2213, Juanita Bellavance, Chestatee 39, From the Chestatee River portfolio, 2021, Mixed media on canvas, 24 x 24 inches

This is the final piece of my twenty-four paintings from the Chestatee River portfolio, 2021

As I completed the portfolio I stumbled upon a quote that put me into a thought process that brought a deeper understanding of what I and many others seek through art. The quote I resonated with is:

“An artist makes work out of love. And what they’re looking for is love in return...so you make this work as an expression of love, which is to say you’re asking for connection. You’re asking people to feel what you feel, to see through your eyes and to feel connected in a deep and meaningful way.” ~ Eric Fishcl, 02

Considering that thought and why I say I make art has helped me connect to myself and therefore with others who have been following my art journey. What I say as to why I make art is:

“Striving to paint emotion, I want to create the awe, the wonder, the experience we feel in nature, in music, in special life moments. That feeling that gives us pause.”

I have now come to realize I’m actually creating that experience for myself. I experience that deeper connection with spirit through my art. Maybe others will experience it as well. Through art that special moment type life experience is truly available on demand. Creating this body of work has caused me to find a deeper connection with my own inner spirit. What a gift!