“Why do we exist and what holds it all together?”
This is one of the central questions shaping my life on the contemplative path .
Painting the story of creation helped me experience existence in a depth dimension new to me.
I created this “7 Days” collection in July and August of 2014. My process was to sit with the sacred text from the Book of Genesis for each day before approaching the canvas. I used gesso to create the high level energy for each day. Then I started to work with layers of acrylic color, allowing the image to materialize.
I worked outside on my patio at The Groveland in Loring Park, incorporating the play of sunshine and clouds and shifting shadows into the energy. Many pieces were created in tandem to give the story visual continuity.
When I completed the “seventh day,” I was aware that the collection is cyclical — as creation is — and this inspires me to trust the supply of new paintings is in the flow.
JULIE ANN STEVENS 