Essential Women - Donna Beningfield Artist Catalogue

Essential Women

BY DONNA BENINGFIELD

28 September to 4 November 2012 Umbrella Studio contemporary arts

Essential Women Essential Women is an exhibition of artworks that explores the metaphysical properties of essential oils through the representation and beauty of the female form. The technique of watercolour using acrylic medium and essential oils on canvas has been explored to capture the artist’s interpretation of the mystical characteristics of each oil. These oils contain both a physical and metaphysical benefit and are linked to the seven “master chakras” in the body that sit vertically along the spinal column.

The use of essential oils dates back to 4500 BC by the Ancient Egyptians. Since that time essential oils have been used traditionally to kill harmful germs, as well as spiritually to balance mood, lift spirits, and dispel negative emotions.

Each of the nine paintings uses a mixture of essential oils and acrylic medium which allowed the artist to explore the connections between the metaphysical properties of the oil, the nature of the chakra and its associated colour vibration.

Hence, Rosemary that is located in the throat chakra is associated with creativity, self-esteem and the search for truth. Its colour vibration is blue which is symbolic of inspiration, devotion and friendship. Beningfield’s close friend

Mary Morris is depicted in varying hues of blue in her own creative space, Mary claims “My kitchen is my inspiration and most of my china is blue�.

The exhibition also includes three collaborative pieces where the sitters were asked to participate in the process by using a range of mixed media on canvas in a limited time period. Each of the three canvases involved three of the sitters, leaving behind evidence of the layering and marks of all the participants.

Image details (clockwise from top left) 1. Rosemary, 2011, 150 x 75cm, Acrylic and Essential Oil 2. Neroli, 2011, 150 x 75cm, Acrylic and Essential Oil 3. Rose, 2011, 150 x 75cm, Acrylic and Essential Oil 4. Lavender, 2011, 150 x 75cm, Acrylic and Essential Oil 5. Basil, 2011, 150 x 75cm, Acrylic and Essential Oil

Front Cover: Lime, 2011, Acrylic and Essential Oil Back Cover: Vetiver, 2011, Acrylic and Essential Oil

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