own art? Join the Visual Art League of Lewisville!

Like what you see? Out of Ashes is available for purchase while on display or make me an offer. (I’m running out of walls at home)