Dolores artist Bronwyn B. Strickland sees a blank canvas as a countdown to action.
Her art studio's name, Three Two, is part of a momentum-inspired philosophy to take the creative process head-on.
"I approach artwork as taking action. My goal is to create paintings and sculptures that help motivate people to think more critically of our world," she said during a visit to her home studio.
In a subtle and evocative way, Strickland incorporates Chinese culture and language into her mixed-media paintings. She has a degree in Chinese language from Arizona State University and has traveled to the country numerous times.
The geometric painting "Compass" was inspired by an ancient Chinese poem: "Spill water on level ground, it flows north east south and west, life too has its destiny."
The large painting won Best of Show this year at a Durango Arts Center juried exhibit.
Strickland, 34, journeyed through the uninspired life before realizing her destiny.
"I had a series of office jobs, and I was continuously unhappy," she says. "Three years ago I decided to be a full-time artist because I knew it was something I was good at."
Her paintings sometimes takes on an abstract quality such as the piece "Wildflowers in a Thunderstorm," inspired by a deluge she was caught in while hiking at Bear Creek.
Her 7-foot-tall sculpture "Cocoon" is full of texture, twigs, cloth, and color. It symbolizes "inner greatness," Strickland said.
Other times, her work features refined drawings with a surrealistic tone that is hard to put your finger on, yet interesting to look at.
In other pieces, her Chinese influence shows up more prominently. "New Moon" features the Chinese writing that becomes part of the artwork, and spells out a poem about a woman seeking inspiration by bowing to the new moon.
Strickland's enigmatic style makes the viewer want to stare a little longer to try figure out the hidden meaning, a process that satisfies the artist.
"I'm trying to connect with the viewer, while also satisfying my creative whims," she says. "Some of my pieces people might find disturbing. I'm trying to draw them in and want the viewer to take a moment and think about it."
"Hold On" depicts a hand with what might be interpreted as dripping blood, but despite the Gothic touch, Strickland sees a positive silver lining.
"The grip is strong, symbolic of the will to hang on, maybe in the face of adversity," she says.
Strickland has synesthesia a rare neurological phenomenon that combines some of the senses. For example she sees colors in letters and numbers and texture in sounds.
"I see it has a gift, and it guides me visually through my art projects," she said. "I spontaneously create artwork by sensing the essence of something and then taking a spiritual journey. I'm looking forward to taking my art to the next level."
Her work has been shown at Raven House Gallery in Mancos, the Durango Arts Center, and Studio &.. She recently painted portraits of the homeless from the Bridge Emergency Shelter. The mixed-media paintings will be featured at the Faces of Folk fundraiser for the shelter on May 2 at the KSJD Sunflower Theatre.
Visit her website at www.threetwoartstudio.com to view her artwork and to purchase a piece.
