Saying Goodbye

Home is where the growth is.

My artwork is continually evolving around curiosity and experimentation. This collection started forming a little while after a very important decision in my life. We are leaving California. I always used to say that I’d never leave California, but like they say, ‘never say never’, and here I am. 

As soon as we, my husband Sami and I, sat with the idea, talked and explored the possibilities, I realized that there is no place like California. Home is not where you’re born or raised, home is where you feel understood, where you discover yourself, where you find yourself. Where you grow and evolve, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. This place has given me all that I always wanted and needed to thrive as a human being. We have been raising our four beautiful daughters here for the last 13 years, and have cultivated beautiful friendships and relationships. California is my forever home and it will always be. I am so very grateful for the time I have lived here and called it home. 

Here's the thing though, what I really thrive on is the ocean. And our new home is landlocked. This is really the saddest part for me. I will have to figure out other ways to recharge in nature but water is just my thing. I keep running back to the ocean whenever I feel I need to recharge myself. And the ocean does that for me. The abundance in the water and the sky above it is something I can sit and stare at all day, everyday. 

My main focus while creating this series of images was of an abundant ocean, an infinite space in nature, through the lens of wonderment and curiosity. Artwork that takes you on a journey in the deep sea, where a bright and magical world awaits. 

Each piece is a deep story about my time here in this beautiful place, that pairs with the title of the art. In each I envisioned our happy memories in those places. Every piece represents strength, beauty and brings a sense of being grounded. Some of the brush marks are used to exhibit soft emotions while others feel strong and stiff. A balance of both brings that painting home. 

This collection is made with acrylic paints, acrylic inks, and lots of lush texture. Each artwork starts with blue, mainly representing the ocean and the sky above it and I worked towards finding a composition that I felt satisfied with. 

Many more pieces will be added gradually to this series as I still feel called to do more of these. So many memories and so little space on the canvas. As my work expands, I look forward to seeing how “Saying Goodbye” will evolve and what new pieces will emerge while I pack and unpack in our new home. 

I hope you enjoy these artworks as much as I enjoyed creating them.
Aatika Rehman