Late winter has led to time for creating, to finally birth the concepts I have been sitting with since last year. There is something about giving things time, to let it exist in our minds and then move into the space of creating. It just flows because the body knows what to do, how to communicate what the heart has been dreaming.
I have been wanting to create a large piece, made of different panels, lines moving in and out, contrasting organic shape with geometric angles. Each form playing off of each other, moving from the dark to the light. In my mind this was always a peony, i love peonies and they remind me of spring time.
An opportunity arose to create a show, a collaboration with my studio mate at The HeArt Box, Emergence. For once I am putting myself first, putting myself out there and creating from a place of years of learning. While working on the paintings, taking time to do studies of shape of color. Taking my time to put thought into the work while making a place for myself, claiming my craft. Standing in my devotion for my gift, no time to waste but all the time in the world to be.
This year has allotted opportunities that I did not have the time years prior, to step out of my little box. To expand and explore into new perspectives with courage.
Courage, the color purple
Purple, a choice of color for the collection Emergence. I just felt drawn to this color at this time and have found a way to weave this hue throughout the pieces. As I started to do color studies, i looked more into the color purple and the meaning associated with it. I love to learn more about the reasons why and any symbolism attached to a concept, imagery and so on. Purple is a color of magic, mystery, spirituality, the sub-conscious, creativity, dignity, royalty. So translated for me, someone choosing to stand in her light, Purple became the color of courage. For me my art is spirituality, it is creativity and always there in each piece I create is magic. I know this because when I am finished with each painting, I step away and the piece will make me giggle. This is a language I understand to be on the right path.
I found it interesting that purple can be a color of wealth, royalty and is one of the rarest colors in nature, making a limited color to work with. Purple dyes dating back to 1900 BC, originating from massive amount of shellfish boiled in led vats to produce very small amounts of the colored dye. Garments dyed in purple were limited to privileged individuals, royalty and so on due to it’s limited supply.
Purple scientifically is one of the most powerful wavelengths of the rainbow, being the closest to x-rays and gamma rays. Some believe this is why it is associated with supernatural, magic and psychic abilities.
Purple is the combination of blue and red, red being a warm color and blue being cool. Purple becomes a color of harmony and balance.
Peony
Originating in China and soon after spreading into Japan, peonies are known as the king of flowers. They are also known to symbolize wealth and could find them in the gardens of the imperial courts. In Japan they are used as a symbol of bravery, honor and good fortune.
Peony flowers have been used for medicine. The root and petals in particular, used in tea and medicine. The plant itself can live for up to 100 years.
Stepping out of the box
While preparing for the show, Emergence I got to take a little time out to assist another artist in Phoenix on a mural. I Learned so much and challenged myself to see bigger. Sometimes stepping out of our daily routines, our boxes of containment helps us see more and beyond.
Grateful for this opportunity and so much more.
Show opens at The HeArt Box, April 1st 6-9pm and April 2nd 12-6pm.
A 2 day immersive exhibition between artists, Jill Sans and Jessica Worthington, current resident artists at The HeArt Box. Emergence is a collection of paintings woven together with an experiential installation of a soothing, surreal landscape; leading us through the emergence of light from the dark. We invite our community to join us, engage and contribute to our wishing pot, make a wish, intention or prayer to leave and later be released into the ethers.
Jill Sans is an artist based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Her work is that of beautification from paintings to cosmetic tattooing. She currently work out of The HeArt Box Studio and Gallery in historic downtown, Flagstaff.