We have a tendency of separating our spaces into the perceived “outside” and “inside,” referring to what is in the open air versus what has a roof and four walls. Due to self-isolation, private space is being “invaded” by the public eye and there is no longer a clear separation between the indoor private and outdoor public worlds.

Gouache, watercolor, paper, clear plastic sheet, and graphite are used to fuse two different parts into one whole; the tree, mountain, and natural objects are part of the outside world that we often set apart from our perception of what is human. In contrast, the umbrella, chair, and man-made objects are reminiscent of a space we separate from what is “natural.” The indication of a person in the corner of the painting represents the outside world peering into our personal space. I chose gouache for its ability to create opacity and structure. Watercolor’s transparency is less restrictive, so I used it to paint moments of clarity in the painting. Paper was used as the main ground and fragments of clear plastic sheet are in certain parts.

This project is about flattening space, playing with layers, and experimenting with transparency to bring out important elements of the two perceived worlds. This painting relates to my previous projects about home, belonging, and natural vs. unnatural spaces. Growing as an artist and finding my individual voice, I try to find ways to use my past, what is familiar and familial to me, to inform work that emphasizes what is important to me in the future.