Chasing Dreams, April 2022

Original painting: Acrylic on gessoed hardboard, 6" x 12"

Award: 2022 Western Governors Association Celebrate the West Regional Art Competition - Representing Alaska

My painting, Chasing Dreams, was inspired by how my family rushes out of my house and piles into our red truck to see the Northern Lights. There is often cloud cover where I live in Southeast Alaska, so when it's clear and we have the opportunity to see them, it's extremely unique. No matter the time of night, we take advantage of the opportunity.

This piece also reflects my college application process. For the longest time, I felt like I was in the dark not knowing what colleges to apply to. I know that I love art and want to continue doing it. I was accepted to the Rhode Island School of Design, and now I’m going to chase my dream of pursuing art. Like the Northern Lights, life changing opportunities don’t happen very often, so when they do, it's important to chase them.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Alain Soltys-Gray

Born and raised in Juneau amidst glaciers and old growth forests, Alain has been inspired by the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska. From an early age, light and reflections of the rainforest caught his eye and have continued to be recurring elements in his art. Already an award-winning artist, Alain aspires to share his unique view of Alaska with you through his paintings. Alain is currently attending college at the Rhode Island School of Design, planning to bring what he learns back home. Follow him on Instagram: @alain_soltys_gray

ABOUT THE PRINTS:

Alain's original painting is printed on metal. MetalPrints™ represent a new art medium for preserving photos by infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets. Because the image is infused into the surface and not on it, your images will take on an almost magical luminescence. The ultra-hard scratch-resistant surface is waterproof/weatherproof and can be cleaned easily - just avoid direct sunlight. Non-ammonia glass cleaner, water, or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol can be used without harming the print surface. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off the print. No cleaners containing ammonia, abrasives, or corrosive chemicals should be used.

Each print is made with a float mount hanger so the print is ready to hang - no frame needed! These hangars are attached to the back of the print, and float the print 1/2-inch off the wall when hung. The float mount hangers pictured are on a 4" x 6" metal print.