SUNRISE SERENADE
This morning, not long after sunrise, I took a photo of my latest artwork on the grass outside while listening to birdsong. Bliss!
This piece was stARTed in 2020. I stopped working on it for a while to prepare for ‘Solas’ (my Imbolc exhibition of photography and poetry), then finally completed it lately.
ART SOOTHES THE SOUL
Painting is my meditation. When I consciously slow down and deepen my breathing as I paint, it brings me to a place of pure flow.
The textures, layers, and rhythms of nature throughout each season impact on my art.
For the last two decades most of my creations have used recycled materials, and I have been producing less and less stuff in the name of ‘art’ in an effort to be kinder to the environment. That being said, I can only go for a few months without painting before the longing to do it rises like a huge wave. When that happens, I surf it with glee.
SPIRALS
I love to incorporated spirals into art. They are ancient and part of celtic and contemorary heritage. The spiral represents the sun or ethereal energy. It is associated with water too, as well as the constant cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Some people believe that spirals represent migration and perpetual movement because they have been found on carvings throughout Europe: traces left by the Celts who travelled.
NEUROLOGY
Did you know that art affects your brain in a good way?
It happens when you make art for fun, and even when you look at art. I find it fascinating that just looking at art increases bloodflow in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is part of the wiring for our brain’s reward circuit. In other words, seeing art, and making art, evokes positive emotions. Vibrant shades of colour and serotonin? Sounds good to me.
Wishing you a wonderful Bealtaine,
Kathryn.
artyshe.com 