Transparency in Word and Picture: Translating Abstract Imagery…

How can you interpret an abstract art piece with writing? As
a visual artist, my goal is to create a work that fully
encapsulates an idea, a belief, and an emotion. Art can
capture a snapshot of my mind, but it's a vague picture. What
transformed my art practice was using writing as a tool to
guide the viewer in my work. There is expressionistic
strength in the written word paired with artwork. I use
writing as a magnifying glass to emphasize my artwork’s
meaning. It’s difficult to be vulnerable with your artwork,
more so with writing. The temptation of leaving vague
couple-sentence descriptions for artwork is often indulged.
But the outcome of surrendering to the strength of
expressionistic writing is powerful. We each have our
beautifully crafted, individual voices that ought to be shared,
in image and word.
Words can awaken a still picture. Words resonate in people. Words speak beyond definition. Words can
edify or shatter someone. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” There
is a responsibility upon every one of us in our verbiage. Writing with and without imagery carries the
responsibility of using words for life instead of death. “How are you using your words?” is the question
often posed on an art piece I am sharing. In this question, I can unravel a wound spool of abstraction with
writing. I am pleased to share with you all the approach I take in integrating my artwork with poetry and
the transformative power of expressionistic writing, as well as its impact on my personal life and artwork.
Mia Bruce is an artist based in Southern California who operates on her soul through a paintbrush. She
has continuously used art as a therapy since early adolescence, analyzing life’s deeper questions in
imagery. Her intriguing dialogues found in her art invite viewers from all over the world to open up the
conversation of vulnerability and transparency. Bruce weaves symbols, ideas, and dreams within a
general concept and creates her tapestry of surreal imagery. Her artwork deals with symbolism, such as
teeth being a symbol for an insatiable appetite, muscles demonstrating pride, eyes reflecting the soul, etc.
She believes her work to not be admired for its craftsmanship but rather for its boldness in transparency
of subject matter. Ugly yet beautiful. Abstract yet identifiablely human. Bruce has been published in
Curious Publishing and Visual Art Journal, as well as independently publishing her zines and books.
Bruce’s zines are compilations of her art and poetry, filing works under a certain theme or vision.