Strawberry, Lemon, Lime – Original Painting

Strawberry, Lemon, Lime – Original Painting

About the Image:

Traffic lights. We see them everywhere. They have three lights: red, yellow, and green. Or do they?

There used to be three, and effectively there still are, but have you looked at a traffic light recently? Each light consists of a myriad of tiny lights, grouped as a larger unit. Each bulb is the same intensity, but when photographed, they change. This quirk intrigues me, which is why I love painting them.

Adjacent is a section of a building in London with a standard streetlight in front. These related structures are frequently ignored. People just don’t look up and notice everyday structures. We scurry around, caught up in whatever is happening in our lives and rarely take the time to appreciate our surroundings. There’s so much to see, if you would but take the time.

Let’s take the time now!

What do you feel?

The iridescent paints are raised and lumpy, especially around the windows. Feel it pressing into your fingers. You might catch a rubbery thread that you can peel to expose pristine white paper below. This is the final stage in the construction method of this piece. It began by drawing with masking fluid.
I have to feel the paper to find the dried fluid, and where to pull. It’s a stage I love, one that never grows old, and is strangely addictive.

If you look at the original painting, you might see raised lines that I missed. You’ll also notice the shiny inks, lumps of dried ink, and sparkling salt crystals fused with the ink. They never show up in photographs. You’ll have to imagine them glittering.

Now look at the circular lights to the right, Can you taste the colours? I taste strawberry red, lemon yellow, and lime green. I wonder what would the blue ink taste like?

What’s happening with the lights?

Are they on or off? Which one should I pay attention to? Here we only have three choices.

• Red, stop, stay put.
• Yellow, wait, prepare for action.
• Green, go.

Heading forward is the only option here.

Like with life, sometimes you have to stop what you’re doing. Others you’re waiting and preparing, so that you’re ready to go when conditions are right. Sometimes you can only move forward, but, with time, the options increase. The important thing is to be ready and move when the time is right. Later, you can course correct and move in another direction and learn to enjoy the various twists and turns on the way.

My mind goes back to the colours, and I can’t stop thinking of boiled sweets, bright, sweet, concentrated flavours. Do you suck on a sweet as you ponder a decision to help you concentrate, or, maybe chew, your pen when you’re writing or thinking? Perhaps you take a tea break or go for a walk when you’re stuck?. These are all ways we naturally use sensation to regulate our attention and emotions. Breaks and sensory stimuli allow the brain to reset and do what it does best- think, connect ideas and solve problems. Remember, when you’re looking for inspiration to solve a problem, a sensory snack can work wonders.

Which light reflects where you are now, and what’s your next step?