Artists contemplate many topics in their quest for ultimate understanding and
for inspired painting material. Nature, music and poetry have always provided aesthetic and
meditative inspiration. My interests go beyond, however, for thrust into
the middle of nature is mankind, a deeply perplexing and inspirational
subject.
From childhood on I was led in many directions in pursuit of
answers to the big questions; where do we come from, what did our ancestors believe, what
do I believe and why.
I am of German heritage and was raised in a Czech
community. Little did I know that a fascination with Native American
burial mounds in my
uncles timber would also lay the groundwork for a lifelong interest in
the archaeology, mythology and art of our many world cultures.
Later as a member of archaeological excavations abroad I contemplated the
inexplicable link to the ancients whose cities I dug. Who could not be
touched to see an intricate beaded necklace laying
in 5000 year old soil, looking as if it had just fallen from a woman's neck?
How could I, as an artist, not feel a spiritual link when touching a potter’s
thumbprint from 2500 BC ---or a footprint 4o,ooo years old in a cave? How
could I not identify with the mistake in an artist's brushstroke some 2000 years
old? These experiences go to the very
core of my being.
Why, does it affect me? The answer is because they are us-- or we are them. We know
no color or race while at work on the dig. Yet here is the remains
of a town that prospered, humans who lived, loved, ate, designed
magnificent architecture, wrote plays and made fantastic artwork.
This experience
propelled me into extensive
study of mythology, art history, spirituality and religious beliefs of
these cultures. The
paintings, monotype prints, poetry and performances found on these pages reflect philosophical questions posed by these
studies. My paintings are layered with
personal nuances, of course, but also many universal symbols called archetypes.
The narrative is inspired by studies of the collective unconscious following the tradition of Joseph Campbell, the
Psychologist Jung and others.
As you excavate the many layers
of my paintings or read my poetry,
I hope you will
dig beyond the surface of the symbols, images and abstract forms. Peruse my
portfolios and you will discover your own story, mine and an undeniable common thread that links
all cultures, past and present.
Thank You for
visiting my web site.
Sincerely,
Cara
Offer
your guests something unique.
Venture
to my quiet historic town south of Atlanta for a cultural experience. Tour my
studio in the old Carnegie Library and/or schedule a performance of "Folded
Wings." featuring my 14 foot painting, "watching itself discover
truth."
770 358
3132 or email: cara@carastudios.com
Carnegie
Library Information
To
"Folded Wings."
Description
of Performance and Painting Images
