Urban Light Studios & the Seattle Arts Coalition present:
Odette Allen's
"Beautiful Refuge"
Opening Reception:
Friday, 12 January 2018, 6-10pm
Encore Reception:
Friday, 9 February 2018, 6-10pm
About the show: “Beautiful Refuge”
Seattle has a reputation for outdoors culture and appreciation, but my dialog with the outdoors is a little different. I never go hiking. I hate camping. I am not “outdoorsy” at all. But I deeply love the natural elements of where we live. I find it comforting to orient myself by mountains and oceans or lakes.
Most importantly, being able to take a breath and look to the sky brings me peace when national politics or violence breaks my heart. Our environment becomes a place my heart can relax into and I can return to my higher self, my greater purpose. There is a romance and spirituality there that cannot be found elsewhere for me.
That sense of relief is really the crux of these pieces, they are about the solace to be found in our natural surroundings, and the romance of having a beautiful refuge for a moment, to remind myself to breathe.
About these pieces:
These paintings were created over the past year as I began to notice my relationship between seeing the sky and finding peace within myself. Each of these works shows a scene or a view that has lifted my heart. That sense of relief is really the crux of this work, they are about the solace to be found in our natural surroundings, and the romance of having a beautiful refuge for a moment, to remind myself to breathe.
Artist Statement:
Like so many artists, I was a troublesome child. My mother eventually found that if you gave me art supplies, I would cease to torture and destroy everything within reach. It is, sadly, all still true.
I am inspired by nature, landscapes, the need for justice, and the people who fight for equity. I am driven by a relentless need to create, which is now tempered by recognition of the scale of human struggle. Ultimately, I want to lend my talents to raising the voices of those in need.
More info:
dettalovespaint@gmail.com
IG @odettelovespaint
