Artprize 2021 - Citrine laCroix - Symbiosis

The festivities in Grand Rapids are fast approaching and my nerves are setting in a little bit! It's always a bit nerve wracking to show case your work in the public. My only goal with the Symbiosis series is to inspire positive or calming energy in any viewers life. These pieces are not meant to be perfect, they are meant to be genuine, playful, and create an aquatic aura. In April/May of this year I was designing the birthstone collection featuring Emerald. While working with this stone the word Symbiosis popped into my mind and that took me down a rabbit hole leading to an underwater photograph of Kelp. These photographs and reflecting on how we as humans relate to our environment inspired this series. 

It occurred to me that I should enter these paintings into ArtPrize this year fairly early in the creation process. The registration process is pretty easy, you pay to take part. Finding a venue to host your art works is perhaps the most challenging aspect of participating. Many people pay to participate but don't find or connect with a location to display their entry. When the opportunity to connect with local businesses presented itself, the PERFECT location was participating, Water Colors Aquarium Gallery. I sent a request and was VERY lucky to have this series included. I was contacted when another artist dropped out! I am so happy to have manifested this opportunity. I really, really wanted to be accepted! Water Color Aquarium Gallery supplies fish tanks, under water plant life, Aquarium supplies, and fish. I can't wait to see if the animals enjoy the ambiance of these Kelp paintings! 

Prior to installing the Symbiosis Series in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize, 5 paintings were on display up on Mackinaw Island. These piece will likely not make an appearance in Grand Rapids but may be on display in Canton at our recently opened Studio 12 located in the Village Arts Factory. It was an honor and a distinct privilege to show case paintings on Mackinaw Island. Thank you to anyone who went up to view the featured art works! 

The series began as a 2-d painting series and continues into the digital realms! I've created multiple pieces in #krita on my Microsoft Surface over the last few months. There is some discussion of creating a digital space to view these works and potentially design my originally intended installation in the digital realms as well. There may be several sculptures created in the winter months. There is something therapeutic about creating kelp inspired art works. Water is a huge part of our lives and I find life under water to be fascinating. 

The Symbiosis series will be on display for the duration of ArtPrize, September 16 - October 3. This will be the unveiling of these pieces. They are never before seen and I genuinely hope you enjoy the works in your own way. Hope to see you there. If you make it out to see them, send pictures or let me know when! At this time I do not know when or if I'll be spending any time in Grand Rapids but I expect to be in town at least two days before the art festivities end. I am approximately 2 hours away living in Detroit. The drive is not long but I have no hotel arrangements yet. Any recommendations for activities, places to go, restaurants, thrift shops, or coffee houses would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!