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Michelle
Rogers
Artistís
Statement:
Does the artist possess imagination or does imagination possess
the artist? This is a question I often ponder endlessly. I
believe that the imagination is not something that we possess,
but which possesses us. Itís possible that we are the
fragile conduits for a creative force beyond our comprehension,
and this formless creativity relies upon the creative mind
to give it a form. This force manifests itself through the
artistic mind, the hands and the preferred artistic medium
and tools. When the work out in the world, the viewer resonates
with the art on a subjective level according to their experiences
and understanding of what theyíre seeing.
Being an artist is to awaken to a world of imagination that
never sleeps.† As I breach this inner world, I stand
at the threshold of infinite possibilities as far as the inner
eye can see.† As I paint, I like to think that Iím
always creating my reality as I tap the wells of these vast
visionary realms. Much of my work deals with the simultaneous
events of struggle, beauty, emergence and transcendence in
forms of various symbolism. It is up to the artist to challenge
these limitations through creative technique and discipline
as well as spiritual understanding and insight. In this sense,
my art is a visual diary of not only things learned, but also
of things I want to learn and realities I want to create and
explore. I believe that we as artists hold the key to the
many mysteries of the mind and spirit within the imagination
and dreamscapes.††
My artwork portrays a collection of†visionary ideas
in a symbolic and surrealist-type composition. The subject
matter†reflects an ongoing theme for the need of a†better
understanding of our awakening minds.† I express through
my art the complex human need to reach beyond the boundaries
of illusion and limitation†by getting in touch with†our
own†creativity.† Inspired through dreams, meditation,
myth and symbolism, I piece together works of art with intentions
of inspiring the viewer on many levels to discover their own
creativity. This inspires me not only to continue to paint,
but to have a deep appreciation and respect for the creative
process itself.
My goal as an artist is to aide in this creative awakening
and the continuity of the creative spirit. †I believe
it is my responsibility as an artist to challenge my limitations
by exploring my full creative potential.†With my art
as a vessel, it is my sole purpose to give life to inspiring
images of deep spiritual contemplation. In the wake of war
and destruction now, more than ever, is the time for a creative
awakening for humanity.
L. M. Rogers
Artistís Bio
I am a self-taught freelance artist currently living in Columbia,
South Carolina. Native born in South Mississippi, I remember
painting alongside my grandmother, Mabel G. Hust, who was
a well-known local artist in the Hattiesburg area. Although
I did not follow in her footsteps in style or subject, she
still encouraged and inspired me to develop and carry out
my own artistic vision.
As a young child, I can remember staring at patterns in the
grain of the wood in the walls, and seeing things through
a pool of images that would sometimes develop into people,
places and animals. Seeing in this way seemed quite natural
at that age, and encouraged me to draw what I would see and
render it in my own way. My grandmother nurtured my talents
and showed me how to develop them.
Iíve been painting primarily in oils since 1999 in
a style akin to Surrealism with a heavy influence on both
personal and collective Symbolism. After working an administrative
job during the day, I feel my real job starts in the evenings
and on weekends. Art rewards me with a sense of creative fulfillment
and accomplishment and feeds my desire to pursue my art as
a lucrative career.
I am currently displaying and selling all around the local
area through new age gift shops, alternative venues, through
commissions and through my own personal website, WakingMynd.
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