Sarah Granetz

With color and canvas, I abstracted what I had become into prints, impressions of this person I did not know. When I could no longer recognize myself, I knew I had to reclaim what was mine. I continued until I began to feel like myself again. By acknowledging the wound, I could finally let it heal.

Through these works, I have found peace.

When I first began this series, each movement was spontaneous, almost experimental. Now, after selecting my canvas, I study the space and consider what I want to communicate within it. After deciding on a pose, I ensure I will “fit” by lying on the canvas without paint. Once I confirm that I can execute what I have in mind, I decide on colors, textures, etc., and then begin. The prints themselves are made quickly; immediacy is vital to the images I create. My body is my vehicle, my brush.

The way I paint my skin is very important to my process. It determines how my “impressions” are communicated and executed. Personally, I tend to apply my skin to the canvas in the same way for all my pieces. I like this uniformity, so the differences come from the application of paint. Just as I premeditate my composition, I consider which application will most successfully complement the piece. When I am experimenting with new materials, it is impossible to plan as much, but I do play with my applications to ensure I am using the medium to the best of its ability.

Every piece is made with acrylic paint on stretched canvas.