Land scape
Heidi Thompson
CONTEMPORARY ART REVIEW
they see the mystery which is in them. Maybe they experience something subliminal and profound. Sensing mystery might be the closest we come to experiencing God.
Over your long career your works have been showcased in several occasions, including your recent show at the Kelowna International Airport. One of the hallmarks of your work is the capability to create a direct involvement with the viewers, who are urged to evolve from a condition of mere spectatorship. So before leaving this conversation we would like to pose a question about the nature of the relationship of your art with your audience. Do you consider the issue of audience reception as being a crucial component of your decisionmaking process, in terms of what type of language is used in a particular context?
When I was younger, I rarely considered the viewer’ s opinion of my art. I felt that art should not be made for anyone but me. Art was spiritual, and not for sale. My teachers urged me to paint my truth, no matter how desperate, chaotic or aggressive it was. For years, my work was dark. That is until1989, the year I gave birth to my daughter. After this marvelous day, everything changed. I was a mother with a new life to take care of. I no longer wanted to express“ angst” or be selfabsorbed. I wanted our daughter to grow up in a positive environment full of sunshine, humor and optimism. The moment I changed my attitude was the moment I became a pure abstractionist.
Since that day, my goal is to create beauty. It’ s not easy, but it’ s what I want. To accomplish this lofty dream, I have no choice but to cultivate harmony within. The real work lies in personal growth, becoming more conscious and establishing inner peace through meditation. Every person or artist has a choice to be a light. We can use our gift to create a beautiful world.
Thanks a lot for your time and for sharing your thoughts, Heidi. Finally, would you like to tell us readers something about your future projects? How do you see your work evolving?
My future project is to develop myself. Go deeper, grow more aware and live life with equanimity. Life is full of ups and down. I have to fight against doubt and depression. I have to stay strong despite crazy world affairs. I have to find reasons not to give up or lose purpose. I will keep struggling and perhaps, as I develop, my paintings will. I continue my journey. Each painting marks an important milestone along the way. Mark Rothko sums up my artistic quest.“ I do not believe that there was ever a question of being abstract or representational. It is really a matter of ending this silence and solitude, of breathing, and stretching one ' s arms again transcendental experiences became possible.”
Representing Heidi Thompson Galerie Halde http:// www. haldegalerie. ch( Switzerland) Alexander Salazar Fine Art http:// alexandersalazarfineart. com( San Diego) Onessimo Fine Art http:// www. onessimofineart. com( Palm Beach Gardens) ARTe Funktional http:// www. factorykelowna. com / arte-funktional( Kelowna)
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