'HONORING LIFE'S FORMS' - A CACTUS SERIES BY JANE CASSIDY

Biography - Artist's Statement - Motivation

All of my cactus paintings fall under one title, ‘Honoring Life's Forms’, with subtitles for each. I began the series late last fall after Renee, my daughter, died. I'm not sure why the inspiration came to paint this cactus series, but it did, and it continues. After Renee died, a good friend of mine, Anah, said, 'She will bring you gifts.' I had no idea what she meant, nor did I necessarily believe it. The gift, however, has been this opportunity for me to express my feelings, and maybe the biggest lesson ever - to express how precious life is and how each encounter is such a blessing. Not that I haven't always known this, but such a loss offers an opportunity for learning. Each painting is created with love and devotion for Renee, and gratitude. These feelings motivate the continuing process of the cactus series.

Why cactus? Living in the desert in New Mexico, I see that even within this barren land, life continues – the cactus show us the miracle and determination of survival. I often bring intense light, contrasted by deep shadows, into my work. The light actually represents hope, and the search for enlightenment. In the beginning, this wasn't apparent to me, but over time, I see this to be true. I find that cactus can also mimic our own personal experiences. They cluster together, giving each other support as they form their own community. They also intersect each other's paths, much the same way we can have those special encounters as our lives intersect, momentarily, with others. After this winter passed, my work began to change, as I added cactus blossoms into some paintings – another example of how even in our darkest hours, life can be fruitful.

'The Sacred Site'

I have been surrounded by the arts from an early age. I was born into a family of artists in 1955 in a small farming community in northern Indiana. My mother and sister are both artists and even my great-great aunt was an excellent oil painter. Art was a part of everyday life as I grew up, and art materials were within an arm's reach. Paints, brushes, paper, canvases, material, and anything else needed for the creative process was always available. When I was young, I assumed that all households were like mine and that learning art was like learning to read. Now, 1/2 decade later, I look back with gratitude for being exposed to such a wonderful environment.

My formal art studies began in high school and continued in college at Indiana University. After college, I married and raised two children. Art was always a regular activity for my children, just as it had been for me. My best teachers have always been my family, including my children, Renee and Richard. From them I have learned the freedom of creativity.

I have always preferred acrylics because they are fast-drying and nontoxic. I have experience with several mediums, but I find that acrylic is very suitable to my technique, and subject matter. Each painting in the cactus series is created with an initial layer of acrylic and sand. This is just the beginning of several layers which then, do not contain sand. The acrylic and sand mixture creates a textured canvas which is a natural match for cactus paintings. It is an organic way to bring the creative process in direct contact with nature. I also find the texture forces me to paint with more freedom.

I have several different styles – both realistic and somewhat representational & abstract. Even with my realistic work, I add a bit of surrealism. I have also done a series of murals in Indiana, in both residential and public settings.

My favorite artist has always been Henri Rousseau, for several reasons. As a young girl, I was entranced by his innocent depiction of nature's abundance. I saw mystery and magic in his paintings, and I have always been enticed by nature's beauty. When I was growing up during the days of 'Mayberry' and the 'World of Disney', life was safe & simpler and I spent most summer days playing outside. My neighborhood was a natural fairyland abundant with flowers, fruit trees, and all sorts of vegetation. I started painting vegetation at a very early age - it has always been my favorite subject matter. It might also be my Irish heritage that draws my attention to the many shades of green which is evident in most all my paintings.

I have done many different creative projects and series over my lifetime. It is always the process of ‘doing‘ for me that is important. Often times, when a painting is finished, I am amazed and somewhat bewildered that it came through me. I find as much pleasure in a small painting as a 20 foot mural. At the completion of each cactus painting, I feel a well of love for life, and all the gifts that have come my way. I am grateful for this gift and opportunity to continue the cactus series.

Blessings to you, always.

Jane Cassidy

SHOWING AT
Eye on the Mountain Gallery, Prescott, AZ

Indigo Gallery in Madrid, New Mexico

Some Images