Modern contemporary and abstract wall art with a purpose. One of my artistic missions is to evoke a love of nature and reveal the spiritual experiences hidden therein. As I examine my subjects, I pull the colors out and reduce the lines down. I take from the most interesting areas of my subjects, placing sections into a cohesive composition of lines and areas of visual interest. I use color to either portray the subject so that it is recognizable or to exaggerate that which we think we see. I use color to examine the details of the different layers and I use color to convey feeling. I start with the foundational layers. I outline to define areas of contrast as in a stained-glass window. I may add highlights and shadows with short strokes and dots. My goal is to create an interpretation of the way I respond emotionally to my subjects through the use of color and line.
As I studied trees over the years, and especially during the pandemic, I came to realize that tree bark is the perfect metaphor to tell the story of brokenness and recovery. Tree bark is broken by nature and scarred by animals of all kinds. As the viewer studies these close-up interpretations of the trees common to all of us, the broken places, and the scars, I ask them to consider the scars left by childhood sexual abuse. These layers have to be observed and then gently removed and healed. We have to look closely and carefully to see the child's reality and for children to understand what has happened to them and how it will affect them and their families. Often the brokenness and scars on our trees lead to greater strength and greater beauty in the myriad colors left by disease and decay. It is up to each of us to ensure our children are safe and that we know the signs of sexual abuse as well as we know the scars and broken places on our trees. It is up to us to hear and see our children and to acknowledge how they have been hurt and scarred so that they, too, may gain greater strength and live beautiful lives. Purchases of paintings or prints from the Broken Places Collection help fund Alliance for Children, Tarrant County, Texas. Please see the collection for additional information.
Each image may be purchased as different types of prints, or the original if available. Every print purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Please contact me directly for information about purchasing an original.
Betsy Horn joined Pixels.com Licensing on September 30th, 2019.
