"The First Step" is a 2024 print reproduction of an original mixed media painting by Ponnopozz (Adrianne Hawthorne) and was released with her Chromatic Layers series.
Chromatic Layers is a body of work that focuses on identity, specifically my struggle to live with and accept having ADHD. A lot of times, ADHD-ers like myself suddenly get interested in something that has (maybe) been in the back of their mind for awhile. Such is the case with myself and painting. In early 2024, I was experiencing a serious creative block. I felt like I wasn't moving forward as an artist and I felt paralyzed by thought of taking that first step.
During this tough time, I read a great book called Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon. The book talked about the importance of practice and how it ultimately helps you grow. I decided to start practicing by making throwaway paintings on scrap paper while at my studio. Just that small act catapulted me into the world of mixed media pieces. I began experimenting with oil pastel, pencil and collage during those practice sessions and Chromatic Layers evolved from that.
For me, that first step was so incredibly hard, but once I took it, the creative gates opened wide - and I stepped through.
Art print details
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil • Paper weight: 189 g/m² • Opacity: 94% • ISO brightness: 104% • Paper is sourced from Japan
