The Mother of the New Collection: "The Way Out is In"
In April 2024, I returned to Vancouver Island from a solo journey through Europe. I had the pleasure of exploring France, Spain and Portugal, searching for inspiration, experiencing culture and reconnecting with a part of myself that was ready to explore a new perspective. I didn’t just come back with memories of cobblestone streets and breathtaking art. I came back with a deepened understanding of who I am, who I want to be, and a refreshed direction in my work. My collection, Transformation, is the culmination of that journey—a reflection of embracing the unknown, experimenting, and leaning into the parts of ourselves that we might be afraid to explore.
The Birth of the "Transformation" Collection
This collection was born from a trip that was supposed to be shared with someone dear to me, but instead, it became a cathartic and profoundly personal experience. Travelling solo forced me to confront my fears, doubts, and ultimately, my resilience. Each city I visited—Paris with its vibrant food, drink and social scene, the Basque region with its coastal landscapes, waves and pinxos, and the serene landscapes and kind faces of Portugal—left an indelible mark on my soul and, by extension, on my work.
"To Be Seen" | 16 x 20 | Oil on Canvas with Walnut Frame
From Landscapes to Abstraction
My work has always danced between the boundaries of landscapes and abstraction, but my collection Transformation represents a significant shift in that balance. This work is more expansive, exploratory, and free-spirited than anything I’ve created before. The lines blur between the real and the abstract, reflecting the inner journey I undertook as much as the physical one.
"Awakened" | 36 x 48 | Acrylic on Canvas with Walnut Frame
During my time in Paris, I had the pleasure of seeing so many galleries, but the most influential with the Mark Rothko Retrospective exhibit at the Centre Louis Vuitton. Seeing Rothko’s evolution from representational work in his earlier years to his abstractions later in his career resonated with me deeply. If you ever have the chance to see Rothko's work in person, I highly recommend you take the opportunity. It wasn't until this exhibition that I truly, experientially understood the gravity of his works, I remember standing in that giant room at the Louis Vuitton centre, starting up in that darkened room, at the largest painting I had seen, while the subtle colours, the soft gradients all blended together, completely overtaking my vision and leaving me in tears. His works truly embody what it means to create art that is meant to be experienced, not analyzed, and that experience inspired me and gave me permission, in a way, to push my own boundaries and explore more emotion and expression in a non-literal way through my work.
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"You Are Safe" | Oil on Canvas with Walnut Frame
Leaning into Fear and Growth
At the heart of my collection Transformation is the idea of leaning into what scares us. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of change—these are all powerful forces that have held me back, and I wanted to share the experience of breaking through those internal walls, and give hope to others in how we can use these fears to propel us forward, pushing us to grow in ways we never imagined.
"Our Edges" | 24 x 30 | Oil on Canvas
This collection is a testament to the ups and downs of that journey. The bold brushstrokes, the expressive colours, and the impasto techniques in my transition to using Oil Paints all come into play here—all of these elements are reflections of the inner turmoil and eventual clarity that comes from embracing the unknown.
How the Creative Process Aids Transformation
We all have our own winding journeys of transformation. Whether it’s a personal challenge, a career change, or simply the desire to grow, we all face moments where we must decide whether to lean into what scares us or retreat into the familiar.
"Where Dreams Are Born" | 24 x 30 | Oil on Canvas
Transformation is a celebration of that journey, and a way for me to connect with you on your own path of growth. It’s about recognizing that the ups and downs, the fears and doubts, are all part of the process of becoming who we’re meant to be. These paintings are a reminder that growth often comes from discomfort, and beauty can emerge from chaos.
Bringing Transformation into Your Space
By bringing one of these pieces into your home, I hope that a little piece of my journey, and the hope that I have experienced in creating these pieces can bring a light & hope to your space. I hope that these works accomplish my intent of reminding you of your own strength and capacity for growth.
Explore the full Transformation collection here, and as always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this journey,
"The Way Out Is In" | 48 x 60 | Oil on Canvas
Jordan Fritz
