Medicine of the Forest
Adrien Converse spent the first decade of their professional career in high pressure environments involving an overload of responsibility and a deficit of support. They learned to find grounding and peace through intentional time in nature, as well as establishing a consistent artistic practice. This show explores the overlap between those two worlds: being present with nature, and honest artistic expression. Adrien experiences these as two sides of the same coin: both provide a context for presence and self awareness which has brought them empowerment to find healing, peace, and even joy while facing the pain and injustices of life. These works explore both internal and external worlds, and many of them depict a reckoning process to find a sense of harmony between them. Adrien draws from a deep practice of study and field work with native medicinal plants, such as devil's club, oregon grape, cedar, and many others, and many of the works here are meditations on the physical impact of these plants deep within the body. Adrien's intention for this show is to share a window into the empowering practices which have brought them hope and enriched their world with meaning and beauty, as well as to spark interest for others to explore or expand the possibilities for themselves.
Adrien Converse is a PNW native who has a passion for honesty that drives their creativity. In addition to making visual art, Adrien is also a pianist and performs improv and standup comedy. All of Adrien's work is deeply influenced by principles of improvisation, which they also see reflected in nature and the world of plants. Adrien considers plants among their most revered artistic mentors. They are life forms that exist authentically and enrich other life without ego-driven agendas. And—they are highly skilled at improvisation. Improvisation at its best is unflinching mastery of truth as it emerges. Adrien's visual art is an outflow of their long term and ongoing dedication to this principle.
Deep Friend
Acrylic on canvas
2019
$3,200
Atonement
Acrylic on canvas
2022
$5,200
Alone and Among
Acrylic on canvas
2023
$3,200
Don’t Fly with That Shit
Acrylic on canvas
2022
$1,200
Change
Acrylic on canvas
2020
$850
Illumination
Acrylic on canvas
2022
$1,200
Jailbreak
Acrylic on wood panel
2024
$440
Detox Protocol
Acrylic on canvas
2025
$650
Lay It Down
Acrylic on canvas
2018
$2,900
Let It Out // Let It In
Mixed media on canvas
2020
$750
Listen to the Living
Acrylic and encaustic on wood panel
2018
$325
Observer/fabricator
Charcoal on paper
2020
$900
Sharp Language
Acrylic on canvas
2021
$680
Sorry to Bug You
Oil on canvas
2020
$600
The Appearance of an Icon
Acrylic on canvas
2024
$750
To Your Health
Acrylic on canvas
2021
$2,200
Vengeance
Acrylic on canvas
2024
$2,600
You Lack Discipline
Chalk on paper
2021
$575
Citizen of Earth
Acrylic on salvaged wood
2014
$380
Crush It
Acrylic on canvas
2023
$550
Dichotomous Venation (Ginko Balboa Leaf)
Chalk and charcoal on paper
2018
$650
Dream Crowd
Charcoal on paper
2020
$550
Floodwaters
Acrylic on canvas
2025
$330
Himalayan Blackberry
Acrylic on canvas
2022
$1,200
Judge Not
Acrylic on canvas
2021
NFS
Letter of Law
Acrylic on canvas
2024
$450
Lust
Acrylic on canvas
2020
$300
Mahonia Nervosa Leaf
Acrylic on wood panel
2021
$420
Move or Be Moved
Acrylic on canvas
2021
$1,900
New Thought
Acrylic on canvas
2023
$1,600
Nice Try
Acrylic on canvas
2025
NFS
No Questions, Please
Pencil on paper
2021
$940
No Satisfaction
Acrylic on canvas
2025
$280
Repair
Acrylic on canvas
2024
$600
SINNER
Acrylic on canvas
2019
$700
Swim Up
Acrylic on canvas
2021
$2,200
The End of the Cycle
Acrylic on wood panel
2024
$220
The Seeds of Everything
Pencil on paper
2019
$380
tRuth tell3r
Acrylic on canvas
2022
$300
Utopia
Acrylic on canvas
2024
$2,200
We’re Onto You
Acrylic on canvas
2022
$440
You’re Fired
Acrylic on canvas
2023
$180