My art is born from a deep connection to the rhythms of inner and outer nature and an in-depth conversation with the soul. Art for me is an incredible mirror that reflects and reveals the multi-layered beauty and truth in the play of light and dark. The process of making art is connecting with the larger creation, like a prayer, in which the painting and the process become one offering of the heart. In this way, each painting and body of work is a living relationship. The art of creating is in being absolutely true to the process of listening and expressing my voice - whether the subjects and objects are light-filled landscapes, the beautiful dance of bodies in love, the play of music and nature in line and form, or the honest portrayal of profound struggles and despair, and the rich textures in all of life's experiences.
I grew up in South Africa during Aparthied on a vast flower farm, and so, from the very beginning, I was surrounded by beauty as well as a keen awareness of humanity's immense suffering and longing. My father created Shamballa as a learning center for Eastern philosophy, inspired by the legendary Himalayan kingdom and Tibetan belief that a harmonious and meaningful life are possible through gentleness, courage, self-knowledge and freedom.
I Dream of Africa I, 2006
Recently, by request, Janet has begun working with clients on commissions for paintings, thus beginning a new chapter in her long-standing career as a professional studio and performance artist. In a commission, the art grows from the energy of personal interaction and inquiry, which spark creativity. This process offers an extraordinary window where purpose, meaning, message and materials come together. The final result carries not only the indelible imprint of something unique to the clients, but a record of a very special journey of discovery for both the client and the artist.
Living Magically 96x28 Mixed Media on Canvas
Circle of Life 40x52 Mixed Media
Please visit the Commissions Gallery.
HEAVEN ON EARTH
The Heaven on Earth Series is born out of a deep connection to nature and a daily practice of yoga and sitting meditation. As I listen deeply, the still small voice inside speaks from a place that is filled with the moment and is 'Heaven on Earth.' Instead of being a landscape specific to a place, my intention is to communicate a universal landscape that is present within all beings. Each painting is an invitation to enter the stillness, where one's unique and exquisite essence is reflected.
Please visit the Heaven on Earth Gallery.
You are invited to enter this quiet space- leaving worries and distractions outside, come in, be present, reconnect with the rhythm of your breath, pause, breathe in, breathe out with gratitude for the unique and exquisite essence that is you. With kindness and gratitude for this time that we share, Peace, joy and wellbeing in the New Year!
"Zen way of calligraphy is to write with the most straighforward, simple way as if you were a beginner, not trying to make something beautiful, but simply writing with full attention as if you were discovering what you were writing for the first time, then your full nature will be in your writing." - Suzuki Roshi
"Genuine art tells the truth." - Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
"The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed." - J. Krishnamurti
"The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt in the heart." - Helen Keller
Two Wolves - An old Cherokee told his grandson that a battle goes on inside each of us. The battle is between two 'wolves.' One wolf is evil. It has anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good. It has joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere, They're in each other all along."
- Rumi
I share these words of Divine Grace. My heart is touched deeply. May we all fall apart in love.
Night in Kalapa
This time it happened---
Caught in a thunderstorm,
Spun and twirled,
Dizzy,
Happy,
I was caught off guard.
This whirlwind took my heart.
I needed everything to fall apart
Like feathers from a pillow
Tossed high into the sky.
Everything comes falling down,
Gliding on a breeze caught in its own time---
Energy that can't be measured.
Comet shoots across my existence.
This wonderful force does not know where it will go.
I need things to fall apart.
I want things to fall apart.
All through time, all through the day
I have held on and held on tight.
Now everything falls apart.
The sun and the moon know how to fall apart.
Spring knows how to be summer.
Autumn leaves know how to fall down.
Can I be like the seasons
And know how that falling apart
Is the movement of time,
The movement of life?
I have not given up,
I have simply woken up.
This wild burst of energy
Wants to twirl and spin.
It wants mayhem.
I am mayhem---
Claustrophobia self-liberated,
Hesitation with a friend called fathomlessness.
I am that smile that shines across the sky.
If you look up, you will see me
And fall apart.
by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
3 March 2001
Halifax, Nova Scotia
This morning I read one of my favorite quotes from William Blake:
"To see a World in a Grain of Sand,
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour. "
I am inspired, comforted, and awakened on this beautiful Autumn Day. May you too find pleasure and understanding in these exquisite words.