Kelly Hendrickson off and be destroyed but while I get close to the edge sometimes, I'm still here...still safe in the maelstrom...still hoping and existing. I can recognize a subtle political feature in Wall of Courage. It goes without saying that Art can play a role in facing social questions, but I was wondering if Art could even steer in a certain way people's behaviour... what's your point? By the way, what could be the role of an artist in the society?
Most, if not all, political and social awareness topics deal with very strongly held beliefs and therefore touch something very deep in our phyche and emotions. That is why it is usually unwise to discuss these over cocktails or dinner. Emotions run quite high on these topics. Art by its nature seems to resonate with people on an equally deep level. I believe we can speak to situations and issues as artists that can touch the heart and inform the mind in ways that letters and words might not be able to. That would be my hope. The issue of "artist as change agent" becomes less
Shattered Lives
would become no longer JUST viewers but more like participants. When I do that exhibition I'll let you know! Other artworks on which I would like to spend some words are California Poppies and especially Limbo, that our readers have admired in the previous central page. What was your initial inspiration?
"California Poppies" came from the years we lived in California. They are a wildflower that grows along the roadsides there. Their orange flower is so joyful and simple. California holds some very special memories for me and this piece is an expression of that continuing connection. "Limbo" is a piece that was inspired by my life in general and specifically at the time I made it. It was a time of so many unknowns, so many things which happened and threatened to happen that I had no control over nor could I effect change. I often felt like the green lush valleys of security beckoned in the distance but I was barely balanced on a small rock, separated for the firm cliff and floating dangerously over the chaotic abyss. The rock I found was my faith. That is what keeps me from crashing into total despair and hopelessness. It may be small at times, but it is as solid as a rock and able to support me in whatever crisis looms on the horizon. At times I feel like I'll fall
California Poppies
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