A Destra o Sinistra — Jamie Davis Art

Abstract painting by Jamie Davis, A Destra o Sinistra

Acrylic and pastel on panel · 36 × 48 in · 2011

Diptych of A Destra o Sinistra and Tornare by Jamie Davis

The Story

This work "A Destra o Sinistra?" is more formal and abstract in nature. I used two colors opposite each other on the color wheel: yellow-green and red-violet. This work was not derived from any particular structure or form. In fact, the only truly referential element is the title of the work. "A Destra o Sinistra?" means "right or left?" in Italian. While on a bike ride, a cable on my bike came out of the attachment. I had only been in Italy for a week so when a local stopped to see if everything was okay, I pointed out my cable and managed to decipher that he was asking me which direction I needed to turn — right or left (a destra o sinistra?) — to get back home. I was a little lost (this was before I owned a smart phone). I will not soon forget those two words because they represent choice. I could have gone right or left and it wouldn't have mattered in the long run. That experience became a springboard for formally exploring the two paintings. There are many ways to solve a problem in art. Whether I chose one way or another, I know I will eventually reach a conclusion.