‘You cannot depend on your eyes
when your imagination is out of focus’
-Mark Twain

 

My current work explores the theme of Remembrances, or “Kioku” in Japanese. I reflect on personal experience and memories, and reminisce through my mixed media paintings. I’m inspired by the history of old and worn surfaces; a rusted door, peeling ceiling, and scratched and graffiti wall. There is a story behind every surface, scratch and wear, and exploring what those stories tell has been my latest mission and journey.

Imagination has been lost today to some degree. Our days are filled with work, chores, over-stimulation, television, stress and lights - enough to make us think that we are imagining. I allow my intuition to steer my work and hope that it helps activate the imagination of others. A lofty goal, but one I think viewers can accomplish by striving to be ‘conscious’ and letting go of the expected way of interpretation. An intuitive and emotional painter, I try to finish each painting in one sitting to grasp the often-fleeting moments and moods.

I was born in Belgium to a Swedish mother and Turkish father and my family moved to Japan when I was 6. Spending a large part of my childhood there taught me much and molded my character and I learned the art of balancing different backgrounds early. Japan’s culture is amazing, incredibly strong and loyal, yet always pouncing on new discoveries. I have learned is that Japan’s secret to success is honoring its past and its traditions while moving ahead into the future. Japan has mastered the art of balance.

I enjoy finding the balance between complimentary mediums and color schemes. Using acrylics, wax, pastels, Japanese rice & mulberry papers, sands and photography, I describe my works as abstractly meditative, full of depth and open to interpretation.

Presently I live and work in the vibrant historic artist community of Fort Point, Boston, Massachusetts. My work has been exhibited and collected internationally and I am continuously seeking new exhibition opportunities. My experiences and travels have molded me into a person who enjoys being on the move, welcomes the unknown and into one who is always looking to explore and push the boundaries further.

I hope you enjoy my work.

Filiz

(updated July 2007)