Autumn:
As an artist I am tuned in to color. It’s something I work closely with every day. I love to experiment with different color combinations and discover the moods they create. The colors that surround me in everyday life play a big part in bringing about a piece of artwork. Changing seasons changes colors. And something I create in the middle of summer is completely different to what I might do in the fall. I especially love the colors of autumn. The world around us shifts to a softer hue. The garish brightness of summer is gone, and we are ushered into a whole new mellow world.
With shorter days one might expect the pace of life to speed up, as we frantically try to accomplish our tasks in a shorter amount of time. But to me life seems to slow down. Sounds become muted in a world thickly carpeted with fallen leaves in gorgeous hues. Misty mornings muted tones bring with them a brilliant iridescence. With sparkles flashing from every leaf and blade of grass. I feel most comfortable amongst the greens and golds and burnt orange of autumn. I’ve often wondered if my upbringing in Ireland has anything to do with that. My imagination is ignited and with evening darkness coming earlier it seems I find more time to work with my hands.
At present I am working on costumes for an “Enchanted Garden” VIP Fundraiser at the Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego, CA.
The monarch Butterfly Costume created for the event reflects the beautiful colors of the season and also honors Dorcas Utter, the woman whose bequest funded the Butterfly house at the garden. As do the beautiful softly fading roses used on the Swan Faeire Costume. The edges of the leaves are tinged with brown, suggesting the brevity of existence, but no less beautiful.
Use whatever it is that inspires you, whether it be color, a song, a leaf blowing in the wind, a story you heard, this is the jumping off point for your imagination, who knows where it might bring you.
Debb Solan