What's New

Posts in Califia
Califia on the Horizon

CALIFIA

…on the Horizon

Sullivan Goss, Santa Barbara

Opening July 27, 2020

“Pacific Disposition”

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

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.

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

Wishing you all Peace, Harmony, and Health!,

Holli Harmon

Califia

CALIFIA

OPENING JULY 31st,2020

SULLIVAN GOSS, Santa Barbara, California

Woman at the Beach,48x48”, Oil and Cold Wax. Images of beach clad women from multiple generations are painted over collaged ephemera that hold clues to coastal identity.

Woman at the Beach,48x48”, Oil and Cold Wax. Images of beach clad women from multiple generations are painted over collaged ephemera that hold clues to coastal identity.

The Califia Series plays with California’s namesake, Califia.

Califia is a mythical warrior queen, who raises an army of women warriors. The paintings in this series feature strong female figures who unravel the numerous layers of culture that continue to accumulate in California.

What parts of our folklore are true? In our rapidly changing world, what new myths are we creating to define who we are today? The paintings are built by layering multi media and imagery that explore ideas that define who we are, were we came from, and where we are headed in the most populous U.S. state.


Pacific Life 22x30” Full bleed monoprint from the Archeological Dig Series

Pacific Life 22x30” Full bleed monoprint from the Archeological Dig Series

ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG SERIES
The layered monoprints from The Archeological Dig Series, will be featured in the Califia exhibition. These full bleed 22x30” BFK sheets of paper feature iconic symbols and icons that are embedded in our California life style. They are floated in low profile bamboo frames.

This method of layering has carried over to my paintings in the Califia Series.