In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, Chewy Stoll emerges as a visionary artist who deftly navigates the intricate realms of dreams and the subconscious.

His latest collection, “When Life Feels Heavy,” is a testament to his ability to translate profound personal experiences into universal narratives, resonating deeply with audiences.

This body of work not only explores themes of isolation and trauma but also delves into the surreal and often enigmatic world of the subconscious, creating a bridge between waking reality and the dreamscape.

Baggage

This pivotal moment instilled in him a desire to express the inexpressible, to communicate the complex emotions and mental states that words often fail to capture.

His art becomes a vessel for these unspoken experiences, allowing him to connect with viewers on a deeply emotional and psychological level.

An Accident Waiting to Happen

Stoll's works vividly portray the dual themes of isolation and trauma, each rendered with a distinctive approach that draws viewers into his subconscious world.

The isolation pieces, characterized by vast, desolate landscapes, evoke a sense of being adrift in an endless sea. These scenes are metaphorical dreamscapes, where the expanse around the subject emphasizes their profound solitude and disconnection from reality.

In contrast, Stoll's trauma-centric pieces are dense and claustrophobic, reflecting the tumultuous and confined nature of his mental state. These works are reminiscent of nightmares, where the mind's inner turmoil is projected onto the canvas, creating a visual representation of psychological distress.

Another Vision (one that makes me forget I wish I was another person)

The interplay between expansive and compacted spaces mirrors the dreamlike juxtaposition of internal and external realities, a recurring theme in Stoll's art.

Stoll's exploration of the subconscious aligns with the theories of several influential philosophers and psychologists who have studied dreams and the unconscious mind.

Sigmund Freud, often referred to as the father of psychoanalysis, proposed that dreams are the “royal road to the unconscious.”

Abandoned

Freud believed that dreams reveal hidden desires and unresolved conflicts, a notion that resonates with Stoll's depiction of trauma and isolation through surreal landscapes and claustrophobic spaces.

Carl Jung, another seminal figure in the study of the subconscious, introduced the concept of the collective unconscious. Jung's theory posits that certain symbols and archetypes are universal, shared across cultures and individuals.

This idea of a shared subconscious experience is evident in how Stoll's art resonates universally, despite its deeply personal origins.

Drown In My Sorrow

Additionally, the work of contemporary philosopher Gaston Bachelard, particularly his book "The Poetics of Space", explores how spaces, both real and imagined, shape our dreams and subconscious experiences.

Bachelard's reflections on the intimate connection between physical spaces and our inner worlds echo in Stoll's intricate landscapes and compact scenes, where the boundaries between external reality and internal experience blur.

Stoll's use of Blender, a digital medium, enhances his exploration of the subconscious. The adaptability and versatility of this tool allow him to experiment with different forms and structures, bringing his subconscious visions to life with a fluidity that traditional mediums might not afford.

Guidance

This digital approach aligns with the nature of dreams, where the boundaries of reality are malleable and ever-shifting. Blender becomes a digital dreamscape, enabling Stoll to create intricate, surreal worlds that mirror the complexity of the subconscious mind.

One of the most compelling aspects of Stoll's art is its ability to resonate universally despite its deeply personal origins. His works serve as a mirror, reflecting the viewer's own subconscious experiences and emotions.

By leaving the interpretation open-ended, Stoll allows audiences to project their own dreams and subconscious thoughts onto his art.

Succumb

This universal resonance underscores the profound connection between art and the subconscious, where personal and collective experiences intertwine.

​​Stoll's creative process is inherently linked to his subconscious exploration. He describes his approach as instinctual and meditative, often beginning without a clear vision of the final piece.

This method is akin to the process of dreaming, where the subconscious mind takes over, guiding the narrative in unpredictable and often revealing directions. The result is art that feels organic and deeply connected to the artist's inner world.

Does It Haunt You Too?

Chewy Stoll's "When Life Feels Heavy" is more than a collection of artworks; it is a profound exploration of the subconscious, where dreams and reality intertwine.

Through his distinctive use of digital mediums and his ability to translate personal trauma and isolation into universal themes, Stoll invites viewers to journey through the enigmatic realms of the mind.

His art serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between our subconscious experiences and the universal human condition, offering a space for introspection, healing, and shared understanding.