The current work is about cultivating the relationship between both paths of painting and spiritual practice. There are a number of similarities in the cultivation process of both realms. Both need an environment of solitude. It is difficult to paint or create in the studio if others are present. Likewise, setting out on a path of spiritual practice is a solitary endeavor in which it is the individual's responsibility to do the actual inner work of transformation.
Second, is to resolve any baggage from our past or current relations with those in our lives. This liberates the mind so we can proceed without fetters to hinder our progress in painting or spiritual practice.
To convey these ideas abstractly, I use visual metaphors. In order to cultivate a path, it is necessary to cleanse it first. (metaphor for resolving baggage) In the Buddhist teachings which shape my spiritual practice, there is a beautiful metaphor of clearing the path by sweeping the leaves off of it. Hence, the abstracted leaf forms in the work. Layered veils of colors and forms continue to allude to moving between the sacred and profane in both areas of practice. Areas of darkness with softly modulated forms that are sometimes barely discernible, speak to making our way through challenging interior landscapes in order to arrive at moments of insight. Insight is represented by the areas of light coming through.
Second, is to resolve any baggage from our past or current relations with those in our lives. This liberates the mind so we can proceed without fetters to hinder our progress in painting or spiritual practice.
To convey these ideas abstractly, I use visual metaphors. In order to cultivate a path, it is necessary to cleanse it first. (metaphor for resolving baggage) In the Buddhist teachings which shape my spiritual practice, there is a beautiful metaphor of clearing the path by sweeping the leaves off of it. Hence, the abstracted leaf forms in the work. Layered veils of colors and forms continue to allude to moving between the sacred and profane in both areas of practice. Areas of darkness with softly modulated forms that are sometimes barely discernible, speak to making our way through challenging interior landscapes in order to arrive at moments of insight. Insight is represented by the areas of light coming through.