Artist Statement

My art is mostly abstract and symbolic and combines spiritual, philosophical and personal symbolism. A recurrent image in my paintings is the tree. I represented the tree as a symbol of spiritual growth and the interconnection of all things. Separation is an illusion. What we see as separate is really connected: suffering contains non-suffering, the problem contains the solution, the relative contains the absolute. In my work interconnectedness is also represented by using abstraction and realism in the same painting. Other symbols and figures I have worked with are: the shell, the hamsa, Buddha, Guanyin bodhisattva, feathers, the snake, the owl, the inner child.

I feel that the study of traditional Chinese medical Qigong and its practice profoundly influence my perception of reality, my relationship with nature and therefore my art. Lately, I have been mainly inspired by the experience of nature and its healing powers. When I feel in connection with nature, all the doubts about our human existence seem to vanish and I experience a moment of clarity and inner peace. The petals of a flower, its folds, the shadows and the highlights drag me in a dimension of pure form and energy. I am especially drawn to trees, their intricate branches, their roots and vibrant energy. I often see in them a visual metaphor of life experiences.

The Chinese character for "Life" represents a plant, 生 shēng, growing from the soil.
I think that nothing like trees and plans connect us to life and its meaning.
Paintings for me are like pages of a personal diary. They often narrate a one-time experience that was deeply personal and meaningful. I feel the urge to record those moments, or the visions in my head that help me make sense of our existence.

I work mainly with acrylics and oils on canvas because they help me convey the intensity and at the same time the elusive nature of our experiences.

Eva D'Amico