Exploring, Creating Memories, And Making Art To Remember It All

Evening Brew By Charlene Pulsonetti - 6"x6" Acrylic on Wood
   Traveling with friends and family is a great way to build bonds through recreational and educational oppertunities. Whether it's a day trip to another town, or a week in another country, you quickly learn more about your partners than through day-to-day activities.
Solo travel, on the other hand, takes a bit of courage and stregnth to tackle what is presented - from outside forces, and within yourself.
   When people view my art, they ask what it means. In a nutshell, I tell them, it is an expression of confidence and positive self esteem. Though as you can imagine, these works have much deeper roots.
   It is nearly impossible to remember every moment during my travels in the southwest, not because it was lackluster, but because it was a sensory overload. How can you interpret micro and macro details - the way the clouds float overhead against blue skies, or how tiny creatures thrive in nearly every corner?
   These experiences have taught me to slow down and reckgonize the details, to take snapshots of special moments that may of otherwise been missed.
   These moments inspire my work. I am creating memories of Ramona, California, by exploring wines of the region. As I watch the colorful sunset, I take a small sip and explore the notes presented in the glass. This is part of my education in wine tasting, but also helps me understand better how the earth can effect what we eat and drink.
   When drinking greenthread tea, I am reminded of time on the Navajo reservation, because it is a plant that grows in the region. It creates a fond memory of my travels.
   Remembering the way the sun affects the color of the earth helps me give an authentic representation of a memory when painting a landscape. 
   The Traveler, a woman traveling alone in the southwest, refers to my personal experiences and revelations. It is something that I know others can relate to through their own experiences - or, if they have yet to adventure on their own, I hope it serves to inspires them.
Keep your dreams alive in your heart everyday.
-Charlene