I don’t consider myself particularly sentimental. But something I’ve held onto my entire life, are these letters exchanged between myself and my friends between our 7th and 10th grade years. I recently pulled these letter out again and upon re-reading them, experienced an intense raw emotion. They contained memories ranging from playful and joyful times to darker and more isolated times.

Is that why you didn’t want to do anything with me last weekend because you were mad at me? Why I’m asking that, because that’s what it sounded like, to me. I was never mad at you, how could I ever be mad at you, you’re my best friend. I was hoping I was like that to you too. Am I? I better get going so I can call you back. I just your letter in the mail.”

I began to think about letter writing and how different it is to our current means of communicating through text messages and emails. As an adolescent I poured everything out in those letters, they took time to write, then I waited in anticipation for a reply that perhaps took hours or days to receive. This allowed me to sit with the thoughts and emotions to fully experience them. Instant messaging just doesn’t allow for this type of processing time. And emojis do not cut it.

How are you? I’m pissed again. Gosh, how come guys are such jerks sometimes? I can’t believe almost the whole A-hall 8th grade guys know about the note that I gave you earlier this morning. Why won’t they just give the letter back. I’m soooo mad at them!”

How are you doing? I’m doing sad. Everyone you like are going to your school next year. I can’t believe I’m not going to see ya next year. I felt so bad when you were crying, it made me want to start bawling. I’m not going to have any tears left to cry after the last day of school.

I turned to painting to process my reaction to these letters. What emerged with each painting is lots of expressive movement. The colors flow from one to another, what appeared was a pattern that resembled wings, showing emotions bursting from a center outward. My use of dark color weaved in with bright and vibrant colors symbolizes the undertones of the heavier life experiences of a teen navigating middle/high school, emotional trauma, family dynamics, and divorce. The various loose marks show spontaneity and playfulness. The use of circles are an ongoing symbol in my practice, as they symbolize connectivity and oneness. A closer observation reveals more depth through the use of layers and allows for the viewer to tell their own story.

Do you want to do something on Sunday? I was thinking maybe you could spend the night and then on Sunday morning we could go shopping! I think I”m going to get that long, pretty red dress with the jean vest. Or maybe I’ll get that swimsuit I loved, I’m no sure. I really like both of them but I don’t know which to choose. Help me. What would you choose?

Right now it’s 8:50, I’m watching 90210 in my room…then next, I’m going to watch Party of Five.

A collection of large scale abstract art based on letters written between friends from 7th-10th grades

What to expect:
This collection of abstract paintings ranges in size from 10x10 to 36x36, they can be viewed in person at the opening reception held at my studio on November 12th and by appointment thereafter. They will be available to view and shop online on November 13th.

Prices start at $100 for the smallest size and $900 for the largest. Only 3 of the midsize paintings will come framed. All will be wired and ready for hanging.

With love,

Ella

p.s. write back soon: Original Abstract Art Collection