Initially this painting began with a lot of yin energy intentions, the portrayal of the girl and young woman with flowers and an essentially soft, floral, and peaceful energy, but the bold colors are more yang. I intend these two attributes balance each other. It is also a painting of hopeful regeneration with the planting of a pine tree sapling and the rope delineation from Shinto shrines (marking a sacred space in nature) and the background of prayer and praise emoji hands.
Even though I created this garden design painting in the states, it’s fitting I post about it now in Chile, initially inspired by the dreamy courtyard gardens at Huilquilemu – a large Spanish era colonial villa southeast of Santiago used for community festivals and currently under restoration by the local university. The garden in Chile was originally planted by a well traveled widow 150 years ago that brought plants from all over the world for her yard. When I visited, the space was a little wild, but that added to the mystery of the place. Araucaria (monkey Puzzle tree, indigenous to Chile) palm and pine shaded the geometric layout of the grounds. 
Huilquilemu as well as the two parks in Seattle (Greenlake and Volunteers Park) created by the Olmstead Brothers in the early 1900s inspired greatly my “secret garden” design here. My painting explains the type of trees and plants to comprise the approximately 2 acre garden as well as the surrounding wall plantings and the 4 additional entrances besides the main gate. I chose the trees according to aesthetics and viability in the Pacific Northwest. My grandmothers in Chile and Washington State were both avid gardeners and both planted gardens where they lived, leaving a legacy of a large variety trees, plants and flowers. Many of these are drawn into the secret garden blueprint.
This new painting revisits my interpretation of romantic love by experimenting with the space of being in love. I was programmed to follow societal, parental and cultural definitions of the way love should progress. If it doesn’t go in this fashion, quick are we to dissect each other in shortcomings and failed expectations, however nuanced they are. When we follow this linearity, it becomes almost second nature to explore feelings of scarcity and inadequacy. With this painting, I’ve decided to flip that entire scenario and create an alternative space to contemplate love. I want to sustain a different consciousness where we can nurture the gift of love in whatever quantity or capacity it appears, without the need to define it. Here, the painting itself becomes a totem to this new approach, and the very act of painting becomes an exercise in pausing, to serve as meditation about all the ways love becomes a contribution. And when we amplify this path, unexpected avenues may appear.
Reception for new painting October 20th, 2018 5-9 pm
The Hideout, 1500 Boren Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
For this interior wall painting, the client wanted a tropical theme on one wall of her Pacific Northwest sunroom. I went with a papaya tree and simple palm fronds to give a feeling of relaxation and luxurious warm weather. She gave me a few ideas and pictures to work from, and as part of the service, I drew up a couple mock up paintings to visualize the scale and dimensions.
Two new works to be added to the Eros section, password Pompeii.
It’s been forever since I’ve painted a bull- Beginning of a longhorn among cactus- commissioned painting 24 by 30 in. Oil
Watercolor, acrylic, glitter and 19th century piano sheet music on repurposed old Douglas Fir and Cedar wood blocks. Approximately 3 by 4 in. Each
First of the 2016 One Up Mushroom Paintings sold!
1up Mushrooms
Leading from the heart, and remembering to do so in challenging times. A wish for the health of the forests, and for all animals that they may have access to humane living conditions . Little wish squiggles of other beautiful things. Topaz, olivine, and other precious gems. A friend took pictures of me in recumbent poses for figure guides. A giant nasturtium flower in the background painted with pigment I bought in Vietnam. Tree saplings on either side of the flower, symbolizing hope for the future. I actually watered a bunch of saplings yesterday, so maybe art mimics life or life mimics art-
The Walking Eye, acrylic on industrial wallpaper, 47 by 53 in. Collaboration by Emilia Kallock with Verenice and Max, 2018
The Puzzle of Love and the Mysterious Blue Man, acrylic on industrial wallpaper, 47 by 53 in. Collaboration by Emilia Kallock with Verenice, 2018
