*Paintings
Creative Expression in any form….
Jacquelyn Markham
Artist Statement
As a painter and a poet, I have always been fascinated with the image and the mystery of recreating the experience the image evokes in me—whether in poetry, painting, photography, or other artistic means. The natural world is so full of beautiful and awe-inspiring images that form a sort of nature kaleidoscope in my mind and emotions. In my art, I turn that kaleidoscope outward.
I have always been a nature child, living my early years in rural Michigan on a decaying farm with an old orchard, lilacs, lilies of the valley, wild strawberries, and scent of mint rising from the creek beds. In later years, I lived on Southern lands with red clay, Live Oaks, Spanish moss, Camellias, and Azaleas filling my mind’s eye. Now, the landscape of the savannahs and seashore finds its way into my artwork.
The earth-based spiritual practice that is the core of my life has its roots in my childhood experiences and in an ancient way of being that centered on cycles of the earth: seasons, moon phases, and the natural rhythms of our own bodies, spirits, and psyches. There are as many ways to express spirituality as there are people, flowers, and snowflakes. Since I believe that creative expression is a way for spiritual growth, my way is through art and creativity.
The work inspired by nature is a return to the free and creative child spirit that connects deeply with the natural world. Nothing is more elemental to a healthy body, mind, spirit than a close relationship with nature and for me the best way to develop that connectedness is to observe and experience it through my art. In the midst of the hectic pace and stressful modern world, painting en plein air has provided me a way to experience earth’s gifts. In gratitude, I create artwork that reflects the way I see the world—my humble gift back to the Earth.