Rise (2020)
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Oil, wood, resin
41 x 30.5 in
 
Inspired during the forced, homebound period of the pandemic, each brushstroke iterates the deep desire for hope and freedom. This painting is a call to the soul to rise above the circumstances of our times with strength and courage, moving toward liberation and joy. 
 
Rise is one of four in a series called the Sratalux Paintings, meaning "layers of light." These paintings were inspired by the technique Ruben developed to paint his carvings. 
 
I start with a textured surface that I paint with oil paints, once the paint has dried I flood the surface with a layer of artist quality resin. After the resin cures, I sand the surface and add the next layer of paint and again flood the surface with resin. I repeat this process as many times as necessary adding layers of resin as needed. The final result gives the painting depth and a more dimensional feel, and then a final layer of resin gives the artwork a glassy finish. This process is something that I developed in my art studio and am planning on creating many new paintings exploring the possibilities of this new technique.
- Ruben Aira Jr.