Tara Print

Artists Statement for Upcoming Red e Cafe show Sept 2014 The Wilderness Inside There is the space inside each of us that is only viewed by the self, the creator. It is different for each of us based upon our own experiences, upbringing, values and imagination. What that looks like, what it feels like, what it metaphorically tastes like is the motivation behind what I make. It is unchartered space that borders time and space, landing in this earthly realm. I am deeply immersed in the language of energy and the "˜unseen to the eye' places I travel. The metaphor of my work is poignant and heart felt. It is born out of passion and a desire for understanding. The animal is instinct I can identify with. I live from my gut. I make decisions from my intuition. My imagery is a combination of worship of the spirit within, dissection of my life, emotional surge, and response to the world around me. Animal is carnal and instinctual. The harsh reality of natures truest self is witnessed in the life of a wild animal. As a human, I forget that I am animal with all the mental chatter and events of the mundane to distract me. The image of an animal reduces me back to my base state of existence. I am elevated in understanding of the larger picture of why I am here. I remember what I am to do. And with it comes beauty. Do not confuse that with "˜pretty'. The rawness of survival can be gruesome or dark, foreign and frightening. But it is also still and quiet, riveting and breath taking. It is the entire package without distraction. It is focus and presence. Sometimes, if I am truly lucky, one of the animals I make, will touch me in that way that stills and reminds me. This is where my most pure art making comes from...these ceremonial conversations. I practice my magic on paper, canvas and textile. I process the visions I see and the experiences I encounter in the marks I make. I am born and die within my images again and again, like we do as the spiritual creatures we are, experiencing this human walk. I am in love with the wilderness inside us all. www.cydneyfrench.com instagram: @cydneyfrench Tumblr: cydneyfrench Flickr: cydneyfrench