For All That We Let In

This work is an exploration of Shambhala theology through meditation and Shambhala art practices.  The work developed out of study of Shambhala: Path of the Warrior, Ruling Your World, Radical Dharma, and The Places that Scare You.  This was also done in conjunction with Shambhala Art classes 1 and 2 and in working through the Everyday Life Series of courses. These readings and classes provided the theological foundation for a visual exploration of the ideas presented.

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Click here for a short intro to Shambhala Buddhism.

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Each set of works in "For All That We Let In" is related to each other in the way that they were created. The process began with sitting practice and daily collage work.  That daily practice led into the play of materials in the creation of the paintings.  As the circles were cut from newspapers for the background of the Great Eastern Sun (Tucson), the series Alternative Facts arose. With each new painting came new understanding about how the materials work and gave rise to challenge.  Playfulness, trust and letting go became centering ideas for the creative process.

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The work is a push and pull with the dignities and with the idea of Great Eastern Sun. It grapples with how each of these manifest in the setting sun world. How do contentment, discernment, joy, outrageous freedom, and hard won wisdom lead to the transformation of the person on the meditation cushion?  How do those things help in the transformation of the world? And before those transformations happen, how does one begin to perceive these qualities at all? 

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And what does art-making have to do with any of that?  

Art can be the container. It can be the cushion.

It can be the moment of perception. 

It can be the moment of transformation for both artist and viewer.

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“Dust in our eyes our own boots kicked up
Heartsick we nursed along the way we picked up
You may not see it when it's sticking to your skin
But we're better off for all that we let in

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I don't know where it all begins

And I don't know where it all will end

We're better off for all that we let in”

• From  For All That We Let In by the Indigo Girls