For so long I wished I created art that was more functional...beautiful pottery - using hands and earth to create vessels that would hold the food that would nourish a body or hold a special object; sparkling jewellery - wearable art to adorn every woman, to help them remember their own beauty; lyrical sculptures, to place in parks and public buildings...it all seemed to make much more sense than creating pictures that were just hung on a wall. When I attended art school I couldn't wait to get into the painting studio but I still wondered about the value of doing this. Was this really a special gift? Couldn't anyone do this? And yet, I kept being drawn to paint. Specifically to paint on canvas, my favorite ground, as there is something about being connected to fabric, the medium of choice for my mother and grandmother. Over time I began to trust that instinct, the voice from deep inside my soul, the one that told me to capture stories of my heart in image. Over time I met the people who lived with my work in their homes...imagine that, in their personal spaces, their own sanctuaries. And over time I met others who had the opportunity to spend time with my work in public spaces - I absolutely love exhibiting in public facilities such as hospitals, restaurants and, of course, libraries. I heard the most lovely comments - that they felt safe looking at the work, they wanted to crawl into it, they connected with it at a very deep level. Many patrons have collected several pieces which is a great, great honour. And so, I know that I must continue to head the call...this is my 'metier'...my 'heart-knowing'.
P.S. The lovely bracelet on my wrist was created by the talented and beautiful Cheryl Bakke Martin - one of the women who I am honoured to call 'friend'. Comments are closed.
|
|