Subsumed (notes from a girlhood) (2022) Drawing by Kerry O. Furlani

Kerry O. Furlani, a contemporary American artist, finds profound joy in the tactile experience of working with black charcoal on large paper. Each drawing begins as a blank canvas, devoid of preconceived themes or titles. With an open mind, Kerry systematically rotates the paper, allowing her hands to intuitively guide the charcoal across its surface, creating marks that gradually evolve into forms.

Throughout the creative process, Kerry steps back from the work, observing its development as a whole. She seeks to uncover the underlying relationships, tensions, and beautiful shapes that emerge from the interplay of forms. Ghost lines serve as a record of her exploration, capturing moments of searching for meaning within the chaos of creation.

Embracing the wilderness of her artistic practice, Kerry embraces the unknown and welcomes the element of surprise, striving for authenticity and beauty in her work. She adheres to a self-imposed rule of abandoning any premature conclusions or themes, allowing the drawings to unfold organically. Titles often come to Kerry after the major forms have taken shape, providing a final touch that brings cohesion to the artwork.

In Kerry O. Furlani's creative journey, the process itself is as significant as the final outcome, as she navigates the depths of uncertainty to uncover moments of profound authenticity and beauty.