How Feelings Shape Every Stroke
In the world of art, emotion is more than an abstract idea—it’s the pulse that breathes life into every painting. For me though, the power of emotion is woven into every stroke, every shadow, and every vibrant hue. It’s what I strive for in my work: to move the viewer, to stir something within them, and ultimately, to create a moment of connection. But this emotional journey doesn’t begin with the viewer. It starts with the model, the story behind the pose, and often, a series of candid questions.
One of the most rewarding parts of my creative process is talking to my models about how they’re feeling during a shoot or in a particular pose. This isn’t merely to understand their comfort level; it’s to uncover the motivations, connections, or sentiments behind the scenes they capture in their photos. If a model is holding a particular object, wearing something unique, or striking a certain pose, I ask why. What does it mean to them? Is there a story tied to it? Perhaps it’s a selfie for a lover, a personal ritual, or a simple gesture that brings them comfort. These small details offer insight into the person before me and give me emotional cues to weave into the final painting. Sometimes, it’s not even about the object or the pose but about the mood that comes through in the lighting, the shadows, or even the background.
When a Photo is Just a Photo
Sometimes, however, a model’s photo is simply that—a snapshot. Maybe it holds no particular significance to them, but there might be something in it that strikes me deeply. The light might hit them in a certain way, casting a glow or a shadow that feels like it has a life of its own. In these cases, I find myself reshaping elements of the photo to enhance that feeling. I adjust the lighting, change up the background, or emphasize particular features until the painting carries the emotion I felt when I first saw the image. This “push and pull” between reality and interpretation is how I forge my own connection to the subject. I am not merely replicating what’s before me; I’m creating something that is alive, charged with feeling, and open to interpretation.
What is Success?
When is a Work For me, a painting is successful if it resonates with viewers on an emotional level. When people ask me, “What does this mean?” I often hold back from giving a direct answer. This is because I want them to tell me what they feel when they look at it. Art becomes more meaningful when the viewer can bring their own experiences, memories, and emotions to it, transforming it into something personal to them. By allowing them to see the work through their own lens, I am, in a way, giving them ownership of the painting. It’s no longer just my expression; it becomes a shared experience, a conversation between artist and viewer.
A Pivotal Piece
This interplay between intention and interpretation is also why I pay close attention to my own emotions while painting. I remember vividly the first time I truly felt something intense while painting: it was while creating “Wired (to my Brain).” In that work, I poured my emotions and personal history into every stroke, channeling my connection with the subject in a way I hadn’t before. This experience was a revelation, and it shaped the way I approach each new painting. Now, I strive to feel something personal in every piece I create. Even when the model is someone I haven’t met in person, I work to find that connection, that thread of emotion, that makes the painting feel intimate and authentic.
“Wired (to my Brain)” holds a special place in my portfolio. This painting, now featured on digital display for Skin! 2024 after its appearance in the live show earlier this year, marked a turning point in my journey. It taught me the importance of not only capturing a likeness but also conveying the energy and emotion that lies beneath the surface. The layers of intensity and vulnerability woven into this piece reflect the deep connection I felt with the subject—a connection that I hope viewers sense, in their own way, when they see it.
Intimate Moments
Some may see my work as a celebration of the human form, and while that’s certainly true, my aim is also to highlight the emotional beauty of everyday moments. A man holding a cup of tea on a sunny morning, a gesture caught in quiet contemplation—these are not grand or dramatic scenes, but they are rich in feeling, warmth, and familiarity. By capturing these quiet, intimate moments, I hope to remind viewers that beauty isn’t just about youth or perfection. It’s about real human experiences, regardless of age, body type, or background.
What is Art?
In the end, art is an invitation. It invites you to feel, to connect, and to see a reflection of yourself in something external. That’s why I ask my models how they feel, and it’s why I work to capture those emotions on canvas. Every painting is an exploration, a dialogue, and a tribute to the emotional depth of the human experience.
To see “Wired (to my Brain)” and other emotionally driven pieces, visit AliPaintings.com and explore the stories that live behind each canvas.
See the whole painting here on the website or enjoy the whole SKIN! 2024 show here: https://bit.ly/3YxuCwf