Gallery of Broken Hearts

Gallery of Broken Hearts, acrylic, 22x22

I recently challenged myself to incorporate monoprinting into my paintings. I like monoprinting for the stark black and white images that ensue. I also like that with monoprinting the image can only be made once. There is a true element of surprise when you first glimpse the image which emerges. In the process I have learned to appreciate the randomness of lines, work with them, accept them, and pay careful attention to both positive and negative space.  

As often happens to me, I was running and listening to music and heard the phrase "gallery of broken hearts" in an Ingrid Michaelson song (Be O.K.). I love the phrase. And doesn't
"gallery" just make you think "art"? My mind started working. Monoprinting seemed like a perfect way to try to communicate the feelings behind a broken heart. As I thought about how to capture the phrase in a painting, I realized I wanted to try to communicate the growth and eventual beauty that can come from a broken heart.  

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D. H. Lawrence asserts, "For my part, I prefer my heart to be broken. It is so lovely, dawn-kaleidoscopic within the crack." To be honest, for my part, I do NOT prefer my heart to be broken.  But on those days when it feels like it is, I want to remember to gently look for the kaleidoscope of color coming my way. 

Stitched with Love, acrylic and stitching, 8x8