ARTIST STATEMENT

“The Sacred Space” is a deeply personal exhibition—the result of a decade of pain, loneliness and grief for the life I planned but lost. The exhibition is also a celebration of finding a new way to know myself by embracing the deep love I have for art. Now I can say I am living in accordance with my Tao - so hard, yet so easy.

The intention of this exhibition is to invite you into my sacred space and to celebrate my journey to it. Modern life is so hectic. I believe that each and every one of us needs a place where we can find peace, a Sacred Space. The beauty is that what is a sacred space differs from person to person. Your Sacred Space can be a favorite park bench, a place of worship, a museum or a yoga studio. Or it can be a place within yourself where you can feel your pulse drop and the warm feeling of being safe.

I have several sacred spaces in my life that give me access to peace within, but my ultimate “go-to Sacred Space” is painting and drawing. This magical universe of making whatever I feel like, big or small, makes time stand still.

Finding my sacred space was a painful journey into seeing who I was, letting go of her, and finding a new way to know myself. I must admit, new things are hard. I remember the intimidating feeling of going into an art store and feeling overwhelmed by all the different supplies and my lack of knowledge. However, I am so proud of myself for being curious, challenging myself by trying different media and not giving up. The acceptance that art is a lifelong way of learning—permitting myself to take the time to get to know the craft—has helped me let go of the discomfort and insecurity. When it comes down its the core, all art requires is a sketchbook and a pencil. It is accessible to us all.

My psychologist asked me an important question, “Who are you?” I answered I have a law degree. Then she said, “You seem to identify yourself with your achievements, but I asked who are YOU.” That question has been so hard for me to answer - especially since I am not able to participate in worklife due to my health. And maybe that is why this exhibition is so important to me. Not because it is an exhibition and I’m “showing off my work”, but because when I draw, I just am. It is like Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” But for me it is, “I draw, therefore I am.”

My hope for the exhibition is to create a beautiful place where time stands still for you too. A place where you feel safe and can experience the feeling of just being—maybe just being you.

Artist statement - “The Sacred Space”