Exhibit | Mint Hill Town Hall
I am currently exhibiting at Mint Hill Town Hall. The exhibit represents my journey, so far, into the world of art.
Let me start by thanking Mint Hill Arts for being a learning catalyst for me. I’ve taken many fundamental art classes with instructors Kim DiBiasio and Judy Young.
My journey into art began with mindful observation. Together with my iPhone, I walked a nature path looking for the visual stories around me.
On my path were majestic trees, a reflective pond and wonders so small they were often overlooked.
In darker parts of the path, trees were overtaken by a quilt of invasive vines growing to cover the the tree canopy and smother out light. I felt deep empathy for the trees as I was discovering vines within my life which started at birth and have continued to choke my existence.
The reflective pond was just that, an opportunity to reflect on life. A mature Sweetgum tree hugged the edge and in fall dropped it’s red star shaped leaves into the water below. Through the winter the Sweetgum fruit, with all of its prickly edges began to jump to the ground carrying with it the promise of new life. In spring and through the summer, my reinvigorated Sweetgum began it’s reach to the promise of sunlight and life.
A pond which might be shrouded in fog, only to emerge resplendent in the afternoon autumn sun a few hours later. A pond reflecting the seasons of the year and the promise contained within each.
Throughout my year on this path, I observed so many smaller stories hidden in the between spaces. The smaller stories allowing me to read between the lines and make connections I may have otherwise missed.
Tree stumps hollowed out, seemingly lifeless. Insects and fungi devouring the carcass and returning nutrients to the soil below. Birds and mice sheltering in their hollow cavities. All reminding me of of the regenerative nature of life.
Rain dancing with life on the surface of the pond, creating intersecting ripples across the pond and reminding me of the far reaching impact behaviors and words.
A tree reshaped, by events years in the past leaving me to ponder what caused the tree to take such a change in direction. Was the change required for its continued survival? I imagine it was.
Were the photographs enough? I craved the ability to draw and further shape the images I was able to see. A passerby noticed the repetitive patterns I used to control the anxiety controlling me. They introduced me to Zentangle, a method focused on creating beauty one stroke at a time. Soon I began making leaf prints abstracting the connective tissues within the leaf to connective patterns beyond.
Eager to create my own images, I began exploring other artforms. On exhibit are two multi-media pieces incorporating cold wax, acrylics and Zentangle inspired etchings. Still Life? is a self portrait incorporating my observations within the darker path of my nature trail. For me, Seasons captures the restorative nature of spring, summer, fall and winter.
If you are in the Charlotte area, I hope you will stop by the exhibit.
4430 Mint Hill Village Lane Mint Hill, NC
It is open to the public Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
