|
|
When I am talking to people that don't know me, I am often asked where I am from originally. Although I have lived in the US since the early 70's, apparently I still have a slight accent. I was born and grew up in Manchester England a large industrial city in the north. I was one of seven children, the oldest girl with an older brother. I learned that Manchester has more rainy days than the rest of the country which didn't surprise me but back then was probably a good thing. Good because we had coal fired energy in business and in our homes and that rain would suppress a lot of the smoke polution in the air. By the time I was 17, I was ready to leave home in search of new adventures and hopefully sunshine. My opportunity presented it's self through a TV commercial, "join the army and see the world", I'm in! After training and a short stay in the south of England, I was assigned to a clerical position in Germany. The weather was not much different than England but the experience of meeting people from many different counties and cultures was priceless. It was there that I met a man and fell in love, he just happened to be from Austin Texas. We were married on Christmas Eve. at his families home a few weeks after I arrived and it was so warm that day, they had to turn on the AC. Finally I have all the sunshine and more than I could ever imagine! Where would this new reality take me on lifes journey?
Through the study of art history and the exploration of contemporary galleries and art museums, I learned a new appreciation of art. The challenge for me, like many artists, is figuring out where one fits into the art world. As we ask ourselves, what is the purpose of art? I had the great pleasure of attending a lecture by Buckminster Fuller, the architect, inventor and philanthropist. What an inspiration to listen to a genious of a man who described the essence of life through a universal perpective. He was the inspiration for my geometric series, from the finite to the infinite, all is connected.
My more recent works were born from the mental struggle of our current reality. Not only was 2020 a very strange and challenging year with most of our attention focused on the pandemic. The momentum and the challenge to address Climate change and our dying planet were placed on the back burner, so to speak. While ecosystems are dying and the biosphere is in danger of collapse, I pondered various ways to express my concern and frustration, finally I decided to create images or feelings that intrigue or have intrinsic beauty for fear of their imminent loss to the world. All is connected!
Symbolism
The Return, my most recent painting was inspired by the related symbolism. In many cultures the deer represents the embodiment of grace, peace and beauty. Deer also have a superntural significance and appear as apparitions of divinity and in legends of spiritual awakening.
The Egret, like the Blue Heron symbolizes peace with ones self and creator. When a person reaches this level of peace they become balanced and accomplished.
The Gardinia, aside from being a beautiful fragrant flower, symbolizes purity and gentleness.
The Conch shell, was one of Buddhism's eight auspicious symbols, signifying truthful speech and strength. The spiral formation is symbolic of infinity and the human journey of life.
The Dove, accross many cultures represents purity, gentleness, devotion, beauty and faith. It is also considered as the holy spirit.
Through the study of art history and the exploration of contemporary galleries and art museums, I learned a new appreciation of art. The challenge for me, like many artists, is figuring out where one fits into the art world. As we ask ourselves, what is the purpose of art? I had the great pleasure of attending a lecture by Buckminster Fuller, the architect, inventor and philanthropist. What an inspiration to listen to a genious of a man who described the essence of life through a universal perpective. He was the inspiration for my geometric series, from the finite to the infinite, all is connected.
My more recent works were born from the mental struggle of our current reality. Not only was 2020 a very strange and challenging year with most of our attention focused on the pandemic. The momentum and the challenge to address Climate change and our dying planet were placed on the back burner, so to speak. While ecosystems are dying and the biosphere is in danger of collapse, I pondered various ways to express my concern and frustration, finally I decided to create images or feelings that intrigue or have intrinsic beauty for fear of their imminent loss to the world. All is connected!
Symbolism
The Return, my most recent painting was inspired by the related symbolism. In many cultures the deer represents the embodiment of grace, peace and beauty. Deer also have a superntural significance and appear as apparitions of divinity and in legends of spiritual awakening.
The Egret, like the Blue Heron symbolizes peace with ones self and creator. When a person reaches this level of peace they become balanced and accomplished.
The Gardinia, aside from being a beautiful fragrant flower, symbolizes purity and gentleness.
The Conch shell, was one of Buddhism's eight auspicious symbols, signifying truthful speech and strength. The spiral formation is symbolic of infinity and the human journey of life.
The Dove, accross many cultures represents purity, gentleness, devotion, beauty and faith. It is also considered as the holy spirit.
The Art of Vibration
After spending 9 years in Taos, The Land of Enchantment, I gained a further appreciation for the vastness of landscape. From the Sangre de Cristos, to the high-desert below, natural life passes through it all.
More recently, I have explored the unseen energies of the natural world. This has pursuaded me to delve into the world of geometrics and abstraction.
I also enjoy the simple presence of painting from my environment. Plein air, life drawing and character portraits draw me into the moment where I can engage in a direct visual conversation with the subject. These images transport me in time to the place where I first experienced the scene and energy.
More recently, I have explored the unseen energies of the natural world. This has pursuaded me to delve into the world of geometrics and abstraction.
I also enjoy the simple presence of painting from my environment. Plein air, life drawing and character portraits draw me into the moment where I can engage in a direct visual conversation with the subject. These images transport me in time to the place where I first experienced the scene and energy.