Lynda Howitt ARTIST | GERALDTON, WA A G E | 50
I N S T A G R A M | @l ynd ahowi t t P I N T E R E S T | Ly n d a H owi t t B E H A N C E | Ly n d a Howi t t W E B S I T E | l y n d a h owi t t .c om T O O L S | I n k , se a w at er, sea sal t and oi l p ai nt on c anv a s pa pe r
DESCRIPTION // Seahorse is a Soulcircle, one of my signature, free-flowing mandala style artworks that are therapeutic, symbolic and harmonic. Created from an intuitive flow of ink, and later layered with oils, my sea-inspired artworks literally embody the sea with the use of seawater and sea salt. Created within circles, that symbolise wholeness, and life, they offer harmonic balance to then create from. The circle visually enhances our feelings of being centred and grounded. I aim for my works to hold a soothing resonance, Seahorse does this in the way it feels, meditative yet awakening. A seahorse symbolises wisdom and guidance, allowing yourself to be guided in the right direction by the flow of the current around you. I explore the ability of nature to enhance how we feel, creating a greater sense of well-being to share in the world and to each other. I hope Seahorse and all my art is a catalyst for well-being for you, for me and the sea. How would you describe your style? Free-flowing and intuitive, my style reflects my approach to life. Briefly outline your creative process. What are the major steps? I collect seawater from the ocean and pour it on the paper in a circle, this forms the foundation of my work and a space to create from. I then paint with ink in pattern-like ways that go fluidly with the flow as the artwork develops, adding sea salt which encrusts as it dries and creates texture and body. In some works, I paint overlays of oils on selective
areas with flowing gestures or highlight symbolic areas and animals that may have appeared. There’s a grounding in the circle yet a ‘letting go’ in the process. Who and/or what influences your work and why? I’m inspired by the beautiful oceans and coastlines of Australia. I like to capture our love of its free-spirited essence in my paintings. I explore the sea’s ability to enhance how we feel, the natural ocean is the biggest influence on my work. Japanese Zen circles have inspired my work through their ‘in the moment’ minimalistic style, symbolising absolute enlightenment and wholeness of spirit. Japanese Ming Dynasty designs, patterns and hand-drawn scenes in cobalt blue on white porcelain are definitely an influence with the watercolour approach. I aim for my art to ‘soothe the mind and awaken the soul’, these influences have a similar effect on their viewers. I hope my art is a catalyst for well-being for you, for me and the sea. What type of flower would you be and why? Frangipani because it reminds me of faraway islands and endless summers. If you could turn any animal into a pocket-sized pet, what would it be and why? A Dolphin, I would put it on my shoulder and swim off into the sunset.
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