Clarissa Arvin: A Solo Exhibition

Abstract mixed media exploring depth, texture, and emotion. Featuring her “Today” Series.

“The works in this exhibition are a curated selection from my graduate school portfolio—pieces from an ongoing body of work I call the Today series. While the word “today” appears in many of the titles, this series is much more than that; it represents fragments of my present journey, moments of personal growth, reflection, and healing.

I began this series without realizing it would become a visual record of resilience. Since being diagnosed with lupus at the age of 24, my experience living with an autoimmune disease has shaped both my life and my creative practice. During periods of recovery, when my body felt heavy with fatigue or pain, art became both my refuge and my resistance. These pieces were born in those in-between spaces—where the act of creating felt like reclaiming a sense of purpose.

Many of the materials used—found objects and intentionally selected textures—mirror the way lupus has made me feel: worn, discarded, but still worthy of transformation. Through this work, I explore how even the quietest parts of daily life—a morning cup of coffee, the way light falls across a table—can carry deep meaning when you’re navigating chronic illness.

This series is a testament to persistence. It’s what helped carry me through both setbacks and breakthroughs. My hope is that viewers will see, through these works, that even in stillness and struggle, there is beauty, strength, and significance.”

  • Seeing artwork in person from an artist I admire moved me to tears today.

    Mixed Media on Cardboard, 24x18

    Acrylic paint, sodium polyacrylate mixed with coffee and glue, wood glue, coffee on found cardboard

  • I gained a better understanding of the True American Corpse today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 8×10

    Found objects (metal beverage caps from hometown gas stations), coffee, acrylic paint, clear tar gel

  • Walked with my Mom and talked about the past today.

    Mixed Media on Medium Density Fiberboard, 24×18

    Found medium density fiberboard, acrylic paint, coffee, coffee grounds mixed with glue, wood glue

  • Contemplated my future while listening to the rain today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 11×14

    Oil paint, gloss medium , clear nail polish, acrylic paint, paint markers, coffee, slime

  • Learned how to hug with hearts touching today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 14.5x20

    Crumpled up partially dried left-over acrylic paint, acrylic paint, coffee, recycled wood silk screen printing frame

  • I went outside and picked a four-leaf clover today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 36×48

    Acrylic paint, recycled canvas, slime, crumpled up partially dried left-over acrylic paint, coffee, clear gesso, makeup

  • Bought snacks from the Dollar Tree to sneak into the movie theatre today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 20x24

    Paper receipts, gesso, acrylic, coffee

  • Felt sad while listening to someone's wind chimes today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 16x20

    Acrylic paint, newspaper, coffee, play sand, slime, glue

  • I ate biscuits and gravy at Dairy Queen with my Dad today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 16x20

    Acrylic paint, coffee, coarse pumice gel, iron supplement pills packaging

  • I laughed at a strange noise coming from the woods today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 18x24

    Receipts, gesso, clear gesso, makeup, graphite, acrylic paint, coffee

  • Pluto entered into Aquarius today.

    Mixed Media on Panel, 48×48

    Found object (unidentified), paper receipts, coffee, acrylic paint, play-doh, gesso, makeup, mold, play sand

  • Went for a drive to nowhere today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 20×24

    Slime, hair mixed with interior house paint, acrylic paint, coffee

  • Visited my Mamaw's grave and watered the flowers today.

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 24x12

    Receipts, gesso, clear gesso, Acrylic paint, makeup, coffee, found object (polypropylene rope found hanging in a tree at Mamaw's grave), found object (plexiglass shard)