Memory Creating the Self ~ Body Memory

The wound is the place where the light enters you.

~Jalaluddin Rumi

Memory Creating the Self:

Body Memory

12/2008

Oil and gold metal leafing on wood panel

20 x 16"   (sold)

The body remembers, 

the bones remember, the joints remember,

even the little finger remembers.

Memory is lodged in pictures and feelings in the cells themselves.

Like a sponge filled with water,

anywhere the flees is pressed, wrung, 

even touched lightly,

a memory may flow out in a stream.

~Clarissa Pinkola Estes

These were some of my most personal paintings, not only of this solo show but of any work I've done. There were only 5 of these pieces, among the 33 in my solo show, but I think they are some of the most intimate and effective. I did them because they were important for me to do, on a personal level, but I really needed them to make the concept of the show feel complete.  

Here is my artist's statement, if you missed it in the previous post. That post also included photographs of the opening reception, some of the works, as well as a description of how the show was set up.

We are made of memory; genetic, experimental and body memory. We embody that which has come before us, as well as what we have experienced on our journey here. How much do we hold from our own past that we do not remember?

There are places and people we are linked with forever because they have left their mark on us. What is it that we will imprint on others and what will we leave behind?

My work integrates gold metal leafing, which incorporates memories of Thai temples and Italian altarpieces, from my own experience, as well as some deeper sense memory, that cannot be explained. There is a connection to history and tradition that I feel, as if I have been doing it for centuries.

2/2/2009

Oil and gold metal leafing on wood panel

"5 x 5" 

For this group of works, some of the subject matter was of a moment in time, like a CT scan or a surgeon saying "We took a planet out of you," but for others, the memories happened over time, like damage to vocal chords and not being about to sing or find my voice. 

The following piece represents multiple memories and multiple meanings. My arms became thin, poked and prodded, but they also hold and embrace ... my hands hold and create, my palms read in my childhood by my great grandmother ...  

And, just as the gold has it's own meaning (see artist's statement) the fabric color holds a spiritual symbolism and significance.

The words emerge from her body 

without her realizing it,

as if she were being visited by the memory of 

a language long forsaken.

~Margherite Duras

2003/2009

Oil and gold metal leafing on wood panel

20 x 10"  (sold)

1985  

Oil and gold metal leafing on wood panel

8 x 8"  

2/21/2009

Oil and gold metal leafing on wood

14 x 11"  (sold)

Return often and take me, 

beloved sensation, return and take me-

When memory of the body awakens,

and old desire again runs through the blood;

when the lips and skin remember,

and the hands feel as if they touch again.

~ C.P. Cavafy

If you missed the first post on my solo show, and would like to check it out, please click here

The show runs through October 30, 2016

Blessings and light!