One of the definitions of the word “Serendipity” on Dictionary.com is “an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident” If you find your way to Litchfield, Connecticut then you may live out the true sense of that word when you discover the exceptional work of Amber Maida at Serendipity Art Gallery/Store right on West Street near the Litchfield Green!

Serendipity is a wonderful gallery and store that has been in business for over four years founded by Liliana Kleid who is an artist in her own right.  Within the walls of Serendipity (and online) patrons can find handmade jewelry, vintage and bohemian style apparel, furniture and gifts and, of course, artwork.  The artwork on display in the gallery portion of Serendipity is none other than that of Litchfield’s own Amber Maida. Maida is an accomplished mixed media artist whose work is showcased in galleries and museums nationally and internationally as well as in public and private collections.

What is striking about Maida’s work is the textural component to each piece. There is a level of personal detail in the found objects incorporated into the paintings and it seems as if each piece has a powerful personal story Maida is sharing with her canvas and by extension, with her audience. In many of the pieces (if not all) there is almost a spiritual quality captured in the work. One might look upon a painting and see angel’s wings or a cathedral or they might find a symbol of struggles and hardship.  Amber Maida’s story is one of struggle and of healing. She describes a part of her creative process  involves “infusing the work with meditative and positive prayer practices in hopes the paintings mirror the positivity and hope back to the viewer.”

Maida’s work in particular personifies for me the benefit of experiencing art in person and not just on a screen. For not unlike a movie review can never replace a true cinematic experience so too with some visual art, an article, even one with photos, can not duplicate the experience of being present with the art. Up close you can see elements like egg shells and feathers. Your eye can be drawn to the skeleton key holding special meaning in the center of a Maida masterpiece. It is for this reason that I highly recommend visiting Serendipity so that you can experience this work. You can take your time up close, viewing the brush strokes, seeing the level of detail before stepping back to view the bigger picture.

For more information on Serendipity, check out their facebook page HERE

For more information on Amber Maida’s work, check out her website HERE.

Amber Maida with Serendipity Gallery Owner/Director, Liliana Kleid with the mixed media painting “Ripple Effect” in the background. From artist talk event (exhibit titled “The Silver Lining”) on 5/9/15. Exhibit runs through the month of May. Photo credit: Peter J. Maida