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 Names are strange and powerful things. As one of the first pieces of information we give about ourselves, they are identifiers. The very muttering of the sounds and syllables that constitute our names creates energy that affects us all. This energy can attract or repel, make the mind recall images and stories, and serves as a means to define and describe ourselves and other people.
My name means, in my Mother’s words, “dark waters on a white field”. In my young mind I imagined this scene as one that included a large, black and somewhat scary body of water with immeasurable depths lapping upon a quiet, pristine, and hearty field carefully planted in long rows of white wheat. I grew up with this imagery of my name and took it to represent my personal footprint upon the earth. I believe it is because of this subconscious self-conditioning that I am fascinated, not only with the alchemical effects of water intermingling with earth, but also with the notion that opposites can coincide together, not just in but, creating harmony.
Themes that I explore tend to reflect the various meanings I have intuited from the above imagery. Growth; restriction and expansion, peace in conflict, “good” versus “bad”, the reality in the midst of fantasy, and seeing the multitude of pieces that make the whole are all ideas that manifest repeatedly in my work.
The Confrontation- digital collage
Other Influences: Although most of my arts and crafts are created automatically, there are other works that were created with specific ideas that I wished to communicate using whatever style I thought best fit the subject matter. As someone who loves to read, most of these illustrations are inspired by the words of many authors mixed together to form my own opinions and imagery on a variety of topics.
Favorite subjects I study include: philosophy, world religions, astronomy, mysticism, astrology, mythology, psychology, ancient religious texts and illuminated manuscripts. These have all left deep imprints on my psyche and their influence can easily be found in many of my works of art.
On Decorative Art: There are also pieces I make that are without much deep meaning at all. Unlike many artists, I do not believe there is any shame in creating “decorative art” or crafts. I think creating and surrounding ourselves with beautiful things that tug at our hearts and tickle our minds is a welcome relief from the anxiety most people experience in their daily lives.
Art doesn’t have to be deep and saturated with heavy meaning. Sometimes it does a better service to the viewer if the imagery produces a sense of peace, a smile, or even a little chuckle. The wonder, awe, beauty, and the opportunities for discovery that life offers should not be forgotten or overlooked. Indeed, its what makes life fun and should be celebrated as often as we can-- even if it does seem frivolous.
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