(This article first appeared in the August 24, 2016 issue of The Independent Newspaper- as a prequel to the post write up seen here)
Picture the word “love” drawn out in front of your eyes on a black chalk board. Waves, underwater creatures, and flowers all morphed to form the letters L, O, V, and E using every color in the rainbow.
In a single image, that would be artist Kara Hoblin. This Sunday her first chalk art show “The Art of Letting Go” will be held from 6 to 10 PM at the Heron Suites in Southold where guests can view her work while enjoying snacks and refreshments as music plays in the background.
In a continuously growing artistic community, the show at Heron Suites will also include a sign-up sheet for the North Fork Art Collective. In its initial stages, it will be a space for gathering artists to create, discuss, and discover art of all mediums.
“The Art of Letting Go” is appropriately titled after Hoblin’s firm belief in life’s most important lesson.
“[It’s about] the ephemeral nature of chalk and the act of letting go. As an artist to let go of my work, as a lover to let go of heartache, as a person to let go of insecurities, pain, loss, etc.,” she explained.
In keeping with the theme, at the end of the show Hoblin will erase most of the displays with help from the audience as a way to encourage mindfulness and love.
By erasing the chalk guests have an opportunity to experience letting go themselves through this physical outlet. Behind these images will reveal hidden phrases aimed to inspire those in the room. “You can’t have positivity without love. Love of oneself, of everyone around you, of the environment.”
More than chalk, Hoblin explores illustration of all kinds.
“I recently started to get really involved with typography. I find it therapeutic and powerful since language (of all types) is the connecting factor for our species, and communication is both beautiful and necessary.”
Her work is whimsical in style, which she aims to remain true to. While she tries to take on as many projects as she can, they must coincide with her vision.
A native Long Islander from Blue Point, Hoblin worked in New York City at a photo and styling agency after graduating from SUNY New Paltz. While so many are tempted to leave home, Hoblin’s love for the community and nature has been her sense of gravity to the area. In returning back to the island she managed Harbes Vineyard tasting room along with handling their marketing and social media. Her first chalkboard design was at First and South Restaurant in Greenport back in 2014. This spring she has became a full time artist.
Living on the North Fork has become a sanctuary to her. Whether it be swimming at one of the local beaches or going on a peaceful walk through one of the many preserves there are endless locations to relax, think, and draw.
Hoblin’s most beloved activity is simply being outdoors, riding her bike.
In gearing her life’s work to her community, she has compiled dozens of hand drawn sketches of locations throughout the North Fork in a coloring book. Each location is depicted as Hoblin imagines it, a magical collection that’s due to hit shelves in September.
“One of my favorite swimming spots has these large rocks in the water and in the coloring book there’s a mermaid sitting on the rock. I’m really excited and I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this coloring book. I think that coloring and any type of art is really beneficial and stress relieving for the soul.”
In hopes that her first coloring book is successful she plans to release a second edition including various towns across Long Island and even offer customized versions in the future.
In a world where love is as much a vision as it is a feeling, letting go is a form of art.
For artist Kara Hoblin, Long Island is her inspirational masterpiece.