No, it wasn’t my first time using a trip to pick up an art piece in person. But, this time, it was Miami!
The culture is palpable. It drapes over you when you exit I-95 South. Cuban, Jamaican, Bahamian and Haitian influences are seen in the architecture and tasted in the food. Unfortunately, I had two days, and it wasn't enough. If you have never been, visit, at least once.
It worked out that I had purchased a painting a few weeks before visiting Miami.
The artist, Sophie Wong, was ready to ship, but I opted to pick up the piece in person during a motorcycle ride to Key West. Note: I would not do this again. It rained and I almost had a meltdown. You can see how it was packed on the right.
Born and raised in Miami, Wong, known as S.O.N.A., is a graduate of the New World School of the Arts in Miami and studied at Purchase College, State University of New York. In addition to her work as an artist, she offers private lessons to young artists, focusing on portfolio creation and exhibition preparation.
According to her bio, she draws on "inspiration from her cultural background of Jamaican Chinese and Bahamian British. She explores her own personal connection with the natural world to unravel her own truth and curiosity around the duality of indigenous culture and practice in the context of modern-day society."
As with many pieces I've purchased, "Bare #2" stopped me cold. It is one of three in a Women Empowerment Series that she painted.
She said, "...all three were named 'Bare' with the idea of being raw and flawed while embracing their power as women."
I would describe the painting as "flawless." Each splatter is perfectly placed; the brushstrokes are confident and deliberate. The media is a perfect mix of charcoal and paint. Painted on Arches paper; even the paper exudes strength and resilience.
When I returned from the trip, I took the painting to Michael's because it deserved more than a basic frame. When I stepped to the counter to wait for assistance, a woman and her friend walked up and asked to see it. I unrolled it; the audible gasps were surprising. Of course, the painting was breathtaking to me, but art is subjective; I didn't expect the same reaction from others.
The women stood as I decided to "float" the painting and chose the perfect frame and mat. Floating is the technique of placing a painting on a full mat to allow the edges to be seen. You can see this in the image below.
One of the women asked, "why did you buy it?"
"Because I was blown away by it," I said.
"Yes! That's why you should buy art," she replied.
Each piece I've purchased has captured me for different reasons, whether the colors, the media or the image. By following artists on Instagram, I have the privilege of following the creative process, often from the first paint strokes to something that would make your heart burst.
There's no gallery nor middle man. Instead, I receive the artwork directly from the artist. Opening the wrapping and seeing personal handwritten notes of thanks feels like opening a gift. (Corny? Yes. But it does!)
I look forward to seeing more from S.O.N.A. I already have my eye on Bare #1.
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