At Basic Inquiry; Small Blessings by Annamaria Potamiti

The life drawing studio Basic Inquiry enables artists the opportunity to enhance their figurative renderings, decipher the map of the body and explore the nuances of individuality. The artist takes these hard earned lessons and creates a body of work that with sensitivity exemplifies their passions and expertise.

Not only does Annamaria Potamiti's exhibition of small paintings and drawings "Small Blessings" do all this, but, as well she lets you into the contents of her heart, a very intimate place. To my mind this is an act of bravery, particularly when the works are not what would be considered a popular theme in today's standards; where environment, existentialism and globalization are prevalent in the practices of almost every artist.

Potamit's imagery is introduced by visuals of the processes of making of art; this presentation of pencils, dialogue, cut out shapes, and simple outline drawings suggests invitation, and that anyone could partake in this creative journey. Sensitive line drawings and paintings of pastel palette with the simplified shapes of figures, objects and animals Potamiti shares precious, fanciful experiences and thoughts through an internal journey of childhood into adulthood, not necessarily her own, and many we can make our own.

This touching exhibition is accompanied by dialogue through online journalling that is very much a part of the exhibition. As a casual viewer looking at the exhibition though, one would consider it complete, however, Potamiti's blog adds another dimension of her practice, not only in a conceptual content where cyber interaction is a large part of our culture, but also the exhibitions' work in progress feeling; which is what life is, with all the trials and tribulations of living.

Like I said, this endearing exhibition is an act of bravery, and in many cases, artwork with emphasis on intimacy provokes the viewer to take on the role as the voyeur. In this instance, it as though I have been in lovely dialogue with a caring woman over a cup of Jasmine tea.