THE RETURN Art Collection Release
I think I am ready.
Last July was when I released my first ever art collection (the Storm Within) to email subscribers, and subsequently, social media. When asked, how long I have been painting, I usually answer that this is my fourth year. But, in reality, it has been a very episodic and short journey, where I do not find the time to hit the easel for weeks or months. Because, life. Some painters produce more pieces in a month, than I can muster up in six.
So, this collection is even more special. Creating it stretched from late 2023 to just a few weeks ago, where some last minute inspiration just felt right. Some paintings trickled out to Instagram, and to some of the community showings I partook. But, they are finally ready to be revealed to my subscribers. This collection also comes on the heels of my larger relaunch - or Return - which feels so rewarding after all this time learning, practicing, dreaming and improving.
From left: First Sequence; North Of The Storm; The Return; Waking Her Up #2 - all Sombrio Beach, BC
So, what’s in the name?
The Return symbolizes many things: my return as a creative following a 5-year hiatus; the return of hope and balance; the impending return of the storm season; and the return of visual language to express where words are hard to find. When asked, Why I paint, I usually respond, because it is calming. While it is somewhat peculiar that painting storms is calming, it really is. Just as the waves return to the shore, the feelings, by way of release, find their way to equilibrium, at least for a while.
The experience…
Last November (2023) I set out on my first, somewhat official storm-chasing road-trip. In the wee hours of that morning, I decided on Sombrio Beach as my destination. An ambitious drive, as I only had the morning away from family duties, but I had faith it was going to be worth it. The storm built-up in waves as I was leaving the Saanich Peninsula and charging Southwest. After a downpour near home, I was greeted by rainbows past Victoria, hail in Westshore and serious flooding on the roads in and past Sooke. Finally, sunshine passing China beach, where I started to worry that I left the best action behind. But the beautiful storm followed me further South and caught up as I cautiously descended to Sombrio and hiked the first loop to East Shore. This post shows some of the muddy hiking - something I’ve never imagined I’d be embarking on on my own volition. The waters and the winds rose as I watched. The sunbeams, the mist and the glittering waves danced on the horizon, as hail stopped, revealing the most beautiful storm I had seen to date.
Finally, about the paintings…
This collection is a love letter to that day, that storm and that beach. The sound of the 6-foot waves landing ashore, the sunbursts, the shoreline trees. A spectacular sight, that had me take some 1,500 photographs in hopes to capture some of that beauty to bring to my easel. The warm sunshine eventually returned allowing me to stay longer and to just be with the storm. This collection is based entirely on that experience and the many moments in shifting light, precipitation, and direction of my sight and camera.
Original paintings range from 8X8 to 36X24” in size. All feature iridescent finishes and glossy varnish to create a subtle, watery presentation. In most cases the viewer is looking towards the Washington state shoreline across the water, which is shrouded in mist and sometimes is indistinguishable from the clouds.
All original paintings are one-of-a-kind and will not be repeated. Reproductions such as cards may be created at a later date.
Interested in collecting stormy moments? - follow the links to the online store, or reach out. If you are an email subscriber, you will have the first access to these new works along with a collector discount code. Want to be a subscriber? Message to newsletter@jolantava.art
XOXO
jolanta