“AD ASTRA” by Juan Carlos Fernandez Artist in residence from Tegucigalpa - Honduras November 30 - February 16
AD ASTRA
My work stems from process. The process initiates as I collect imagery that resonates and connects visually within my thought patterns. The selected imagery provides an interaction and dialogue with myself since the very act of sitting at the studio with the intention of creating and focusing my energy. This very dialogue or energetic exchange as I like to think of it, is what dictates the compositional aspects of the work. The exchange presents me with challenges and questions that need to be addressed and answered. My intent is to arrive at the most minimal yet effective and visually harmonious use of compositional space and imagery to convey an idea or question.
The after product of the technical process is nothing more than the evidence of this exterior dialogue with the materials and interior dialogue within. The prominent and or repetitive elements of my work allude to the universe which as I understand, is made of energy. The works question and wonder whether or not my personal energy is an alignment or not with universes’ energy.
The series of work are the result of my time and space here in New London. I found all my imagery here, from random magazines in the studio, to a book about the universe I found at the antique store across the street from the gallery. The view form the studio terrace surprised and inspired me everyday at sunrise and provided a spectacular view of the moon in all its phases. The creative process seemed to flow naturally and my initial concerns about finding pertinent imagery were lost in the dialogue with the materials at hand.
My time and space in New London, made me feel one with the Universe.
