"Finding Joy" (2016) by MaryLea Harris in Bend, OR.

Original acrylic on canvas with painted edges.
30" x 30" framed with natural wood floating frame and wire, ready to hang.
Signed by artist on the back.

My abstract art is meant to explore our relationships between physical place, connection, belonging, and our collective personal journeys. I'm exploring color, texture, and line. I'm focusing on the interplay of "positive" and "negative" space as I reflect on my own positive and negative growth experiences from the past few years. The cracks are how the light gets in. I'm using these paintings as a form of art therapy to explore living more simply while celebrating nature, color, texture, and line. This painting is part of my Happy Little Leaves series.

I want the viewer to feel happy and playful. I want them to be in the moment and feel joy. Life is short and meant to be celebrated. The titles of my work come from the writings and teachings of Brene Brown.