Abstract
“How Long Does Love Take?” is a multimedia visual immersive poetic narrative. This work crosses borders a young female’s psyche; taking a full dive into trauma felt both as an adolescent and into early adulthood; investigating the correlation between past and present patterns and behaviors through family generations. This takes its viewers on a journey similar to
the one the artist has taken (to arrive at the mental stability she’s settled into presently). Through a soundscape composed of various voice recordings of loved ones and works ranging from oil paintings to ceramics and collages this show brings light to a new perspective, giving the audience a rare opportunity to hear a voice that is often spoken over.
Recognizing the difference between healing from trauma and forgetting it is the basis for this work. Oil paintings are included to show a collection of time, to show how a situation can develop unconsciously. Being present enough to tell the difference between a real sense of control and dreaming of one. Collages are meant to show how fast time can go and how events can seem to repeat itself. This work is meant to exude healing energy, to let the audience experience a place of growth while also giving the opportunity to understand why growth was needed. Ceramics is a craft that yields products that will long outlive us, they give a sense of permanence which is also important to acknowledge during this story; that is personal and shared by other women in my life.
Artist Statement
My name is Lisa Arroyo, I use she/her pronouns, I’m twenty two years old, and I’m a general fine arts major at the institute I currently attend; Pacific Northwest College of the Arts. After enrolling in PNCA my skills in ceramics continued to grow as well as my skills in other mediums such as painting and drawing. Recently I've started working on pieces involving collage elements and other sculpture material. I have also been experimenting with video and sound, all these components is where my work currently resides. I aim to have an immersive experience with my work, using all these different facets of making allows my voice to be heard among a more inclusive audience. I want my voice to be heard and recognized, for people to hear my stories and learn from them, learn how to find their own path and create them for others as a place to process the trauma that is life and grow from it. My work is about healing and acceptance. Through these forms of making I have become more comfortable with my body and my own existence. I have learned how to start the journey of being kinder to myself instead of punishing myself of living.
