Mimi Arnold

My body of work focuses on deconstruction and reconstruction, where illusions are accomplished through the use of mixed media. Each work captivates the viewer\'s attention by its unusual presence. The bizarre choice of images and unexpected use of each image leaves the viewer curious and intrigued. When flipping through a magazine, one may see an image of an airplane-I however, see the torso of a body, where the aircraft\'s wings are arms and legs. Often, I use an image just for its shape and form, not for its literal representation. My practice is constantly changing and evolving, though figurative forms and characters are consistently being born. Due to my recent participation in the Bay Area\'s garden industry, many of my figurative forms are built out of horticultural influences. Anything between a magazine clipping of a flower, to actual rose thorns I have collected on site. My practice began as a stream of consciousness though over time it has become conceptually tighter; I am constantly searching for a balance between being aware of the decisions I make and working intuitively. I have several other projects in the works. I recently launched SALT+SWELL, a hand painted, one-of-a-kind snapback surf hat line. Hats are being sold at surf shops up the coast. I also am currently working on a deck of Tarot cards. I grew up on the East Coast, and have lived in California for the past 7 years. I have never felt more connected to a place than the Bay Area.