The artist's studio
It started with one hundred ceramic tiles, procured for free from a local artist looking to get rid of extra supplies. I'd been experimenting with alcohol inks for a while and loved them. Before, I've used everything from pen and ink to colored pencil, always looking for precision and coming up dissatisfied.
To my surprise, the unpredictable nature of alcohol ink helped me get past perfectionism and fully enjoy the act of creating.
Pink and silver alcohol ink on canvas
Paper and canvas offered texture, but I wanted a surface that allowed me to play with the color for longer, without it absorbing. Ceramic tile turned out to be the answer! Driving home with a trunk filled with clinking tiles, I wondered whether I was making a mistake. My tiny house is cozy but small, after all. Small spaces require careful planning, and I like my studio to be (mostly) well organized.
But as soon as I began laying ink on tile, I fell in love. The smooth surface was the perfect solution, letting me manipulate colors into landscapes, flowers, animals, the natural imagery I've always loved bringing to life.
I'm still learning and exploring as an artist, always trying new methods and subject matter. My love of nature and the southwest features heavily in my work today, but I also draw inspiration from fairy tales and spirituality, favorite books, and my own life experiences.
"Memories of Silver Cliff," alcohol ink on tile
The process, for me, is as fun as the result. Sometimes I have a distinct idea for a piece, but often I go in without direction, excited to see where the colors will take me and what shapes will appear.
As I share my work with the world, I hope to inspire other artists and art lovers to gain an appreciation for alcohol inks and colorful abstract art.
Until then, I'll be in my studio!