ONLINE ART SHOW: Estelle Carraz-Bernabei (photographs)

Although it was Estelle Carraz-Bernabei's paintings that originally caught my attention (see 4/30/09 post), I soon discovered her eye and energy applied to photography as well. For a Redecorators project we had Bar Tabac, above, blown up into a giant canvas, bringing a touch of Paris to an expat Frenchman's home.


"With my photography I try to just capture a moment that I see in life. Landscapes, architecture and animals. Rarely people," explains Estelle.

Unlike her colorful paintings, Estelle photographs mainly in black and white. Every so often she manipulates a photo on the computer, such as the image above. Mostly, though, she allows the moment to shine through--such as this shot taken in Tahiti, below.


To view additional works visit www.earthenskyonline.com
or email Estelle at skeye33@aol.com


Photos courtesy Estelle Carraz-BernabeiSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/estelle%20carraz-bernabei
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ONLINE ART SHOW: Estelle Carraz-Bernabei (paintings)

In Manayunk again, this time at a coffee shop, I discovered an artist whose energy, motion and color transported me to another world--no, another galaxy. Estelle Carraz-Bernabei's cosmic paintings mix oils and acrylics applied in swirling layers she likens to icing a cake.

Yet despite the other-worldly effect, the pieces are grounded in the elements of Earth (via tactile, textural organic matter such as crushed herbs, botanical powders, pigment dyes and quartz crystals incorporated into the paint) and even Fire: Estelle will sometimes ignite sections of a completed work to achieve a desired effect.

"Painting is a spiritual experience for me," says Estelle. "I meditate, do yoga, play a lot of music. I close my eyes and envision a feeling. Then I start with a base color--usually blue or red. I work one layer at a time, with free-flowing placement yet everything's pre-destined as to where it goes." The process takes about a week per painting.


In contrast to that labor-intensive process, Estelle's photographic art aims to capture a fleeting moment. (Visit Style Maniac next month in June for an online show of Estelle's photographs.)

But no matter the medium, "Positive energy is my focus," says Estelle. "Positive energy goes into my work--and then hopefully back out to the viewer." Perhaps that's why her art, though complex, layered and colorful, exudes a mystical calm.


To view Estelle's works in person, stop by her exhibit
"Water Earth Air Fire" tomorrow night, 5/1/09, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Balance Gallery 112 S. 20th Street,
Philadelphia PA 19103 www.balancegallery.com



You can also visit Estelle's own site, www.earthenskyonline.com,
or email her at skeye33@aol.com

Images courtesy Estelle Carraz-Bernabei

Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/estelle%20carraz-bernabei
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