are you awake, or are you dreaming? dreaming is a part of the process
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are you awake, or are you dreaming? dreaming is a part of the process 〰️
Kalee Bly Choiniere (art alias Barely Awake) is a self-taught painter, muralist, and traveling artist originally from Providence, Rhode Island. Over a decade ago, she migrated to the West Coast, which inspired her to create a visual language that bridges her inner world with the outer— one that is defined by psychedelic line-work, dripping flowers, and double-eyed characters that invite viewers into a state of wonder and introspection.
Threaded through all of my work is inspiration drawn from the expansiveness and vibrancy of the natural world. The liberation of truth that can only be found among nature— among the mountains, deeply tucked into forests, and under wide open desert night skies, is the reason I create.
When I first started painting, I knew I wanted to paint murals but didn’t know where to start, so I began painting 4’x5’ works— the biggest canvas that could fit in my car. I fell in love with large-scale art, and the ability I had to create a real impact on the viewer's emotions, reflections, and sense of self. It’s been over a decade, and although I move through mediums, I am consistently drawn to acrylic paint on large surfaces and— the larger the better.
I create immersive artwork that translates emotion, movement, and interconnection through bold color, intricate line-work and patterns, bringing a playful yet simultaneously peaceful energy into a space. I create large works because it allows me to fulfill my ultimate artistic goal; to transform shared spaces into reflective, uplifting and energetic spaces for the viewer.
