Working from the Chaos

Whether at work in our studio or in our workshops,
we explore and allow the chaos to give rise to transformation.
Photo © Heidi Hoffman Photography

FROM OUR STUDIO:

Our work is the result of collaboration. We go beyond the conceptual sense, to include working together on the same canvas. We paint at the same time, forging ideas together that neither of us could create alone. We experience this as both visual and verbal communication. When we begin our conversation in paint, it is important to let each of our voices be heard, allowing expression of our unique perspectives. Chaos seems to be necessary to get to the deeper order that unifies our work. Because we know that ideas usually don’t move in a straight line, we make intentional space for a more organic and flowing nature to take hold. Sometimes it takes courage, faith and time to allow ourselves to be transformed by the process. We have found that our usual rushed and me focused behavior finally gives way to the quiet gift of being together. We bring this process into our workshops where we create paintings in large groups, much the same way we create our own work.

In life, and in conversation, things can get messy. The visual language of color and shape, helps us think about larger issues together. Perhaps it is because most of this conversation takes place on the visual right side of our brains, rather than the verbal side. When we look at our results, we see evidence of our individuality, as well as the presence of a third dimension–the spiritual. We are always surprised by what we have painted and discovered together and what we find in common. It is what we call Painting as Prayer.