Opportunity Mandala

Opportunity Mandala- Oil on Wood Panel, 11' X 14"

The process of creating a mandala is hypnotic and somewhat like spiritual chanting. However, instead of the repetition of sound, the process involves a repetition of form, color and line. As painting is already a trance-like exercise, the symmetrical and circular quality was an interesting experience.

My intentions of creating something more than a melded grouping of hummingbirds began as a process that was much more technical than something emotional and symbolic. Interestingly enough, without realizing it, I was thinking about the opportunities that will be heading my way.

Psychoanalist, Carl Jung thought mandalas were "a representation of the unconscious self." There is a truth that I recognize in this when I paint. Since all of my paintings essentially happen, I learned to trust my subconscious to guide my process. I'm interested in what feelings will emerge as I continue to create more mandalas, combined with recognizable subject matter.

Hummingbird and Sunflowers

Hummingbird and Sunflowers,Oil on Wood Panel, 20" x 24"

This painting has been stored in my studio for a while. The idea was sparked by amazing sunsets that I'm always in awe of. I set out to create my version of the evening spectacles that struck me as being strongly horizontal.

The series that this painting was a part of was called, In Grandeur. As I pursued the series, I came to a conclusion that "in grandeur" signifies creatures living in a big expanse. For a while the only creatures in this horizontal expanse were the wild sunflowers. Funny that it took so long to add a more animated creature to this painting. Done!

Hummingbird and Black Birds

Hummingbird and Black Birds- Oil on Wood Panel with Silver Leaf, 20" x 24"

My painting definitely echo the things going on inside my head. One self-interpretation is that I've been preoccupied with work related concerns. The second, and more favorable interpretation is understanding that our universe is complex and always has the potential for good and bad.

It's very easy to want to combat the forces that loom in our lives, but there comes a time that letting go of fighting these forces and putting more effort into the focus of the positive aspects of our lives. I wanted to portray "the dark side" as something less menacing as hatred, evil and cruel. instead I've visual communicated that it is part of the balance of life and that we can rise above the feeling that we must always be fighters.

Black Birds and Hummingbirds

Black Birds and Hummingbirds- Oil on wood panel, 20" x 24"

I've been working on a series of hummingbird paintings. I'll let it be known publicly that I recently experienced some depression. It wasn't a deep depression, but I knew that I wasn't my usual, energetic and happy self. For a while, I could not sing. The notes just wouldn't leave my throat. I thought, what's with this? I always sing.

I spent many days, weeks in fact, spending the day on our blue sofa, surfing the internet and checking my email. As much as I knew that I had to get up and get things done, I felt drained and took naps instead.

Then there was a day that I thought about passed paintings and I realized that all the hummingbird paintings that I have ever created are no longer in my hands. That means they're popular and that people relate to hummingbirds. I encouraged myself to get up and do just one hummingbird painting. I prepared a canvas, took out my paints and went to work. When I finished, I looked at it, I liked what I saw and felt encouraged to do one more painting.

The process continued. With every completed painting, I felt like another brick of despondency was lifted off my back. The hummingbirds, along with working with therapists, were healing me. My creative energy was at my side to rescue me, again! About two paintings into this project, I started to go out for regular walks and meeting friends at the nearby coffee shop. I carried my camera everywhere I went and took pictures of myself with friends. I took pictures of dogs too because I love them. This activity got my circulation flowing and as I looked at the photos that I took, I was happy!

Then I made the revelation that I am the hummingbird! The hummingbird represented my old self: vibrant, energetic and free in my surroundings. My hummingbird paintings reverberate in the painted panels. They energize their surroundings and I created the space around them by carrying the angles of their bodies and wings into the space around them. This is my way of being. I am in the moment and I create the world around me. I bring the color to the world as I see it. I'm inquisitive. My inner sole often takes flight, at least once a day. I am the hummingbird!

Geometric Rainbow Hummingbird

Geometric Rainbow Hummingbird- 11" x 14" oil on wood panel.

You bring your own optimism to the world. 

Hummingbird in Prism

20" x 24", Oil on Wood Panel with Silver Leaf.

The hummingbirds symbolizes hope, joy and optimism. The angles in this hummingbird's environment are created by the hummingbird's shape and movement. This illustrates our ability to participate in the shaping of our life experiences. We can create our joy!

The colors in this painting also suggest the power we have to spread our joy to the space around us.