Brian Testa

My work captures an instance of flow as in being in a particular state of consciousness, and, as such, I feel it reflects and extends upon the realms of (my) consciousness. Flow is the state of concentration and engagement that can be achieved when completing a task that  involves a whole body–mind presence. The theory was formulated by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who suggests that, “the actual quality of life–what we do, and how we feel about it–will be determined by our thoughts and emotions; by the interpretations we give to chemical, biological, and social processes” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997, pg. 4).  My process stems from a deep fascination with the transcendental nature of water and a deep reverence and respect for this elusive substance. My research into my art making draws from both embodied experiences and theory that bridges science and spiritual traditions– specifically the idea of water as living consciousness (Emoto, 2001). Using magnetic resonance analysis technology and high speed photography, Emoto found that our thoughts and intentions impact the molecular structure of water causing it to change its physical properties. In other words: thoughts, sounds, pictures, and emotions all affect the molecular structure of water; capable of leaving specific crystallized imprints. My process combines 12th century Japanese Suminagashi (or floating ink) techniques, Amazonian Shamanic techniques, Advaita Vedanta (non-dualist Hindu philosophy), breath work, and ephemeral intentionality to create monotypes printed using an oil-based solution I developed for large scale work printed from the surface of water. With my work, I seek to invoke “water memory” exploring water as a medium for consciousness through vibration, flow, and movement. I create with and in nature, in an effort to pause and attune my consciousness through breath, meditation, and mindset. The work captures an instant within this process of seeking a raw and primal state of mind achieved through flow and a purposeful connection to the universal creative energies flowing through all.  Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1997). Finding flow: The psychology of engagement with everyday life. New York, NY: Basic Books.Emoto, M. (2005). The hidden messages in water. New York, NY: Atria Books.

Mixed reality (XR) explores the intersection between the digital world and the real world.My work is created with my technique of combining traditional painting with a computer generated reality . The viewer is able to immerse themselves into this new reality combining traditional art form with digital techniques. The end result is a merging of three perspectives, that of the Viewer, that of the Artist, and that of the Computer. This series is Viewable in VR, for the full experience!

My most recent series Paintings invoke my fascination with water. A deep respect and reverence translated into plein air paintings. The subject of this series is Water, most recently, the ocean. 

My work captures the essence of what will later fade into memory; digital or traditional.  The work is created on site, breathing in the ocean, lake, or river air. I take liberty adapting details to my current moods, thoughts, or ideas. The painting acts as a memoir of the memory of being and experiencing.

Alternatively, The Ocean is a metaphor for "Consciousness". In this metaphor, we are simply waves, not ever separate from the Ocean. Water is the subject of the series as it is ~71% of Earth and of Humans.