BE THE_ SERIES Linocut Prints
Widely known for marrying text and visuals in her word paintings, Coronel now reflects her articulate practice through prints in BE THE_. These prints take the format of magazine covers, a publication Coronel considers hugely influential to one’s perspective. With this detail in mind, the artist motivates viewers to adopt introspection through her topical series––to ‘SEE INSIDE’ as the text in each of these works instructs. Despite the repetitive nature of this medium, no two prints are identical; each piece reflects a unique and distinct character.
My intention, a couple of years ago, was to make these images as messages to my daughter, Mecca, who turned 15 this February. From my own inner studies in Anthroposophy, I have learned that from 15 years old and onwards, she will start to move away from our intimate mother-and-child sphere of connection as she prepares herself to receive the world. It’s a scary thing for a mother to go through, knowing I cannot always protect her and that she must find her own way to navigate the world. It seems that now is the time for me to be the Galadriel to her Frodo. So, these are my Stars of Earendil. They are fruits for her journey, potent vials of light for dark times: BE THE FREE (And then Free Others); BE THE IMPOSSIBLE (Fulfilled); BE THE FIRE (That Lights the Way); BE THE MIGHTY (And Then Serve ); BE THE KINDEST KIND.
And since we are all fellow-travellers on this dark world, I thought I should share this with all who might need them. I made these linocut prints in the thick of the pandemic as little hope beacons multiplied. I used the power of multiplicity intrinsic to the technique of linocut printing so I can make as many of these little beacons as I could to send out into the world. The idea is multiplied but each print is unique with its own special light to shine. Each one is a sweet physical object of affection, soul nourishment embodied in physical form
