Dear Blog Readers,
Sheena’s Place is excited to present To be Seen, a thought-provoking group exhibition & silent auction where art becomes the mirror reflecting our collective experience of living within a body. What you see—and how you feel—are the essence of this exhibition. On display are works created by different artists, working in various forms, yet with one common theme: art as the medium to explore and discuss body image. We aim to challenge our audience to think about the effects of diet culture. The pieces are intended to spark a reaction, be it resonance, joy, discomfort, sadness, or anger. We hope these feelings foster meaningful conversations that challenge social norms and lead to a celebration of the beauty of every unique form.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be presenting Artist Spotlights.
Today we hear from our first artist.
Be kind to yourself and be sure to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
Your moderator,
Kira
I have always been into creating art however it was over the pandemic that I found it once again. Initially it began as a mindfulness practice but transformed into a new career avenue to explore. I focus on the use of the continuous line to represent the universal connection we all share. As an intuitive artist, I like my works to evoke a meditative state in the viewer to initiate their inner knowing. I enjoy combining nature elements with the human body to showcase the interconnectedness while getting lost in the bewilderment of the one line.
I think society encourages many of us to ‘play small’ and I wanted to submit my work to help counteract that. I am very empowerment focused, often combining many of my works with motivational thoughts and inspiring feelings. I believe my art is a great fit for the theme. There is room for all of us to take up space exactly as we are.
It [creating art] was a way to clear my head during times of chaos. Creating art allows me to step away from the chatter and tune more into self. Using my intuition to create the majority of my pieces, allows me to build on that self-trust and tap into my authentic being. It is from this space where I can move through the world with purpose, and I hope my art provides others a safe place to do so as well.
“To Be Seen” is to show up in the world exactly as you are. It means to never shy away from owning your truths and pursuing your purpose. It is about self-acceptance and not allowing the outside world to dictate your being. To be seen is to be vulnerable but that is where your power lies- it is an act of empowerment. I believe my life is riddled with moments of being seen. Whether it is someone remembering my coffee order, making me my favourite meal, or holding me accountable for actions not in alignment with my character. I believe to be seen is to allow in those acts of kindness and love. I feel seen in these moments because someone has taken the time to pay attention to me. They have actively listened in those little moments and showed care through being present and thoughtful. Being seen makes me feel accepted and encourages me to continue forward trying to provide space for others to feel seen. It reminds me that even the little acts can have a huge impact. It motivates me to keep creating my art with integrity and gives me an energizing boost to do so.
My art is very introspective and I work from an intuitive place. I meditate and go within to pull out imagery to draw and messages that come with them. The process of making art is very meditative and eases my mind, body, and soul. It is a tool I use to connect with self but also connect with others. I look at my process as a channel to build community.
In regards to Eating Disorders, the theme is pivotal in the acceptance of self and healing process. The root causes are rarely ever to do with appearance, but rather that internal dialogue we’ve created telling us we ‘need’ to be someone or so something we are not. In turn, those who suffer from EDs are working at changing and hiding away parts of self. Often filled with guilt and shame, embracing the theme, and allowing those suffering to share and release that inner turmoil, begins the conversation of self-acceptance and breaking down the heaviness for healing.
As a public art advocate and experience painting large scale murals, I desire for my art to be all over the world, outside of gallery walls where it is more acceptable to all walks of life. Art unites through breaking down barriers and open conversations. Therefore, I am eager to continue forward in public art.
I hope after viewing my art, people walk away having been able to step away from their current troubles, having a moment to follow the line work and experience a meditative state. A sense of wonder around how the imagery is all connected with one line, while hopefully creating a sense of intrigue at what lies within themselves and how we are all connected in this world. I truly hope the artwork creates a space for people to have a moment with themselves.