Arielle Austin
In The Wait, 2020, Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20"
Describe your artistic style in three words.
Intuitive, colorful, emotional
What's inspiring you right now?
The resilience of those of the black culture, my culture, is what is keeping me inspired in this moment in time. It's the beautifully outrageous audacity to still show up in the world with confidence in self and the gifts one has to offer. Seeing that in others and recognizing that in myself makes me want to create more boldly and unapologetically.
What do you do when you're feeling uninspired?
Silently stepping out into nature; getting in touch with the 'first art form' helps ground me and quiets the critic in my head.
Sitting in the melodies of music can also bring out some great inspiration as well.
Tell us something unique about your process.
My process is very intuitive. Aside from maybe one or two colors to play with I almost never show up to a canvas with an idea in mind. For me, the process of creating has always been about showing up to a conversation between me and God. Unscripted, honest, sometimes it takes the uncovering of many layers to get to the point, sometimes it just takes being lead. Either way, the risk of transparency is never lost.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Make it a priority to check-in with yourself. It's so easy to get lost in the creative process and forget about the well-being of the very body you're using to create. Take care of your vessel.
We Were Here, 2019, Acrylic, graphite, paper on canvas, 24 x 30"
LA County Fair, 2019, Acrylic, graphite on wood panel, 5 x 7”
What You Unlearn, 2019, Acrylic, pastel, paper on canvas, 24 x 24"
Changing Rhythm 1, 2019, Acrylic, pastel on paper, 11 x 14"
Slow Contemplation, 2019, Acrylic, pastel on canvas, 18 x 24"
Untitled, 2019, Acrylic on canvas 8 x 8" (diptych)
Untitled, 2019, Acrylic on canvas 8 x 8" (diptych)
Off The Spanish Coast, 2018, Acrylic, pastel, charcoal on paper, 10 x 10"
The Move Forward, 2018, Acrylic, paper on canvas, 16 x 20"
Arielle Austin’s process based work explores the intimate relationship between subject and viewer with layers, texture, and details. It’s a practice in staying present, while resolving abstract plays on color, composition, and texture.