Artist's Statement 

When standing before a blank canvas, I always have an excitement, the anticipation of a new creation, the next step on the journey. It is the process, to surrender unto and sometimes wrestle with, that is most important and not the end result.

     Primarily acrylic on canvas and pastel, my art is a very personal, healing journey in many ways. I work best when my motivation and subject matter evolve intuitively as I paint, each piece taking on a life of its own. Inspiration comes from my inner being, the realms within, along with responses to my myriad surroundings, past present and future. My work has been described as a "meeting of the earthly/organic and the Spiritual. " It is a joy for me to blend colors, to behold the variety and beauty therein. Like many artists, I am inspired by Mother Nature's incredible color palette and her never-ending beauty, intensity and drama. Sometimes, I paint accompanied by music, according to my mood, but generally I create in 'silence' or without 'obvious' outside influence or motivation.

      As a self-taught artist, I believe it is imperative to hone your skills and talents, to have the ability to relay or convey what you see and feel, while allowing your intuition to guide you. It is my desire to ‘create’ something unique, rather than to ‘re-create’ or duplicate something familiar. And, it is very important not to get stuck in a rut. Take some chances!

     I am attracted to the sense of mystery and freedom of painting abstractly. Most of my work, though, is a mixture of realism and abstraction, a combination of intuition and intention, if you will. Even in my 'representational/figurative' pieces there has always been a hint of the abstract. I prefer to leave some element of surprise or mystery, not fill in all the blanks or complete the picture, thereby engaging the viewer's imagination and allowing them to be 'involved in the process'.

     Some pieces definitely evolve more easily than others. There is a lingering inclination or tendency to 'make' something specific happen or something familiar to appear rather than just allowing the painting to unfold. Many times, as in life, 'seeming mistakes' prove to be breakthroughs, which can be exciting! Sometimes, a painting is evolving one way and, then, by turning the canvas another, a whole new and more powerful image and feeling can take place. Because of the time and energy I put into each piece, it's easy to become attached and, at times, I’ve been reluctant to part with a painting. On the other hand, I am always eager to get started on a new creation!

     I'm often asked how I know when a painting is finished. Most of the time, I just have a feeling, a sense of balance in color, form, space and movement and/or I have conveyed a certain feeling or message. Being a Libran, I am 'drawn' to create something aesthetically appealing, beautiful and balanced. Certainly, I hope for that "aha" moment when everything feels and/or looks 'right, but, to be honest, I sometimes embrace an "I can live with that" feeling as well!  

     People sometimes comment that being an artist, living the artist's life, is "easy" or "lucky" or "not ‘really’ work". Now, I guess that could be true if you are independently wealthy and/or painting and other creative ventures were past times or hobbies. Certainly, it is a blessing to be able to use your gifts and talents. At the same time, being creative, applying your skills and imagination with integrity and consistency, takes time, year of practice, persistence and patience. There is the actual creative time and energy (both in and out of the studio), the expense and 'business of art' (supplies, framing, exhibiting, self-promotion, managing a website, etc)...and life in-between. In some ways, the 'charmed' existence of the artist can actually be more stressful than the 'norm' or more conventional ways of life. For example, the income from your work can be very sporadic, if at all; structuring and organizing your time in a beneficial way, while allowing your creative energies to flow, is a balancing act; long hours and years spent at your craft tend to tax certain body parts; and, constantly putting your very being and talent on public display in such a way, baring your Soul, is not an 'easy' thing. It takes work, determination, vision, luck and talent, most of the time, to be successful as an artist or in any thing you want to pursue in life.

     Being an artist can also carry the social and moral responsibility, as well as the commitment and awareness, of being: a vehicle of inspiration and conscience, past, present and future; a visual and/or historic reference of the times; a voice of reason, warning or insight; and, at times, with knowing or without, a harbinger. So, although ‘Blessed, not stressed’ is a wonderful and workable affirmation, an artist's life, all of our lives, can be both.

     I have always expressed myself artistically, whether painting, drawing, writing poetry and songs, singing, playing the piano, designing clothing, creating home and garden spaces or just being 'crafty'. It's all a matter of self/Soul expression and I am blessed that my work speaks to others on many levels. And, I am grateful to be able to share my offerings with the Universe.

Brooks Garten/Artist