OBSERVING SILENCE: memoir of solitude
2023
Bombay Noir India Ink on Water Color paper
11 x 14"
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It is the mornings in late fall,
the quiet foggy silence filled ones.When loneliness is its most profoundly beautiful
and all the world seems suspended in the mist of a dream.It is the mornings when i see no face but mine
and speak not a word to another soul
When time feels eternal and fleeting all at once
as ink dances from my brush under a familiar songIt is these days that the touch of soft cloth on skin
and hot tea held to the chest blossoms warmthAnd it is these days that I am most content with being
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THE BEAUTY OF SILENCE
THE OBSERVING SILENCE BODY WORK HI-LIGHTS THE SIGNIFICANTE BEAUTY OF SEEKING OUT CONTEMPLATIVE AND MEDITATIVE SILENCE WITH INTENTIONALITY.
Observing Silence Statement
Born from the artist's initial struggle with quietude, "Observing Silence" explores the transformative power of silence as a wellspring for both artistic creation and spirituality. Black and white ink, chosen for its limitation allows for a deeper exploration of form and a more unfettered flow in the creation of these abstract pieces. Each piece accompanied by a poem offering a glimpse into the artist's mind or acting as a juxtaposing thought to work it is partnered with. Further imbued with intentional prayer for commissioned works, these artworks delve into the complexities of human emotions and thoughts, inviting viewers to contemplate their own inner landscapes in the face of silence, akin to a meditative or worshipful practice.
Artist's Struggle and the Birth of Sacred Space
"Observing Silence," Body of work delves into the artistic practice of Bianca Valencia Criscuolo and her exploration of silence as a creative wellspring. It began with a personal challenge: the difficulty of focusing and concentrating in quietude. However, through this struggle, Bianca Valencia Criscuolo discovered a transformative space – a space where silence becomes a catalyst for expression and spiritual connection.
The Power of Limitation for Form
The majority of the artwork in the series is created in black ink. This deliberate restriction serves a dual purpose. By limiting the color palette, Bianca Valencia Criscuolo reduces the mental processing required for color choices. This allows for a deeper exploration of form and a more unfettered flow in the creation of these abstract pieces. It also serves as a representation of peace for the artist. The work is deeply reflective of her aversion to color.
Poetry as Dialogue and Prayer with Intention
Accompanying each artwork is a corresponding poem, offering a textual narrative counterpoint to the visual. These poems act as a bridge between the artist's internal world and the viewer's interpretation, they are meant to either juxtapose a thought in the work or support it. Furthermore, each commissioned piece is imbued with an additional layer of meaning through prayer woven into the making process, specifically for the recipient.
Meditative Exploration of Inner Self
The works in the "Observing Silence" series run through complexities experiencing in the palm of silence. Through the act of creation – a practice in itself akin to meditation or worship – Bianca Valencia Criscuolo brings these complexities to light, inviting viewers to contemplate their own inner landscapes in the face of silence.