The Shape of Language: An Exploration of Expression

Hello! 

I am Tara A McMahon, an artist residing here in Sarasota.  I am embarking on a new project that I wanted to share with the community.  Not only to share in the experience but to help make it happen. 

I have always found nonverbal expression fascinating. It is no wonder that I fell in love with colors and the myriad of emotions they can express. Text also communicates; however, you need to be able to decode it to understand it. The concept of illiterate individuals seeing text as just shapes fascinates me. I have been using text in my work as a foundation for shapes for a number of years.  

I would like to expand this exploration to include foreign language to capture not only the text but the culture and vitality behind it.  To do this I would like to partake in a 6 month artist residency with ARTEerra in Tondela Portugal.  To help with the funding of this project I have started a Kickstarter campaign.  You may visit the it here:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1094258509/the-shape-of-language-an-exploration-of-expression

The funds raised would go towards my transportation there and back, food and board, and supplies for my work.  Since I will be there for 6 months, I also need to get a visa and have health insurance for the time I am there. 

I plan on blogging about the Kickstarter campaign and my preparations for my journey over. I will also be blogging from Portugal about my experience there and the process of learning and translating into paintings. 

It would be wonderful if you came along on the journey and helped make it happen.  Please check out my Kickstarter page and pass it along to friends.  These types of campaigns work best with a community and word of mouth.  I would love to share my adventure with you. 

be well and next up I get fingerprinted 

Tara