About Linda PicosClark
Change has played an indelible and transformative role in shaping the trajectory of my life. It has been the guiding compass, steering me towards new horizons and offering a glimmer of hope amidst challenging circumstances. Born in the once thriving town of San Tome, Anzoategul, Venezuela, my early years were marked by the growing uncertainty that plagued the nation. In pursuit of greener pastures and a brighter future for his young family, my father made the audacious decision to uproot us for the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, where we were warmly embraced by my mother's family.
Mexico City, a city of vibrant colors, scents, and bustling streets, became our newfound sanctuary, imbuing us with a renewed sense of optimism. Yet, my father's ceaseless yearning for better opportunities propelled us further towards the land of dreams and possibilities – Los Angeles, California. Drawn back to his childhood home, where his own dreams had once taken root, we embarked on an arduous journey to a foreign land where English was an enigmatic language we barely comprehended.
The migration to California ushered in a period of restless wandering for our family, characterized by countless moves from one town to another. Each relocation, though challenging, was undertaken with the fervent belief that it would lead us closer to the elusive concept of "better." My father, a man of intellectual prowess and a skilled engineer, was driven by an insatiable desire to secure a more prosperous future for family. Yet, these endeavors often left us feeling uprooted and unsettled, as we grappled with adjusting to new surroundings, new schools, and new communities.
Nevertheless, amidst the backdrop of constant change and transient abodes, I began to see change not as a mere disruptor, but as a crucible for growth and resilience. It instilled within me the invaluable ability to adapt, to face uncertainty head-on, and to find strength in the face of adversity.
Now, as I reflect upon the colorful tapestry of my life, it becomes evident that change, with all its complexities and challenges, has shaped my identity and propelled me towards personal and professional growth. It has taught me to dare to dream, to seek new beginnings, and to strive for a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. While the quest for stability and the pursuit of "a better life" may continue to ebb and flow, the unwavering pursuit of change remains a defining aspect of my journey, propelling me forward into the unknown with unwavering optimism and tenacity.
In these early formative years, I experienced a profound sense of unfamiliarity, drifting from one school to another, never quite establishing profound connections outside of my immediate family. As the transient nature of my existence unfolded, I sought solace in the solitariness of my artistic endeavors, dedicating countless hours to the act of drawing. Within the intricate strokes and captivating colors, I discovered a sanctuary, where the unspoken thoughts and emotions found their voice, forging a powerful mode of expression that words could never encapsulate.
As a young adult, I made a deliberate decision to study art in Mexico City, driven by my desire to reconnect with my cultural and familial roots. It was an incredibly transformative experience for me as I delved into my studies independently at Esmeralda, the renowned National Institute of Plastic Arts in the heart of Mexico City. Surrounded by a diverse array of artists, I was exposed to a captivating mix of personal, cultural, and academic influences that enriched my artistic journey.
I returned to California State University at Long Beach to complete my B.F.A. There, my professors recognized my potential and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone—away from the realm of representational art—to explore the vast possibilities of non-objective work. Excited about the possibilities, a new focus developed. I became highly motivated by my interest in experimentation.
As I continued to delve deeper into my artistic explorations, I began to realize the immense value of experimentation in the creative process. It taught me to embrace uncertainty and trust my instincts, enabling me to break free from the confines of conventional thinking and explore new territories.
In summary, my decision to study art in Mexico City and subsequently explore non-objective work at California State University at Long Beach has played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic journey. It has allowed me to reconnect with my cultural heritage, broaden my artistic horizons, and ignite an unwavering passion for experimentation. By taking chances and embracing the unknown, I have unlocked endless possibilities, witnessing the birth of unique forms and captivating ideas that continue to shape and inspire my artistic expression today.
Statement
My work had been non-objective since my studies at CSU at Long Beach, where I delved into exploring the concepts of change, energy, and entropy within my paintings. In my series, “Entropy”, I pushed the boundaries of the painting's surface, alternately building it up and tearing it down, bringing it to the edge of destruction. However, as of late, my artistic approach has taken a shift, particularly when I started experimenting with larger canvases.
These large canvases became a turning point for me and marked the beginning of my new series, "Scapes." With this series, I wanted to explore a less structured approach that would evoke familiar yet nonspecific places. I started by pouring and dragging paint onto the canvas, creating a loose structure that allowed for directional movement. I intentionally kept the initial step of pouring and dragging minimally manipulated, letting the paint find its own path across the canvas. From there, I embarked on a more traditional progression, slowly building up translucent layers using a glazing technique. My aim was to achieve multiple depths of movement, resulting in a haphazard pattern that echoed the fluidity found in nature.
These new images in my "Scapes" series are deeply influenced by my reconnection to the land. During my long drives from Santa Fe, New Mexico to California, I found a renewed sense of inspiration and connection to the natural world. I attribute the emergence of these images to the landscapes and vistas that unfolded before me during these journeys.
Ever the experimenter, I inevitably found myself returning to something familiar, something I hold close to my heart: flowers. Painting flowers presented new artistic challenges for me, as I sought to capture their beauty without falling into the trap of clichés and triteness. It was during the time of the Covid pandemic that this new series took shape. In response to the challenges and defeats I faced while attempting to garden in Albuquerque, I retreated to my studio and refocused my energy on painting. In this series, I aimed to create realistic images of flowers, only to conceal them with abstract floral shapes. The flowers now become hidden, inviting viewers to explore and uncover them by peering between the layers of abstraction. I intentionally infused this series with bright and cheerful colors, aiming to combat the feelings of isolation that were exacerbated by the pandemic. As it happened, I had just moved to a new city right before the lockdowns began, heightening my sense of solitude and longing for connection. Therefore, the vibrancy and joyfulness present in these paintings became my way of finding hope and solace during those challenging times.
It is my heartfelt wish that viewers will also find a sense of hopefulness in these artworks, just as I do. Through my exploration of change, energy, entropy, landscapes, and the beauty of flowers, I have discovered new avenues of artistic expression and a deeper connection to the world around me.
Born: San Tome, Venezuela
Resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Education
California State University at Long Beach, B.F.A. Drawing/Painting
Encaustic Painting with Paula Roland
Encaustic Painting Montserrat College, Beverly, Mass.
Esmeralda: Institute of Plastic Arts, Mexico D.F.
Independent studies, Lithography, Mural and Oil Painting.
Awards:
Young Talent Award of Los Angeles County Museum
UCLA Printmaking Award
Long Beach Art Association California, Category in Drawing
Copyright © 2018 L. Picos Clark. All rights reserved.