I believe that Inner Images come to each of us throughout our lives and in a variety of forms, but always in the service of healing & wholeness. For this reason, creating artwork is a sacred task, a challenge in each moment to stop, to wake up, be present & tell the truth. Like the ancient alchemists, it is a process of transforming something ordinary and unremarkable into something precious & sublime.
The process of making art demands that I get out of my own way and become a conduit or a bridge where the reality of the inner, invisible world can cross through to the visible one – where the contents of the unconscious and unformed realms are made manifest as conscious form. My work documents my imperfect attempts in this endeavor, as well as my own journey toward greater self-awareness and realization.
If viewing my work catalyzes a moment of stillness, silence or heightened awareness for others, then my efforts will have been worthwhile.
Biographica
Education
- B.S., Elementary & Special Education, Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 1975.
- M.S., Counseling Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 1983.
- Post-Graduate training at the Hakomi Institute, Boulder ,CO 1983-85.
Biography in Brief
Carol is an accomplished artist/educator. For more than 20 years she has taught students from the elementary level through college/graduate school, Outward Bound courses, yoga, meditation & carpentry. She’s been a counselor and psychotherapist; she is certified in body-centered psychotherapy, sandplay and dreamwork. She is trained to facilitate labyrinth walks, journaling retreats, dream circles and process arts workshops. She is also the mother of two incredible teenage daughters – her most stunning works of art! Her diverse life experience has led her to knowing that her passion in life is to use and share the transformative, healing power of art and creativity.
Art Shows, Exhibitions & Awards
- Yavapai College - Fall Juried Student Exhibition, 2002 Third Place Printmaking
- Yavapai College - Spring Juried Student Exhibition, 2003 First Place Printmaking
- Yavapai College – Spring Juried Student Exhibition, 2004, Third Place Printmaking
- Yavapai College – Fall Juried Student Exhibition, 2004, First Place Printmaking
- The Frame & I Gallery – One Woman Show: 50 Works to Celebrate 50 Years September, 2004
- Yavapai College – Spring Juried Student Exhibition, 2005, First & Second Place Printmaking
- Phoenix Art Detour Exhibition – March 2005 Susan Copeland Gallery
- Threshold Creative Arts Magazine - Spring 2005
- Yavapai College – Fall Juried Student Exhibition, 2005, Second Place Printmaking
- Prescott Fine Arts Association Exhibit, “Faith & Religion in Art” Jan. 2006 Honorable Mention
- Yavapai College – Spring Juried Student Exhibition, 2006, Third Place Printmaking
- Yavapai College - Fall Juried Student Exhibition, 2006
- Artist-In-Residence Invitational - The Orme School Fine Arts Festival Week, Mayer, AZ 2002-2006
Representation
Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery in Prescott, AZ
156B Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (928)776-1080
Press
“Artist finds 50 years of Age a Significant Milestone,” September 24, 2004. Prescott Daily Courier.“Artwork Flows to Form Whatever the Viewer Sees,” July 22, 2005. Prescott Daily Courier.
Artist’s Statement
I have always loved art, creativity and the limitless domain of imagination. Of all the artforms I have explored, printmaking has always stood out as my favorite process , and monoprinting the best of all printmaking processes.
Monotypes are one of a kind original works of art, like any painting, except that in monoprinting the artist paints the image on a smooth, flexible plate, such as plixiglass or copper, which is then overlayed by a dampened sheet of archival paper and run through a printing press under tremendous pressure. The pressure transfers image from the plate to the paper, and when the artist peels the paper from the plate the unique and unpredictable image is revealed. Occasionally, depending on the amount of pressure used to run the initial print as well as other factors, there is a small residual amount of ink remaining on the plate which can also be run to create a “ghost” print. No two prints are ever exactly alike however, making each monotype a one of a kind original.
My images come from a place deep within me and depict the interior landscapes of my soul. Sometimes very still, quiet and hushed, other times moody, brooding and disturbing, they always tell a truth that asks me to be present.
Like dreams, they come from a Source that is as mysterious as it is wise. I am persuaded that they come like angels knocking at the door, imploring me to wake up.
The work itself seems to explore paradox, & vulnerability. I am fascinated by the relationship between the inner, invisible world & the outer visible one. – between what is conscious & unconscious. I struggle to reconcile dualities - to contain the tension of the opposites & to weave them into a whole.
I notice that my works are often located in a brief and fleeting moment that is between – in the pause between inhale and exhale, or past and future. Hanging out in this tension brings me into deeper relationship with the numinous - that sacred something present in all our lives, whether we are aware of it or not... the task it sets is only to surrender to what is - to strip away anything in the way of the essential truth of our human vulnerability.
Each monotype & painting documents my engagement with this task and the struggle to stay present & tell the truth. Ultimately the effort itself is a transformative process.
I find the attempt to make art to be both humbling & healing.
My hope is for viewers of my work to experience the presence of that moment – to experience the stillness of the pause between worlds. If my work evokes in you even a hint of this, my efforts will have been worthwhile.
all content and images on this site, ©2004, 2005, 2006 Carol Kennedy, all rights reserved.