Isabel Bolanos

Author/Artist Name

Isabel BolanosFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Junior

Date of Creation

Spring 5-6-2025

Artist Statement

Creating art serves as a profound and meaningful avenue for me to connect with my inner self, particularly during moments when words seem feeble and inadequate. The struggle to articulate my emotions verbally often leaves me feeling lost, but through the act of creating, I find a refuge—a safe space to delve into my thoughts, cherished memories, and personal challenges. By immersing myself in various artistic mediums, I explore intricate themes of memory, identity, and emotional resilience. I hope that my artwork not only serves as a form of personal expression but also helps my family gain insight into the complexities of my experiences, illuminating the struggles I often cannot convey through speech. Living with Bipolar II has significantly shaped my artistic path, transforming the act of creation into an indispensable means of communication with the world around me. The nuances of my personal experiences and treasured memories deeply inform the subject matter of my work. I primarily utilize pencil and charcoal, employing meticulous realism and rich symbolism to express my emotions and ideas. While I typically embrace a more monochromatic palette in my drawings, photography allows me a different realm of expression. In this medium, I revel in the vibrancy of bright colors and bold contrasts, which evoke a nostalgic feeling that resonates deeply within me. Ultimately, my memories manifest themselves in my art, serving as poignant symbols of the miscommunication that frequently permeates my life. Additionally, I am drawn to 3D works, as I thrive on the tactile experience of interacting with my creations, pouring my dedication and labor into every piece. Though I've navigated the art world for some time, I find myself at a crossroads, grappling with uncertainty about the essence of my work. This introspection leaves me struggling to articulate both my personal narrative and the stories embedded within my art, creating a sense of vulnerability that I continue to navigate.

Advisor/Mentor

Mike Martin

Description

Photograph, 10.25 x 11.5

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Bolanos, Isabel, "Isabel Bolanos" (2025). Professional Practices (ART 399). 184.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art399/184