When I started The Joy of Living Series, I didn’t know where it’ll take me a year later. It’s been a long ride from the pandemic, contemplating all the lives lost and starting a body of work that would in some ways document that period. But more importantly, act as art that heals. Art that brings joy and makes life worth living. “Bubbly” is the latest addition to this collection of works which don’t need anyone to speak for them.

When I say they don’t need anyone speaking for them, I mean their expressions say it all; as you can see from all the other pieces in the series. Check them out here.

When I decided to create “Bubbly”, I wanted you to hear her belly laughter ring in your ears. I wanted you to see her body move as she laughs, feel the joy emanating from her. And most of all, I wanted you not to be able to help yourself but for her smile to infect you with a smile of your own.

Now that this piece is complete, when I look at her, she checks all those boxes.
Just like you can’t put bubbles back into the bottle that they came from, you can’t bottle this joy up inside of you. It’s got to come out. And when it does, you can’t force it back in.

While working on this piece, the words “bubbly” and “effervescent” kept coming to me. To honor that, I collaged in several circular shapes to look as though they were coming out of her mouth. In my original sketch these shapes were not present. But I like allowing the work to lead me instead of me trying to bend it to my will. The more I allow collaboration between me and the work, the better the resulting outcome. It’s still a work in progress for me to completely let go, and allow the work to lead while I follow.

Where to View
Currently on view at
Heather Gaudio Fine Art
Address: 78 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Website: https://www.heathergaudiofineart.com
On view till: January 28, 2023
For inquiries, contact 203-801-9590
That’s it for now.
Warmest regards,

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Also published on Medium.
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