The creation of "Coral Beliefs" comes at an interesting juncture in my art career. My thoughts and dreams come together with a renewed sense of purpose. This transformation is evident in both my art work as well as how I manage my art practice.
I began as an artist confined by the financial world I came from using rigid, tapestry-like movements to create geometric patterns and boxes. Then I progressed to explore peaceful, imaginary fantasy worlds, like my Dreamscape, Shangri La and Aurora Borealis Series. Eventually, with the Swirl Series my work opened up and became more musical and jazzier, reflecting my love for music, conducting and playing the piano.
The only constant through the evolution of my abstract expressionist styles was exploring color and texture. Oil paint and a palette knife got me started, but over time my tool kit expanded to include acrylic paint and different acrylic mediums. It wasn't until I tried watercolor that everything shifted for me as an artist.
Watercolors required patience and "belief" in the process. It better aligned my materials to my philosophical spirit. I had become very concerned about the environment through my eco travels, diving and time spent exploring the ocean. Using new applications and drying techniques I could negotiate an "alliance" between my materials and the subject that had become so important to me.
"Coral Beliefs'' takes my discovery to a much higher level. This 84.5-foot long continuous work of art is immersive and monumental. I wove together a story across 25 panels, each 30 x 40 inches (except for the middle panel, which measures 30 x 45 inches) to fit like a puzzle around the perimeter of the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum large gallery.
Each panel is named for one of the 25 “beliefs” I imagine when creating my story about coral reefs (see the list below). I not only try to portray the elation and poetry I feel and see when exploring the reef, but also the harsh reality of the suffocating, bleaching and pollution that is destroying it. The center of the piece is like a “Big Bang” or whirlwind of debris that explodes and ultimately gives way to a quest for a harmonious, labyrinth of enchantment.
Coral reefs have become the language in which I communicate not only as an artist but as an artist/gallerist entrepreneur. Over the past couple of years, I have opened my studio space to other artists, recognizing the limitations of the traditional gallery model. It is through my developing sense of inclusion and collaboration that I have grown my network of artists, expanded my global reach, and continued on the path of artistic discovery. Very much like a coral reef, we are all interdependent on each other... together we bloom or perish.
Alphonse Island, Republic of the Seychelles
Coral Beliefs
Networking – The essence of communication and interactivity.
Tranquility – A quiet place for reflection and serenity.
Abundance – Busy and bustling with intensity.
Nurture – Motherly instincts protect and cherish.
Quest – Journey of exploration.
Fragility – Ephemeral and fleeting.
Sublime – Heartwarming and fulfilling.
Spiritual – Other-worldly and connected to greater forces.
Harmonious – Joy comes from banding together.
Textured – Rough and tumble and everything in between.
Mystery – Curious and shrouded in the dark.
Agitation – Riling up from all the pollutants.
Fury – The angst reaches a feverish pitch from all the toxicants. The ocean swirls and blares.
Torn – Pieces being ripped apart from exposures.
Turbulent – Turmoil roils the seas as the fight to stay alive ensues.
Blazing – Like a fire under water, the coral is fighting for life.
Elegiac – Gloom sets in as the reality of global warming and pollutants take hold.
Interactivity – Working together we can overcome the trauma.
Labyrinth – A carefully woven community comes together.
Congruence – A balanced approach to survival remains essential.
Interdependent – All the pieces are interconnected and rely on each other for success.
Blooming – Invigorated, lively and preening with life.
Enchantment – Fulfilled and captivated in the pursuit of life.
Epic – Reaching full potential and making a mark for future generations.
Elation – Sharing a joyous feeling with the whole interconnected family.