My work presents narratives that convey not only the obvious connections but those subtle influences that contribute to who we are.

Personal roots, relationships and connections are important to me. Each time I introduce images to different surfaces, I focus first on the people as I look for a unique method to convey their histories. I imagine their lives, consider their dress, their posture and attitude – I add figures and create new scenarios. I reveal their personalities through the combination of these characteristics, interaction with the other images, the attributes of the layered surfaces, the marks, and the design I impose. These stories become my artwork.

My medium is unlimited and incorporates canvas, paper and acrylic gel sheets combined with thread filaments and images in ways that are solid and ethereal. My color selection reflects the period portrayed in my resource photos. These are split seconds in time I’ve revisited. I start with captured moments as I create my visuals to prompt the viewer to create context and react personally, to them. By manipulating and layering photographs of family, friends, and strangers, I delve into the ambiguity of our past and present lives, and mine the connections¬¬ that influence and shape us.

To me, these messages and memories are private and at the same time universal. I try to provoke both quiet introspection and noisy dialogue. We have inner and outer lives. We have obvious and hidden stories. Life is simple. Life is complex. Our lives, ultimately, become stories. My work is all about sharing these narratives.”

More about Marilyn Charlat Dix

Artist Website: http://www.marilyncharlatdix.com/

Instagram: @marilyncharlatdixartist