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"The
new spirituality will be first and foremost an experience of
creative energy and inspiration… It is important to bear in
mind that human creativity is not a claim or right on the part
of humanity, but God’s claim on and call to humanity. God wants
humanity’s creative act, which is the response to the creative
act of God."
– Nicolas Berdyaev
20th Century Russian Orthodox theologian
Quoted in the Vancouver Sun “Saturday Review” Jan 13, 1996 |
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This quote had a profound effect on me in 1996 and because of it I had
the courage to begin to paint. I had always been interested in the connection
between the unseen force that creates the seen world and I now had a
way of centering in that connection and in an idea that is bigger than
me. That made it worth doing.
My first paintings, and the largest part of my body of work to 2003,
were focused on the idea of being “Called into Being.” The DNA Diptych
was seminal in that green and orange intertwined ribbons showed up in
my mind which became code for DNA. As the painting developed it represented
to me a place where the creative force was ready to burst into birthing
form. I did smaller studies using variations on these colours and ribbon
shapes.
At the same time, I developed some renderings of two soft rectangles
– “Called into Being – Together” as metaphor for two beings in a relationship.
Rarely during this period did I start with any preconceived image. I
would begin my painting with a random “pour” of translucent clear-based
enamel to express the unseen, and vivid acrylic inks. Combining unmixable
oil and water created some interesting effects. Then I would respond
to this “mark” and begin making relationships in space, adding more
layers, and finding ways to make the composition a whole.
Although I basically paint in oil, I have used soft and oil pastels,
coloured pencil, and conté to achieve some effects.
This body of work is important to me because it is my foundation and
learning experience. For five years I taught myself and established
that I love engaging in the response of the “creative act” of painting,
that I can be accepted into juried shows and accepted by my peers.
The last two years at the Neighborhood Art Studios have brought me learning,
community, encouragement and a gallery for my work. This show celebrates
a level of completion.
The next direction in my work has a more “seen emphasis” and will use
texture, collage, and bolder colour themes as well as an exploration
of the meaning of rocks and stones.
-- Ada Gabriel, 2004
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