Transcript:

Welcome to the fourth edition of What I’d Buy and Why. Today, I want to step into a world where reality blurs and childhood meets the complexities of motherhood. These two things resonate with me deeply. I'm a mom, got kids who are in the middle of their childhoods. I absolutely love the essence of Zena Blackwell's art is this journey through the eerie, beautiful, unpredictable landscapes of family life. Her paintings aren't about her children. They explore the emotions and experiences of raising kids. There's this raw honesty in her work. No plans, no formula, just spontaneous outpourings of thought. Brushstrokes are her handwriting, capturing moments that are so personal and that universally relatable. I'm drawn most to how Zena captures the mysteries of childhood. Her figures, often without definitive gender, they inhabit spaces that feel both familiar and imaginary. It's a nod to the fluidity of memory and childhood and childhood perception. I also love that the work has evolved from focusing on motherhood to a broader contemplation of childhood itself. She's relinquished the adult perspective and she dives into this world where imagination reigns. That like childhood privilege. Zena’s canvases aren't just a visual experience. It's an invitation to reflect on your own childhood, on their childhood. Absolutely love how they blend chaos, humor, beauty, and a little bit of darkness. Zena’s work is a must.