Audrey Brown

In my painting, "Landscapes of the Heart", I explore the profound connection between nature and the human spirit. Years ago, during an earthquake retrofit, I found several roll-up biology charts and rescued them from the dumpster. I've used this one as my canvas and incorporated ephemera from Golden Books to add depth, layers of meaning, and a sense of idealized nostalgia. Symbolism plays a significant role in conveying the message behind this artwork. Landscapes depicted within the hearts represent idealized scenes transformed to the threats from environmental crises. By juxtaposing the beauty of these landscapes with the underlying threat of climate degradation, I aim to provoke a sense of urgency and reflection. Furthermore, the tangled power cord symbolizes the power we possess to make positive changes and the necessity for regeneration within our hearts and minds. It serves as a reminder that we hold the ability to redefine our relationship with the natural world, and with each other. By utilizing images from the Golden Books of my childhood I aim to create a nostalgic connection that reminds us of our responsibility to protect and preserve the beauty of our world. I invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with their own hearts and with the love of this world and consider the collective effort required to address the challenges we currently face.