In the Flow

Mixed media — paper collage, acrylic paints, artist pens, nylon mesh fabric
24 x 18 inches
2016

This work was created for A Place of her Own, an exhibition curated by Cynthia Tom and Maggie Yee in response to the question, “If you had a place of your own, what would it be?”

Growing up in a family where mental illness and domestic violence were present profoundly impacted my life. Safety, ease, and calm were often compromised.   

I took diving lessons to embrace my fear of swimming in deep waters which was hindering my ability to explore more of our world. I believe that in order to overcome fears, I must be willing to move towards them instead of avoiding them. When diving, I am mindful of taking slow deep breaths which is in contrast to my more familiar shallow breathing, a common trait among survivors of violence. I use my breath to keep myself balanced and at the appropriate depth. I stay in the moment and when I pay attention to what is right in front of me, a wonderful world is revealed to me. I consider the turtle my spirit animal since an encounter where one guided me to safety. Underwater, turtles swimming look like angels flying. I chose the color palette to bring a sense of calm into the art. During the process, I was inspired to add a little brightness and light into the piece. My intuition led me to use gold leaf originally but I chose to paint over it with a soft bodied acrylic paint for balance. The “heart coral” is made from a found object, mesh.      

My Place is a balanced and integrated space of calm and ease. Guided by the divine, I am secure, centered and honor the dignity and respect for myself and others.