ARTIST STATEMENT
“Man’s main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he
potentially is. The most important product of his effort is his own personality.”
--Erich FrommDespite my best efforts at being cynical, I find I am inherently optimistic: I believe in the human potential for kindness. I know it exists because I happen to be human myself, complete with all of the “standard model” emotions, faults, and motivations. Given that I am essentially no different than any other human, I use my collages to explore my own experiences and how they are part of the bigger picture. Each work is a personal journal entry by which I come to understand our shared humanity. My journey as an artist is also my journey as a human being.
I believe in kindness and compassion now more than ever since becoming a mother. My son inspired and transformed my work before I even knew he existed. Just weeks before learning I was pregnant, I had an artistic revelation: flashes of words and images danced around in my head, percolating in my subconscious for months. Now every work begins with this period of contemplation as I go about my daily life. Whatever else I may be doing, I am methodically fleshing out the composition, color scheme, and major elements. I know I am ready to physically tackle the canvas when I have that epiphany: the light bulb flickers on and everything has fallen into place, perfectly balanced.
I choose images and materials that have a natural feel and timelessness about them. My experiences as a goldsmith and muralist heavily influence the way I work with vivid colors and wire. I often employ a single word, lyrics, or text as a decorative component that also serves to anchor the rest of the composition. Paints, textured papers, metal, and organic elements seamlessly blend the written word, the visual experience, and music into a multi-layered experience. Always honest, often silly, each collage embraces the elegance and absurdity, the significance and insignificance of being human.
My work is inevitably and unapologetically uplifting, positive, and hopeful. I don’t overanalyze it, nor do I take myself too seriously, but earnest contemplation and a dash of humor let me explore every angle of our commonality through my own singularly unspectacular experiences. As an artist, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, or some person on the street, these journal entries serve to center and balance me. I am constantly reminded we are, one and all, fundamentally the same and in this together.
BIO
Rowena Federico Finn’s collages and paintings are regularly selected for juried group exhibitions throughout Hampton Roads. Her works are found in private collections across Virginia and the United States. Prior to working solely as a professional artist, Rowena worked for years as a goldsmith, then as a muralist completing private commissions throughout the Commonwealth. She is a member of the Tidewater Art Alliance and the National Association of Independent Artists. Rowena was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1976. She received a BFA from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband Mike, son James, and dog Ziggy.
Last updated: October 2, 2008
About the Artist
About the Artist
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