Elise Bond - Artist Statement
While you were sleeping
You tossed, you turned
You rolled your eyes as the world burned
The heavens fell, the earth quaked
I thought you must be, but you weren't awake
~Elvis Perkins
For this series I paint moments in time, reflections of nature, imaginations of alternate universes where the mermaids live and horned women watch over the lands. If there is one silver lining to the last several years, it is that I have been reminded to take moments to slow down….step out into nature more often, feel the grass on my bare feet and the sand under my toes. It has evoked an “Awakening” in me.
While my paintings always start with various women in the arts, I enjoy taking them into imaginary worlds. I start with a photograph that speaks to me, and then through a series of cutting out images of flowers, birds, and sea life, I compose a scene on the computer completely before I put the paintbrush to the canvas. I play with color and texture until it sparks a feeling and ignites the senses.