Artist Statement:
At the beginning of 2020 I created a theme: “Create more. Explore more.” In June of 2019, after my move to NYC and working full time as a server at a LES (Lower East Side) restaurant, I realized that I didn’t give myself enough time to create or even explore NYC as much as I would have liked. Shortly after creating the theme, NYC went into lock down and I was laid off from my day job. The silver-lining was having the privilege of time and space to create more. With quarantine in place I wasn’t able to explore NYC like I had intended but I was able to explore my craft more. The first few months was dedicated to just that. The work presented is a small portion of what was created in lock down, with a few exceptions. At the time, with this collection, I had internal arguments of trying to find my voice and style while seeking constructive criticism from peers. I remember being so critical of my work, technique and voice. There was comfort in solitude at the time and yet pandemic induced anxiety on the border of depression slipped through every other week. Seeking help form peers helped me feel less alone while giving me something to focus on with my work. More work was created shortly after and will someday be presented in the future but with this collection, revisiting today in 2021, I can’t help but see style and voice that is my own. I can feel myself blossoming through my work, my path as an illustrator, my sobriety and through the relationships I cherish deeply.
“Informal” NOTES FROM THE ARTIST:
I wanted to present this work as my second “low-Key informal online gallery show” for multiple reasons:
To share the personal growth in my work and what has blossomed from it.
Voice the difficulties of this time not through the art itself but through the action of posting work in such an informal way. I do not have the extra funds to professionally frame any work I have created nor the funds to submit work from other collections to exhibitions. I have yet to afford proper tools to professionally photograph the work I have created as well. This is a form of creating space for myself, my work and doing it in protest of the circumstances given at this time.
To sell work in hopes that it could help me move forward in my path as a blossoming artist, small business owner and a fellow person in this new world.
Most galleries are getting hit hard during this time as well. Although the summer feels optimistic in getting to view the arts in a public setting again, the chances towards exhibiting a body of work is low. (But I am hopeful.)
Thank you for taking the time to click on the link, to come here, to show up and to support my work. Your interest along with generosity is truly wonderful and I appreciate you and your time.
-A
* All artwork is for sale unless stated otherwise. Some prints of original artwork will be available for pre-orders via ArtbyAdelaAntoinette.Etsy.com *