Healing For The Soul

Art serves an important purpose. Sometimes to make us think, sometimes to reflect back to us, ideas of ourselves or of our human condition. I like to think that my art touches people’s emotions in a good way. To bring beauty and peace into someone’s life, especially if it is a bit chaotic or difficult.

Although I have been through many trials in my own life I use my art as a way to seek out hope and encouragement, both as a therapy for myself but also to encourage others. Sometimes I need to draw to help me process emotions or get in touch with my feelings. When I have an idea for a painting, I want it to provide hope and a sense of beauty because that in itself helps me to focus on, and reinforce a positive feeling, and hopefully do the same for others. I have seen plenty of artwork at times over the years that is disturbing and dark, and while I understand that type of expression might help the artist in expressing the pain or darkness they are experiencing, it’s not the type of feeling I would want to inflict on others. I would so much rather have light, colour and beauty flood their senses. I relate to the words of Renoir “Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world”.

Some of my paintings have symbolic meaning which is hinted at in the title. Others are just to remind us that there is still beauty in the world, despite the pain or ugliness.

Each flower, animal or wave contains the miracle of nature which exists carrying the essence of a life force which we are all a part of. Often to be close to nature is to find healing for the soul. When beauty is discovered and the life force within it is received into our hearts, we find peace and love.

“Soar” Acrylic on canvas