BARBARA O. YGLESIAS

Statement

Natural patterns repeat themselves throughout the various dimensions of the

cosmos. Everything in existence is part of a long process of evolution.

My paintings are an attempt at a transfiguration of the simple randomness of elements found in nature expressed on canvas. Sometimes cutting the objects open to lay bare their structure, seeing them through a microscope, and other times through a telescope. Forever looking into the complexity created by the forces of

nature; to make apparent to the eye of the beholder the wonders of our mostly repetitive, but always changing patterns and cycles of life.

The clay represents the matter all living things originate from, as was the belief of

our ancient ancestors. I feel that through the clay I get access to the great
mysteries of the universe.

“Panta Rhei” (Everything is in flow)

Heraclitus 500 BC

Technique

Living in the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula (1986-2000) and experimenting with the different clays in the area, I discovered that I could use them to paint on canvas. I felt a direct connection with the origins of painting, with our ancestors who thousands of years ago used clay as a means to paint and draw on the walls of their caves.

The clay and the sand have shaped our world and are materials as old as the planet itself…

The clay I paint with is formed in the mountains and rivers of Costa Rica, each area forges its unique colors. The sands come from our beautiful and countless beaches, and family and friends are allies in my search and the collection extends to other parts of the planet like Australia, the Sahara desert, Iceland...