Nan Goodship
State of Heart
Several years ago, I embarked on a journey, painting on one-foot square canvases, with each piece subtly hinting at the theme of love. The heart, a universally acknowledged symbol, serves as the focal point in this artistic exploration. My intention was to delve deeper than mere sentimentality, aiming to capture the essence of love in all its forms, whether it’s perceptible to us or not. These heart representations vary widely, mirroring the diverse states of human emotion: at times, they appear dry and cracked, symbolizing vulnerability or hardship; at other times, they are playful, joyous, or even reserved, reflecting the multifaceted nature of love. A portion of these heart paintings pays homage to other artists, drawing inspiration from their works, while others are more abstract, merely suggesting the shape of a heart. I often display these canvases in a series, arranged to create a dialogue amongst themselves.
