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Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Photos: Michael Rose
Visible art is a deeply personalized form of expression. Makers who obtain a way to authentically share their stories by means of their function appreciate robust connections with viewers. Neighborhood artist Sydney Sousa is a key example of this truth, and has uncovered a committed pursuing by the heartfelt way she expresses herself in the medium of summary painting. She is an rising talent whose introspective studio follow is making partaking artworks.
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Sousa was lifted in East Providence and discovered herself getting the pursuit of artwork seriously in her substantial college art classes. She channeled this fascination into her college or university education, finding out at Rhode Island Faculty, in which she gained her undergraduate degree in psychology and studio artwork with a focus in portray. She went on to be chosen for the inaugural cohort of WaterFire’s Speed up Application, a selective yr lengthy professional advancement plan for younger artists in the condition. When not producing artwork of her very own, Sousa utilizes her resourceful energies in her career as an functions therapist at Butler Medical center, the place she operates with shoppers on creative projects ranging from artwork to poetry.
Pics: Michael Rose
As a born Rhode Islander, Sousa has an appreciation for the imaginative neighborhood in the state. Talking of it, she claims, “I delight in becoming an artist in Rhode Island because even though we are a smaller condition we are crammed with creatives. I enjoy connecting with the neighborhood, studying and attaining inspiration from other individuals.”
The inspiration that drives Sousa’s painting practice finds root in a multitude of sources. Her studio is densely wallpapered with references. Images of loved ones and buddies obtain sites on her wall alongside artworks created by customers she has worked with at Butler. Stacks of art heritage books underlie buckets of brushes and palettes with oils at the completely ready. A Keith Haring blanket covers a couch in the house, though pictures of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat peek out from in excess of her desk. Asked what artists and movements she is most interested in at the minute, she answers, “Artists in heritage that have been inspiring me these days are Tracey Emin, Willem De Kooning, and Lee Krasner. Summary expressionism is my greatest enjoy.”
That passion for abstraction is obvious across Sousa’s manufacturing. She relishes in paint and lavishes her canvases with tone and texture. On a single wall of her studio, her newest painting is in approach, with gauzy stains of color remaining applied and errant drips locating their way to the wall and flooring. The outcome of Sousa’s very first pass at her canvas is reminiscent of Helen Frankenthaler.
Pictures: Michael Rose
A latest addition to her do the job has been the inclusion of figures inside of her generally abstracted fields of color and gesture. These languid varieties often draw from art historical references or source their versions somewhere else.
The artist explains the inclusion of these more recent bodily motifs in her art, indicating, “My paintings are all about interpersonal experiences and emotion. Making use of figures came into perform during the pandemic when social interactions have been minimal. As time has passed I often use two figures in my perform symbolizing interactions I have designed and relationships that have finished. Painting for me is related to retaining a diary.”
Photos: Michael Rose
For Sousa, her studio practice is indeed deeply private. Even though she has exhibited her operate and participated in demonstrates all over the spot, she finally finds that she paints for herself. Her artworks are embedded with references to her very own life, but attribute characteristics that have a broader attraction and offer you possibilities for viewers to hook up with the artist by means of shared activities.
Asked what she hopes audiences see or practical experience when interacting with her paintings, Sousa suggests she is aiming for a deep connection. She states, “I hope audiences have an emotional practical experience remaining in the existence of my do the job. I hope those viewing my work are taken back to a memory of their very own or a lesson they have acquired. I hope for an emotional realization.”
Pics: Michael Rose
Sousa’s paintings do provide chances for this emotional link and invite viewers in to meet the artist on her phrases. While a younger artist continue to in the midst of obtaining and shaping her voice, Sousa has currently revealed a dedication to sharing and building connections with her get the job done. As her observe evolves, it will be thrilling to see where by her talent takes her.
You can abide by Sydney Sousa’s do the job and updates from her East Providence studio on Instagram @sydsousa.
Michael Rose is a multi-talented high-quality art expert centered in Southern New England. Considering that 2014 he has served as the gallery supervisor at the historic Providence Artwork Club, a single of the nation’s oldest arts organizations. Through his recent freelance do the job he advises collectors and artists, delivers appraisal solutions, teaches, and completes curatorial jobs.
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