Maureen Bennett

Website

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maureenbennett.com

instagram.com/maureenbennettoc/

Statement 

On a micro level, my backyard and woods in northern NJ reflect a greater concern for ourchanging world. I explore my home environment, which is deeply personal and at the sametime universal in the greater context of our global climate crisis. Many forces are integralto my work, particularly during this past year of pandemic whenI created the mixed mediaQuarantine Backyard Mandalas Series. I was motivated to bring joy, beauty and unity whileraising consciousness about my environment, particularly the presence of invasive plantspecies and the abundance of tree losses. Many of these plants crowd out the native oneswhich have thrived for millennia. They are better at adapting to the accelerating climatechange and can beat the native species, to the new fields, valleys and mountains. As plantsand trees are forced to adapt, they must, in effect, make some sort of order out of chaos.

Formed in my backyard and woods, these mandalas take on recognizable natural shapes inunexpected symmetry, and sometimes intentional asymmetry. I create in layers using multiplemediums working at first with urgency and alarming speed, and completing in a very slowmeditated stage. The mandala is an ancient spiritual symbol usually taking a circular form torepresent life’s eternal journey, never-ending and perfect. It is an ever-present reminder ofinterconnectedness and change. Nothing lasts forever and nothing exists on its own.

Solo Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions

Awards / Grants / Residencies

Global Connecting Art Projects

Teaching Artist / Creative Consultant

Video / TV / Film

2023: NBAS Oil, Mixed Media, and Sculpture Exhibition