Carol Aust

"For You", Acrylic on panel, 30 x 65" 

In my paintings, I try to get to the essence of what's important in being human and truly alive. I try to depict a visible manifestation of our need for relationship.

Under COVID, this has been intensified by uninterrupted work time and the distance from so many people I care about, anxiety about all the distress our world is going through, and longing for my loved ones.

The paintings in Love In the Balance include two extremes: delight in solitude and deep yearnings for connection. When I paint people doing all the things I miss--hugging, touching, gathering around a table--I feel that closeness. I hope that you, in these days of quarantine, can find encouragement and hope for the future in these paintings. - Carol