It is an honor and pleasure to present this feature article “Artist Members Share Their Inspiration With Us”. One of my favorite questions to ask an artist is, “what inspired this work of art?” I love to know what is in the hearts and minds of these incredible, sensitive human beings who have the talent to dig into a wellspring of their experiences, feelings and thoughts and then bring them to visual fruition. In doing so, they share something about themselves with us so we may learn and appreciate more of what they create and why.
When I asked members of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS online gallery to choose one of the works of art that is presented on their membership page and tell us what inspired it, I was delighted to receive their responses. I know you will also enjoy viewing their art and reading their statements.
Art is shown in the order in which we received the artists’ replies. Their names will take you to their pages where you can view more of their artwork and find links to their websites. Please spend time on their websites and contact them directly to purchase their art.
Andrea Robinson
“I believe that art can be a catalyst for change, and my painting ‘The Last Stand” is about the fight to keep the Arctic as a reserve. The Arctic Ocean is in trouble. It is one of the most pristine and fragile places left on our planet, and pollution from oil spills and mining are seeing the loss of species, habitat and emissions are adding to the climate change crisis. My work aims to address this problem and is a call for action.”
This painting was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory 2020-2021” exhibition and is from Andrea’s “Plight” series, a very important body of work that raises awareness.
Bren Sibilsky
“I was given a booklet by local artist historian Jim Sustman. The booklet was the history of the Potawatomi people, written by the Tribal Spiritual Leader, Earl J. Meshigaud Sr. The story entailed the struggle, resilience and hope of a people caught up in ‘Winds of Change’ while still coming home to their own powerful self-knowledge and wisdom. I am thankful to have had the chance to read their story and believe I am better for it.”
“Winds of Change” won Second Place in the prestigious New York based Catharine Lorillard Wolf Art Club’s Associates’ and Non-Members Exhibition. Bren is the founder and an instructor at the Algoma Atelier of Sculpture and Art, in Wisconsin.
Julia Underwood
“The painting ‘Majesty Waterfall’ is of a grand and powerful waterfall in a flourishing landscape viewed and admired by a couple. It’s based on the Skógafoss Waterfall in Iceland, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country. According to legend, the first Viking settlers, buried a treasure chest in a cave behind this waterfall. In Feng Shui, water is a life giver and so a symbol of renewal and energy. A waterfall of flowing water represents continuous wealth and abundance.”
On her website Julia shares her extensive knowledge about Feng Shui and how you may use it when choosing artwork for your home. She emphasizes how this ancient Chinese practice creates harmony in your surroundings to enhance your happiness, health and prosperity.
All of these paintings display such unique energy and wonder! Each of these artists connect to deep creative roots.