In my painting, misdirection, I explore the tension between control and distraction through the use of color and form. The black yarn, and encaustic create a stark, tactile symbol that contrast sharply with the vibrant yellow surrounding it. Yellow is a powerful color: it demands attention, yet can also unsettle. This duality underscores the idea of misdirection - leading the viewer’s gaze to a specific place while simultaneously hinting at someone else.
Misdirection is a concept found across different realms. A misplaced ingredient in a recipe, a magician’s sleight of hand, or a pickpocket’s diversion - all are forms of intentional distraction that guide people away from the truth. This notion resonates deeply within my personal journey. As a quiet, observant teenager, I found my voice through a distinctive technique of yarn, and encaustic, a medium that allowed me to create authentic, textured imagery.
This method became my signature style and was a reflection of my true self.