When you look at a rose or any other uncaptureable miracle, to really see it you must let go of what you think it is and allow it to touch your vision without "thing-thoughts". Fortunately with flowers and nature we're given an excellent head-start. The natural beauty of the rose inspires us to open and let go of our tendency to label and categorize. We see again, as if for the first time. Then it's easy to recognize that experiencing the rose in our hearts is vastly more satisfying than anything else. And although they seem to defy definition, they welcome the telling of their story through color and form while simultaneously gifting us with a kind of beauty that, personally, I find healing. For me roses are catalysts to inner alchemy, a kind of cosmic love-presence. To hold a vision of it I have to be very still and centered for long periods of time. A discipline that I've developed since childhood, it might surprise you to know it takes a great deal of emotional strength and stamina to do. It's very demanding work even with the aspect of effortlessness and flow. All very much the seeming paradox that Liquid Rose seems to speak to.
As an artist, it's depth of vision I'm cultivating. In this painting Liquid Rose, there are poetic definitions of lines. But in reality there are no lines anywhere on a rose. Lines are mental constructs. So when I look at a rose I see planes of color and layers of light that relate to one another. I know the petals are mostly water and that it's all alive, fluid and changing. I feel the pulse of their life force in a timeless dimension, and I spend time with their form in the here and now creating works of art that celebrate their existence. What comes through the paintbrush will have a trace of this experience. Oneness with that rose. That's what I believe moves people when they resonate with my work. But truly, it's all a bit of a mystery to me. I just know to continue making paintings as I'm inspired. And I'm happy to share them with you as I do.
Nature Speaks to us through our senses in ways that are unique to each of us. Whether it's through vision, feelings, inner impressions, insights or in other ways we exchange energy with nature all the time. Our senses, both inner and outer provide pathways that help us to integrate and make use of it all. Painting for me is about a recognition and understanding of the rich tapestry of light and color being broadcast through the amazing life forms I work with. Flowers and plants emit super-live light, color and vibration—living color, which is a language in and of itself. As I paint I tap into this language. The imprint of what I receive becomes part of the painting, interwoven with the paint itself. It is a mystical yet tangible process which results in the works of art you'll see at LeslieMontana.com And be sure to visit DreamingDeva.com for more of my creations. Thanks!
