JOHN’S ARTIST STATEMENT:
“Shape Shifter” by John
I’ve been an artist and teacher for 50 years. I have always believed that to teach art with any sense of validity one must be constantly involved in the making of it. What this means is that I have been a practitioner for quite a long time, and the end product is a proficiency and skill level that is predictable; even expected. When I produce a piece of art work, I simply put these skills to work. After 50 years I honestly don’t have the faintest idea what creativity means, and don’t have much time for those who speak about creativity and inspiration. I simply go to work.
However, I believe that the ‘spirit’ of art is in every human and is a manifestation of some subconscious knowledge that we are all a part of the one thing…Are connected to this universe that surrounds us. When human beings are touched by beauty, either in the natural world or in the works of artists, they are recognizing this connection, most often unconsciously, and I believe that this reaffirmation is the most important function of the arts.
In my Montana studio a photograph of my son taken when he was visiting Nepal, hangs over my bench. He is walking along a wall of prayer wheels, spinning them as he passes. This sends the prayer “Om Mani Padme Hum” (May all life live as one) back into the universe, and that because this prayer sustains and nourishes, it MUST be said. Someone must say it. I believe every art work is in fact a prayer, and no matter how inconsequential and trivial, I believe my efforts produce a prayer that awaits some viewer to come along and spin it.
Someone has to say the prayer.
TO SEE SOME OF JOHN’S ART and WRITING, GO TO: https://www.johnrawlings.com/
SOUHEIR’S ARTIST STATEMENT:
While I have created and studied Art for many years, it really was when I attended SACI (Studio Art Center International) in Florence, Italy, that I focused on the Expressive Arts and how very emotionally “connected” I felt during my studies there, working under the guidance of artist/instructor Manfredi who taught me about the “Psychology of the Portrait”.
My drawings and paintings reflect my desire to “see” the inner expressive nature of people. I use color and line in a way that show emotions and character in my figures and portraits. I am influenced by symbolism in art and am continually attempting to convey a spiritual connection between myself and the images I choose to represent in my art.
My work as a practicing artist and expressive arts educator and consultant allows me the chance to share my love of art with those who are seeking creative opportunities in their lives for growth and healing. I, too, find that making art is a process of holding on–to an image, a person, a landscape–and letting go. My intention is to share in healthy creative expression through the act of making art and in teaching it to others.
“When we create more, we destroy less”.
Art & Soul Residencies, Retreats and Sojourns 