“Arrival” pen, ink, and gouache on paper, 13 x 17 inches (framed)
Portland, Oregon based artist Yellena James is currently showing her latest work at Gallery Hijinks in San Francisco. Using pens, markers, inks and acrylics, James creates complex abstractions reminiscent of botanical forms, aquatic life, and ecosystems found only in other worlds. The works in “Instill” range from intimate pen and ink drawings on paper to larger acrylic paintings, but regardless of scale, James’ work has the ability to draw the viewer’s eye inside her world where one layer or organisms seems to emanate from another, the perfectly drawn lines vibrate and shudder as if expelling and inhaling oxygen, and the bright color palette suggests a place more fantastical than most imaginations could conjure up on their own.
In her biography, the artist says, “My latest works further explore the intricate and delicate forms of an imaginary ecosystem, twisting and floating together in an alluring environment. I attempt to create an ethereal place which is hauntingly familiar and yet hypnotically exotic, adding tiny little details in a sort of compulsive meditation, until a perfect balance is created. The intricacy and high detail, along with hints of existing organic shapes lend to the intimacy and believability of each new world.”
“Instill” by Yellena James will be showing through June 30, 2012 at Gallery Hijinks in San Francisco.
“Crush” pen, ink, gouache on wood panel, 12 x 12 x 1¾ inches
“Chase” pen, ink, gouache on wood panel, 12 x 12 x 1¾ inches
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