When thinking about alchemy, the transformation of substances into gold, the typical idea we have is a frustrated alchemist who labors over pots and potions, hoping to transform gold out of primal matter. He has tools to heat and cool, different recipes and an endless desire to attain the perfected element, pure gold. Although gold is thought to be compositionally perfect and therefore holds a high value, I believe the transformative process of the alchemist as well as the alchemical path of the materials, holds an even higher value than the end result.
Through creating my painting and usage of color and symbols, I try to speak to this transformative process every person feels throughout their life. It may be that most of us don't realize we are transforming as we create life experiences, and we haven't found our natural rhythm to go with the flow that has already been laid out for us. And so, as we move through life, we may feel like it is a lot of work and be left with feelings of frustration, insecurity, helplessness or desperation. However, it is my feeling, that there are signs offered along the way, and if we can just trust in the process of transformation and proceed with great care, we will be rewarded and thus, can harvest the fruits of our labor.
Although the end result of life filled with ease, self-worth, passion, knowledge and love is beautiful in itself, I am more interested in purely the process of transition and transformation that occurs within and the value it holds. Without transformation, we would not grow. Without transition, we would always be the same. I am not convinced we are stagnant beings that are destined to sleepwalk our way through life and let life “happen” to us. I am convinced we can learn to be the creators of life itself. We can be so much more, better, and ultimately, like gold.
To begin the transformation within, one does not have to go at it alone. The universe is filled with symbols or signs that lend to the process, making it not as arduous a task as it may seem. However, these signs can be easily missed by the constant chatter of every day life. And to remedy this, we can slow down and begin by paying attention to the details and become aware to the signs that are presented to us. Using ancient alchemical and astrological symbols, animal forms and color in my work, I feel I have developed my own language of signs. This is to say, my paintings are like a snapshot in time, showing you the way, completely exposed and unable to avoid. These signs are carefully composed, colorfully balanced, approachable, and peaceful. There is a certain relief in every painting, pushing us towards the intended path. It is the same relief we wish to experience knowing the path we are on is the right one, that which will lead us to our heart's gold.
Through creating my painting and usage of color and symbols, I try to speak to this transformative process every person feels throughout their life. It may be that most of us don't realize we are transforming as we create life experiences, and we haven't found our natural rhythm to go with the flow that has already been laid out for us. And so, as we move through life, we may feel like it is a lot of work and be left with feelings of frustration, insecurity, helplessness or desperation. However, it is my feeling, that there are signs offered along the way, and if we can just trust in the process of transformation and proceed with great care, we will be rewarded and thus, can harvest the fruits of our labor.
Although the end result of life filled with ease, self-worth, passion, knowledge and love is beautiful in itself, I am more interested in purely the process of transition and transformation that occurs within and the value it holds. Without transformation, we would not grow. Without transition, we would always be the same. I am not convinced we are stagnant beings that are destined to sleepwalk our way through life and let life “happen” to us. I am convinced we can learn to be the creators of life itself. We can be so much more, better, and ultimately, like gold.
To begin the transformation within, one does not have to go at it alone. The universe is filled with symbols or signs that lend to the process, making it not as arduous a task as it may seem. However, these signs can be easily missed by the constant chatter of every day life. And to remedy this, we can slow down and begin by paying attention to the details and become aware to the signs that are presented to us. Using ancient alchemical and astrological symbols, animal forms and color in my work, I feel I have developed my own language of signs. This is to say, my paintings are like a snapshot in time, showing you the way, completely exposed and unable to avoid. These signs are carefully composed, colorfully balanced, approachable, and peaceful. There is a certain relief in every painting, pushing us towards the intended path. It is the same relief we wish to experience knowing the path we are on is the right one, that which will lead us to our heart's gold.
