This post is not mainly about a yellow bikini, but it is a key element in the three paintings. The model, Dilyana, inspired me with her yoga poses while wearing a yellow bikini at Studio Romolo in Provincetown, MA, during a remote drawing session over Zoom in 2020, due to the Covid lockdown. The Zoom images were blurry, showing only basic shapes without detail. Therefore, I created linear and simple drawings. These drawings led to ideas for three metaphorical paintings. The yellow bikini helped depict the model's form and added movement to the compositions. The color yellow brought energetic life to the artwork, even as a small accent.

**Teresa Baksa, *The Flow of Life*, oil/linen, 45”x54, 2021**

**Teresa Baksa, *The Flow of Life*, preliminary drawing, charcoal & pastel on paper, 42”x55”, 2021**

I created the first image of the Trilogy, titled The Flow of Life, during the challenging times of The Covid-19 Pandemic when I found myself spending much time walking along isolated beaches. During those walks, I thought about the cruel effects Covid caused to our population through impaired breathing, and that made me reflect deeply on the profound importance of breathing. This led me to imagine the majestic ocean as the giant and vital lungs of our earth. The ocean seems to inhale and exhale rhythmically with each passing wave, cleansing the shore in a way that mirrors our own automatic pattern of breathing. Each breath we take is reflexive and, regrettably, taken for granted until the moment comes when we realize we can take it no more. Similarly, we tend to take the vast and majestic ocean for granted as it breathes in and out effortlessly. But perhaps it is the ocean that takes us for granted; maybe we are akin to flotsam, randomly cast ashore by a wave on an exhale, existing only long enough to appreciate its beauty and to leave a mark of our fleeting experience. Our opportunity to linger is brief before we are inevitably retrieved back to the sea on an inhale. The marks we leave behind are reminiscent of the unique lines etched in the sand from retreating waves—ephemeral contours, linear shadows, quickly fading, and soon to be replaced on the next tide. Such is the intricate beauty of The Flow of Life.

**Teresa Baksa, *The Three Graces Adrift*, oil/linen, 2022**

**Teresa Baksa, *The Three Graces Adrift* , Preliminary drawing, 54”x45”, 2020**

The second image of the Trilogy, The Three Graces Adrift, was inspired by Dilyana sitting sideways in a rocking chair. The original sketch featured three partial images of her in slightly different overlapping views. I chose to remove the rocking chair but used its shape to design wave-like bands across the figures. Instead of resting their hands and arms on a chair, I positioned them as if they were holding onto each other. This evokes the Greek myth of The Three Graces, who represent beauty, charm, and grace, and were celebrated in Roman art. They are often shown dancing or flowing together, symbolizing beauty, love, and harmony in nature and society. I portray my Three Graces as luminous figures, intertwined and adrift in a silvery-blue sea, seeking a welcoming port.

**Teresa Baksa, *Sovereign Heart*, oil/linen, 60”x36”, 2024**

Teresa Baksa, *Arrival of the Muses*, Original sketch that became Sovereign Heart, 54”x45”, 2020

The third image in The Yellow Bikini Trilogy is titled Sovereign Heart. It underwent the most changes of the three. Dilyana is shown sitting sideways on a chair. The sketch features three figures moving clockwise, with one partially drawn on the right and another just beginning to appear in the center. As I focused on the center figure, she started to stand out from the others. I realized I needed a longer canvas. I removed the figure on the far right and changed the size from 55”x 45” to 60”x 36”. This allowed me to simplify the composition, change the figures from sitting to walking, and highlight the central figure emerging from the rest. Her arms connect with the figures beside her, showing their shared journey in life. However, the central figure listens to her heart, which directly communicates with her. The heart senses feelings first, while the brain takes time to analyze. A Sovereign Heart responds from within, catching feelings before they are overthought. It stays true to itself and is never swayed to be less.

Sovereign Heart was on exhibition and for sale until Oct, 6th, 2024, at The Mary Heaton Vorse House, Commercial St, Provincetown.

Sovereign Heart at The Mary Heaton Vorse House in Provincetown, MA., in the exhibition “Mary’s Choice”, which was on exhibition until Oct. 6th 2024.