Jodie King “Returning, a journey back to self”
AnArte Gallery is delighted to be hosting Jodie King’s opening reception of “Returning, A Journey Back To Self” on February 7, 2019 from 6-8pm! Vino & martini reception, music by The Prados & Nina, art talk at 6:45pm and more! All are welcome! Portion of the art sales will benefit Rebecca’s Wish- Providing Hope For Pancreatitis‼️ Exhibit on view through March 2, 2019.
Jodie King states, Strong women raised me. Not just strong, but Cajun strong. Cajun women are resilient. We have big hearts and deep faith. We hug tight. We look you in the eye and ask you how you are and want a real answer. We smile big. We unapologetically ‘overshare.’ We want to know you. I was taught this straightforward, loving way of life from my great grandmother. She lived to be 102 but she was watching wrestling well into her 90’s while talking smack back to the T.V. Then she would go to church or can some figs. That’s what I call ‘balance.’
What does this have to do with my art? My great grandmother taught me to listen to my gut, or what I call The Spirit. She also taught me not to take myself too seriously. As an artist, I paint primarily in abstract expressionism, which simply means I use paint and other tools to express externally what’s bubbling up in my mind, body and spirit. My process begins by meditating and journaling, then I go directly to the canvas and begin painting without having any expectation or idea what the final product will be.I build layer after layer…letting go & covering some things…keeping others. Always, there comes a point in the painting process where I’m so frustrated I want to poke myself in the eye with a paintbrush. Thankfully, I work through this and, in the end, I’m always a little bit surprised, yet delighted, by what is expressed on the canvas. Yes, sometimes what I create is deep and thoughtful; but other times it’s just straight up fun and maybe a cuss word or two sneaks in. That’s what happens when you give a Cajun girl a paintbrush. It’s a lot like watching wrestling then going to church, and I’m so down with that.
“There comes a time in your life when you are asked to make a choice. The choice of claiming your life as your own, or to simply abide by the circumstance you have been given. There will rise a call from deep within and you will come to stand face to face with your soul. At that particular moment, you will be asked…’are you willing to do what it takes to call yourself back home?’ If you say yes, even as your heart trembles…the branches of the trees will bow down to touch your feet, the winds will howl, the waves will crash to the shores, and the moon will shine her benevolent light on your face. And as you stand there, not knowing how, where or when, the path will open up right before your eyes. And as you begin the journey back to yourself…step by step…celebrated and supported by all of the existence…humming this song…‘She is returning…she is returning’ — Author unknown
‘This newest series of works embrace the journey we make back to ourselves. Please join me in coming home.’”