Thematically, my art world is based on an exploration of common human experiences: the tragedy of loss, the cathartic release of anger in need of expulsion from the mind/body, acceptance of expired opportunities or the ecstatic joy that pervades a truly human moment of love and compassion. While some of my images are directly related to the natural environment of Newfoundland and Labrador, many more reflect an internal coastline of both smooth and jagged contours. Each image is a carefully abstracted reflection of my personal thoughts and emotions on the subject matter in question. Even though I usually have a general idea where I am headed at the commencement of the journey, it is critical for me to maintain a conscious open-minded flexibility. For me, the intrinsic excitement that fuels my passion and ignites my soul is not the finished product (artwork) but the process by which it comes into Being. In giving over of myself to the birthing process of the imagery, I enter another level of consciousness that permits the inner reality of the universe to come forth through the immediacy of the colors, shapes and lines. Relying heavily on symbolic imagery and the emotional language of color, the visual meaning of my artwork often transcends the literal context in which the “stories” are depicted. Often times, “something” appears in the final image that escaped my conscious planning!

The Trinity Series, consisting mostly of whales and fish reflect a symbolic connection between water, the human being as hunter/nurturer and the spiritual/biological role of fish within the evolution of humankind. For example, the female presence with child next to the codfish is meant to suggest a causal relationship between physical and spiritual co-existence. Regardless of the subject matter and final juxtaposition of individual elements within the picture plane, it is the process by which the image comes into being that is the most important aspect of the mystical journey inward.

It has been said that my paintings and embellished relief linoleum prints invite the viewer to forge a connection between the surface imagery and his/her private storyboard of personal life experiences. Perhaps the undulating colors and intricate flowing organic shapes provide a personal call to action, requesting the audience to step up to the plate and reach deeply within their own psychic core for an honest human response. This alternating duplicity of meaning and interpretation is intentional for both the created and the creator must not restrict the viewers’ freedom to question, challenge and/or embrace the essence of the image within the context of their own life’s journey. Art provides a method of seeing the world around us from as many different vantage points as there are viewers willing to take the time to look and art makers who are willing to bare their soul in public.
Contact Information:
Brenda Rowe-Bartlett
Garden Palette (Healing Garden) Art Studio
Phone: (709) 726-7916
E-mail: studiogirl04@nl.rogers.com
colourandline-art@yahoo.ca

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