CALIFIA

…on the Horizon

Sullivan Goss, Santa Barbara

Opening July 27, 2020

“Pacific Disposition”

Pacific Disposition, oil and silver leaf on ornate 18x12 panel

This image of my Califia muse manifests the idea that we are at peace with the natural world, co-existing with planet Earth. It was painted on an ornate shaped panel to elevate it as an icon. The edges of the panel are rimmed with copper.

What does “Pacific” mean?

“Pacific, making or desiring to make peace; peaceable, desiring to be at peace, free from the disposition to quarrel; peaceful, in a state of peace. [Century Dictionary, 1895]
The Pacific Ocean (1660 in English) was famously so called in 1519 by Magellan when he sailed into it and found it calmer than the stormy Atlantic, or at least calmer than he expected it to be. According to an original account of the voyage by an Italian named Pigafetta, who was among the adventurers, Magellan gave the entrance to what Pigafetta calls “the South Sea” the Latin name Mare Pacificum. The U.S. Pacific Northwest is so called by 1889.”

— Etymology Dictionary

“Starry Night” is a large monotype created with wood blocks, embroidery, and small silver milagros.

“Starry Night” , Monotype 22x30 on BFK paper with embroidery and milagros.

Wishing you all Peace, Harmony, and Health!,

Holli Harmon

California Impressionism

Although many artists have found inspiration in the Impressionist’s approach to painting, California has a rich history with this movement. Key features of this style include loose brushwork, rich color and a fascination with the effects of sunlight.

When asked to participate in the California Impressionists: The Masters & The Greats They Inspire exhibition in Paso Robles, CA, I was quick to respond. Sasha Irving, the Artistic Director at Studios On The Park, sent a list of masterworks by well known California Impressionists. I scanned the collection and found one of my favorite California painters, Colin Campbell Cooper. He also has a deep history in our Santa Barbara region as a local resident and Dean of Painting at the Santa Barbara Community School of Arts.

Best of all, his image included a bunch of women playing in our Pacific Ocean. That sealed the deal. Sasha let me know that painting was available as a “call and response”. Below, you can see my 2019 painting mirroring Cooper’s level of fun in “Women Playing In the Surf”.

I wanted to feature the athleticism and strength women have in our era. No petticoats or head wraps here. I had a lot of fun applying paint and cold wax with spatulas and knives, while striving to show the action of these surfers and their fluid terrain. Staying true to the impressionists, I used bold color and focused on the sunlight bouncing off these athletes.