Luxe Beat Magazine AUGUST 2014 | Page 91

Art I n my view the most extraordinary works of art are those produced by artists who strive to communicate some deeper truth than what is seen by the casual observer. To achieve this remarkable feat they must seek an ideal environment that nurtures their creative potential. This means, literally and figuratively, they need to find their ideal place in the world. While some artists feel the urgency to continually explore many destinations others have no desire to leave their place of origin. We may also say where artists choose to live and the thoughts that reside in their minds have as much influence on them as the medium they choose. Three artists – Gaia Orion, Bren Sibilsky, and Keith Morant – have chosen different locales -- both geographically and aesthetically -- where they excel in expressing their unique voices, with truth, authenticity and purpose. Young Friesian Stallion, bronze on granite, 15″ x 8″ x 5″ Gaia Orion – Geometric Forms That Embrace Positive Universal Themes Gaia Orion was born in Paris, France. She graduated with honors from Ecole des Beaux Arts as an architect. Although she pursued a fine art career her innate sense of design and education imbue her art with an internal order that complements her artistic innovation. Bren Sibilsky, Aphrodite (two views), clay for bronze, 67″ x 24″ x 20″ The artist creates compelling geometric patterns with bold colors. She brings a powerful new contemporary aesthetic to the mandala which has its roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. In part, the generic term “mandala” is used to describe a plan or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically. Orion left bustling Paris in order to live in the quiet forest by the river in Ontario, Canada. As she explains, “In the quest to understand myself and life I came to realize that there is a healthy, pristine, naturally intelligent state of living.” Her tranquil lifestyle choice has positively impacted her art work. She states, “What manifested and is continuing to arise are universal, unifying themes in archetypal, geometric, and colourful oil paintings. The images that have flowered have subsequently assisted my own personal development.” Orion has also found fulfillment by participating in many worldwide projects that strive for positive c hange. Her universal themes that embrace love, unity, equality, and 91 harmony have led to numerous international exhibitions and have attracted many awards and collectors. Global art projects have provided her with opportunities to encounter like-minded people who share her vision. For instance, she participated in Les Arts de l’Eveil (Arts of Awakening), an association from France whose mission is, “to bring beauty, joy and meaning to the lives of people and society”. She explains, “In sharing the artwork and connecting with others I discovered that these transformational images are part of a larger visionary movement that is active in society today -- those of ecology, social justice, conscious politic, alternative economy, and so on.” To view more of Gaia Orion’s artwork visit artbygaia.com Bren Sibilsky – Sculptures That Unify Her with Nature Bren Sibilsky was born in Green Bay,