FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE  –  oil and mixed mediums on Belgian linen – For The Love Of Topaz, my first horse and her foal Ma Fille.  –  SOLD

If you have watched mares and foals you will know that although the youngsters gallivant around, when they touch base with their mothers there is always a deep affection between them, a display of unmistakable love between a mother and child.

I wanted to explore this feeling of love and how horses might express it. To jump into the feeling myself I need something to look at.

I found a beautiful image that spoke to every feeling I wanted to capture. I rarely use direct resource material but this image was exceptional and I had never painted a horse. I discovered it was the work of talented photographer Sande Elkins of Gray Horse designs. Thank you for permission Sande.

Painting my first horse was daunting. I knew that it would be the beginning of a new journey and that this painting would hold a message for me. As I dived into the canvas I felt a deep ordering within myself, a letting go. I felt the shapes come through even without looking at the photo. This process stirred up feelings of love, loving what I do and allowing the unique message of my subject to come through.
Hence the name for this piece.

REFLECTIONS  –  29″ X 31″ – unframed – oil & mixed mediums on board
AVAILABLE – contact me

Every lunch-time, in the balmy warmth of Vietnam in October, after morning chores were done, I would sit with the bears. A guest at the Animals Asia moonbear rescue centre in Tam Dao Vietnam, this was a gift beyond words for me.

This majestic moonbear would come to the window of the den, gaze into my eyes and make the ‘click click’ sound which seemed to be their form of communication. Something so ancient and knowing glowed in his eyes. So forgiving after the horrific ordeal of a bear bile farm.

I painted him several times but this image spoke most to me of emotional bonding between species, interconnectedness. Combining the oil painting techniques I used on murals I wanted to present the beauty and majesty of this guy, an ambassador for his kind. I asked AAF founder Jill Robinson how she protected herself from the heartbreak of seeing the condition of the bears she rescued. She replied that ’the bears rescued her every time’.   The recovery and joy in these rescued bears was palpable. They certainly reached out and grabbed my heart. Thank you Jill for an amazing experience!

Stay creative in your world – blaze

SOUL OF EARTHFIRE  –  36″ X 46″ – oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen
SOLD

My creative journey took another turn when I visited Earthfire Institute wildlife sanctuary in Idaho USA. Offered the opportunity to interact with rescued wild animals changed the way I see life and my place in the world. There were so many experiences that all have a common thread, the circle of animals and their willingness to interact with us. This allowed for artistic exploration, animal or interspecies communication and immersion into animal spirituality.

I was particularly taken by a lynx ,Elmo, with whom I had some beautiful moments. Researching Lynx I discovered an Iberian cousin in Spain now critically endangered. Although I do not literally paint the experience, I do paint from the feelings of the experience that always opens up unknown or familiar insights.

In this painting I wanted to share this through the symbol of the circle, the web of life and the crow ever present in my garden, wherever I might be.

Stay creative in your world – blaze