48” x 54” x 1.5”
Acrylic, flashe on canvas
2022
It was so obvious, the door was right in front of her, but as she stepped closer to it, it receded into the distance. She proceeded slowly…trying to trick the door into not noticing she was approaching. Quietly, softly, dragging her toes gently along the ground so it didn’t even look like she was advancing…but as she reached out towards the handle, the door shrunk in size and receded again until it seemed even farther from where it was just moments ago. She played this game for hours, days, weeks… approaching cautiously only to watch the yellow door move farther away.
And then, mostly out of spite, partially out of curiosity, she lunged forward, hands open, ready to grab a hold of the handle as if her life depended on it, because she was tired of playing it safe, tired of her patient approach. And somehow, as she leapt into midair ready to brace for impact, the door casually swung open, and before she even knew it, she was already on the other side.
The Dreamscape collection is inspired by the intangible way we experience past memories and recall dreams. When you’re actively dreaming, it’s impossible to distinguish imagination from reality. The subconscious presents this dreamscape dimension vividly: shapes are defined, faces are recognizable and settings are clear - but after waking and reflecting on the narrative, everything that seemed solid and realistic suddenly seems hazy, uncertain, unclear. Memories are like this, too. Depending on our perspective, or the mood we’re in when we conjour them, memories are ever-shifting: they can move from sweet to sour, from truth to lie, the extreme moments stand out from the mundane. Both dreams and memories exist in the extremes. They’re usually labelled in our minds as clear vs. confusing, good vs. bad, joyful vs. painful…but this is simply our human experience attempting to make the most sense of a subconscious experience. In reality, both recollections are held together by a baseline of “grey area”. This collection serves to explore the tenuous tie that binds paradox, and how it is whimsical and fleeting in its existence, ever-changing and dynamic.
More info about this product:
This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio on 1.5" gallery frames. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with an artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information. *Decorative frame not included*
Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges and/or for picking up the painting, but the artist will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.
*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world. Frame not included.