How would one know that she is transforming in EVERY momemt? This is the question I asked myself thirty years ago!

The oil painting in the video shows my process for Becoming Butterfly, a series which I have painted over the past two to three years. The first few pieces in the series document initial stages of metamorphosis — where butterfly cannot even imagine being anyone other than caterpillar. 

EMOTIONAL COLOR RELEASE PROCESS 

Kaleidoscope of Butterflies (in the video) captures the moment she takes off on her migration as butterfly. As you can see in the colors and calligraphic etched drawings embedded throughout, the process of painting is deeply emotional. The release of emotional energy moves the life force from within.

AWARENESS 

While I became aware that I was painting the metamorphosis of butterfly in the second year, and that in doing so, I was also painting the essence of my own body/spirit ~ doubt still flickered in and out. As dappled sunlight flickers in the garden, my own idiosynchronicities of doubt and faith, human and divine can be seen in the choice of emotional colors, grounded by the intense need to scratch through it with charcoal or palette knife ~ to make my own mark. 

DOUBT & FAITH IS THE PROCESS 

My painting process reflects a transformation in my willingness to let go and trust that the painting will emerge under my hand ~ even if I still doubt the truth of this. 

A SEASONAL PACE

In Becoming Butterfly Series (approximately 35 - 40 works over 3 years seen below), there is a seasonal pace. The first year, works created without awareness of the coming metamorphosis. The second year, more expressive expansive works as butterfly takes flight. Some feel as if we can see earth's garden from above as she flies. 

FUSION WORKS

In later works, we feel a human form emerging in the colors, hips, arms embracing, reaching out. And in several, a grid forms as the essence of butterfly spirit becomes embedded in the web life itself. This intersects with my Interwoven Series where butterfly dissolves into the warp and weft of joy and love.

As always for me, painting is a deeply personal process of discovery. As I have practiced my art over fifty years as a professional artist ~ still I hold most dear the unique connection of my hand to the heart of the creatrix. 

Click on image to see details and room views. Inquire to see video up close and zoom.