This morning I braved a downpour to drop off my oil painting Detachment off to Angela Rockett for the “Silence” show that will take place at the CR Gallery at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore. I stayed for a while to talk to Angela and some of the other artists who were dropping work off. By the time I drove back into the city, the clouds had parted and the sun was shining. The weather here is so fickle.
First of all, it was so wonderful to meet Angela in person finally. I have been reading her blog for a while now and so when you meet someone that you have gotten to know through their art and their blog, it can just feel so comfortable. Sometimes it doesn’t, but when it does, it is just nice. I feel so blessed this year that I have been able to meet so many generous and wonderful artists. I feel like I’ve been working alone for so long, not reaching out, that it feels like I’ve woken up out of a daze. And I’m blinking my eyes and thinking “where am I?”. It’s a good confusion.
Detachment, oil on gallery wrapped canvas, 48 x 36 inches
I am really excited to see the show hang as I got to see the space in person today. The paintings actually hang in the area where the services are at the church. And this church is beautiful. High, high ceilings held up with huge natural pillars that look like timber. The design is sparse, but just beautiful.
It may seem strange to have a gallery space in a house of worship, but if you think about it, it makes sense. After all, man has always linked together his spiritual quest with creativity within himself. Expression, devotion, worship, creation, prayer.
For myself, when I paint, it sometimes feels like that is when I am most connected to God. Sometimes. Not all the time. Maybe it’s because that is when I am most present and open.
I will post about the show as it approaches. The opening is December 6th out in Kenmore, Washington.
Angela also invited me to take part in her Open Studio Show which will take place December 1st at the church. I am planning on bringing my paintings as well as some of my journals, prints and cards. I need to figure out the details and will post about that soon too. I’ve never done a show like this, so I am sure I will be scrambling to figure out how I’m going to do my table and other extraneous details.
This is quietly beautiful!
Sandra Evertson
simply gorgeous painting!!! although i’m not a religious person, i am spiritual and i too feel a deep connection to the spiritual side of things when i’m making art. it’s as if the veils get thinner and i’m able to tap into something deeper.
i really need to start making those kind of face to face artist connections. i’ve made some great connections online, but not so much in person.
Thank you Sandra for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. I appreciate it!
Thanks Leah! Your words are exactly how I feel too about religion/spirituality. I love how you put it too. I hope that one day we can meet. I feel like you and i have a lot in commone-well, like our love for trees and the color blue. 🙂
Looking at your painting made my heart grow heavy. Made me think if detachment is ever a good thing. Only I guess for moments, sometimes we need to step back and feel inside ourselves undistracted by others and regroup, but it’s important to reconnect, isn’t it. For me too blogging has become a way of linking up with other artists, of breaking through that isolation that comes with making work at home and feeling trapped in a monologue. I feel nurtured by it and hope to give others a kind of nourishment too.
Bridgette: It totally makes sense to have a gallery space in a church…I love that idea. Spirituality and creativity are very closely linked…I just don’t think some make that connection. I love this post!
Congrats on all your shows…you are doing so well!
Dawn
It was great to finally meet you too, Bridgette! I am really looking forward to both of our art shows!
When I first started the gallery, I felt a little weird about having it in our sanctuary space, but it has proven to be the perfect space for it. People get to connect really deeply with the works of art. I am really looking forward to seeing your work and all the others there.