​As a printmaker my practice has always been process and technique driven. The rainbow roll technique that I use was inspired and invented by my mentor and Professor Thadeusz Lapinski, who taught at the University of Maryland. This process allows one to create an array of gradient colors with one passing of the roller, while maximizing the color application. My connection with the rainbow process has always been there, yet it set dormant in my practice and now it has come back with a vengeance.

 

Rainbows are a sign of hope, new beginnings and transformation dating back to biblical times.  Children have always been fascinated by them, while envisioning that pot of gold over the rainbow. The LBGTQ community has embrace the rainbow as a symbol representing inclusivity, diversity, and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Coincidently, through research I found that the rainbow is a complete circle, which can only be seen in its full glory from at least 30,000 miles above the earth. We are only able to see half of the rainbow on earth as the horizon interrupts our full view. The circle is symbolic of oneness, unity, perfection and has been a re-occurring shape in my work.

During the printing process I had no idea the work would evolve three-dimensionally. After creating more than 50 prints, the process of manipulating the printed papers into different forms and shapes began. 50% of the papers were printed on both sides, allowing even more color possibilities, while the background papers only needed to be printed on one side.

 

Optimum contrast was my only criteria for matching the forms with its background, reminiscence of the Fauve movement established towards the beginning of the 20th century. This series represents the fact that beauty can be created in response and in spite of trauma, disappointment, fear and bewilderment. It is akin to how information was taken in and synthesized into Jazz, improvisation and fusion while translating feelings into sound yet creating beautiful music.