harrietbigbomb

So one year ago or more, I stumbled into this forum and created an account for...nothing xD. ON MAY 17th 2012, Instead of studying for bio, I decided to upload all my artworks oops. I started to find it useful to share my artwork with others because I know I am gonna keep painting for a long long long time. I have to learn more from you guys too (:

"Harriet INTRODUCE yourself please"
OH ME? :">
a painter, a dancer, an ice-creamer (>D<), a climber ( chicken level), a lover and a dreamer

Connect with me (click links below)

Ly (Harriet) Bui's gallery
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(don't be shocked yet. These are not all =)) )

ARTIST TSTATEMENT

My work is introspective, focusing on the difficult journeys of life. Those feelings -- whether fearful, hesitant, or heart-broken -- are responses to my interaction with the outside world. The journey is lonely and enclosed, as the self desperately tries to find an outlet. The hope behind the darkness is represented by images such as flowers, trees, and open windows. Ordinary objects such as jars of food, a wooden doll, a windows, have subtle power to provoke viewer’s memories. I use them to convey an understanding about what my inner life, though private, has in common with the inner
lives of others.

I am an only child. Cultural and family traditions have been central to my life. As I construct paintings, my process reveals this aspect of my personality. My process is slow and thorough: I start with sketches on canvas, followed by careful under painting. I then mix all the colors I expect to be seen. Finally, I put paint on canvas. I do not see tradition as a hindrance to creativity. Instead it is the cradle of new ideas, as I must nurture them within a conventional framework. The repetition of cultural images such as the traditional Vietnamese dress or tea leaves may evoke a sense of hometown to me, but create a fresh look to Western viewers.

My painting style is realistic. Reconstructing reality through arts brings a deeper understanding of myself and the truth I see. Using photographic source material challenges my power to reconstruct exactly what is seen in a photograph, and I do so without projection or grids - I try to defy the growing dependence on technological materials which are replacing human’s basic functions such as writing by hand and drawing. Human natural ability is more delicate and precious than the increasing application of technology, which can kill innovation and creativity.

The most helpful material I use for my works is oil paint. Its slower drying time opens up the ability to construct reality. It allows a smooth transition between values, which allows me to create realistic depth and space. Mixing colors and applying oil paint on canvas led me to the intersection between real life and art. There is always hope for second chances. If a color does not work out well, the artist may redo it with use of mineral spirits. This encourages experiences without fear of making mistakes. I believe life it is more about experiences than destinations. Everyone makes mistakes, but they
are only negative if we refuse to learn from them.

A common stylistic theme in my paintings is the contrast between light and dark such as in “Hope” and “Open”. As I play with values, shadow, and highlight, I consciously explore the theme of darkness versus light, hope mingling with desperation, sadness intertwined with happiness. This visual effect is an attempt to draw viewers’ attention to their private internal feelings, to find a piece of themselves reflected in the art of another.