Directions and Onion Peels
In 2022, I felt a shift. I couldn't describe it, but felt it in my bones. It was one of those times where perception unravels and begins to build back up again in a slightly different construction. What direction would impending changes take? How would those changes be revealed in my art?
Growth and change are a part of life. Whenever changes occur in an artist's life, art follows along...modifying, shifting.
A hint of changes to come began with a need to dig deeper into myself. Moving past the surface of trying this technique or that technique, I had to understand me. I took a few months living with the uncomfortable state of being slightly off-balance; needing but not knowing. Surprisingly, a chance plein air invitation opened a window. One of the artists participating in the paint group happened to be an Enneagram coach. Since I had no idea what Enneagram was, my curiosity was piqued. I began a deep dive into its ancient method of describing the human psyche, based on nine interconnected and distinct personality types. This led to a journey of unpacking who I am, identifying and removing old, fear-based coping methods, and building a practice of meditation in my life.
As I continue to work through peeling back the onion layers of behaviors, deep-seated beliefs, and relationship expectations, I reach further into my authentic self. The purpose of this is to see beliefs or behaviors that, while they once served me, serve me no longer, with the hopes of living a more present, enriched life, and appreciating, really living in, each relationship and each moment (if I can control that monkey mind of mine).
As a result, my artwork trails along behind me, reflecting inner work. As I begin, artistically, to speak more authentically, I see a change in my artwork. Peace is still there, yes, but ENERGY is vibrating from my fingers in a big way. Shapes are chunkier, with harder edges as I explore power, energy, depth, expanse, and release. My whole body is involved in each stroke. Distilled forms, gestures, layers, history, quiet areas, energetic areas, and freedom. These are words that come to mind with the changes I see and feel.
I believe what is unfolding in my artwork is a renewed sense of focus and energy. I continue to concentrate my efforts on hearing, then translating my inner voice in connection to the land. The impact our surroundings have on us and our inner well being, how it effects interactions in our relationships to ourselves and others, is my daily exploration.
I'm so very excited to share new work resulting from these shifting perceptions. Hopefully the artwork will resonate with you as well.
Pop me a line and let me know your thoughts, or if you are curious as to what self-help books I'm reading. :)
Thanks once again for reading. Embrace love and peace when they knock on your door.
~Sarah
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