EXHIBITIONS / EVENTS

Lauren Curtis - www.laurencurtisart.com

Artist Statement

"Mystics & Mourners: Archetypes in Nature & Spirit"

This is the focus of a body of work I’ve been developing over the last few years. Today’s world brings much tragedy, both natural and man-made. It also presents incredible access to knowledge, but  deep sadness for the world’s losses. We are left to mourn, but also to seek enlightenment. Exploring these issues via my art practice I seek a pathway to inspire thought and communication about the social issues of spirituality and mortality and how they bond with nature.

After studying and embracing Earth-centered spiritual systems and mythologies, as well as traveling to experience other cultures first hand, I’ve developed my own symbols to represent several archetypes that I feel are part of  our human foundation. The Mystic/Hermit represents introspection and our quest for knowledge and growth. The Mourner is someone we will all inevitably become, whether it’s to mourn a loved one or a global tragedy (more and more common today). The Tree of Life depicts all of nature, as well as humanity, and is a symbol found throughout history around the globe. The Tree also represents the highest level of wisdom the Mystic can reach.  I’ve chosen to explore these  ideas  through oil, watercolor and mixed-media paintings.

As a full time artist, I have been working to not only exhibit this series  (part of which will be in a July/Aug. 2009 solo show at J&J World Headquarters as well as Alfa Art Gallery) but my other paintings and photographs as well.  I have participated in over 85 shows (group, solo & juried) since graduating from Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers) in 1988 and have been exhibiting /selling work throughout the US & abroad.  My art can be found in the collections of several NJ historical organizations including the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission and in the Joyce Kilmer Library Gallery, as well as in private collections.  My work is also represented by galleries in NJ and MA, and I’ve been commissioned to create illustrations for publications, on-line magazines, crafter companies and businesses.  For more information about my artwork, please contact me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com.

Also, please visit my websites: www.LaurenCurtisArt.com & http://www.laurencurtisart.mosaicglobe.com