Painting is in itself a celebration and exploration into the mystery and magic of life and creation.
As I paint, the imagery evolves and takes me on a journey. I begin each piece with a seed of an idea, and by watching and listening, the piece comes into being. While painting, animals, plants and other elements come to me.
I was blessed with total support of my creative exploration while growing up. There was never a doubt of what I would do with my life, and even before I knew the concept of "artist," I knew who I was and what I was here to do.
I have not completed an academic training, but I have been painting since I was old enough to hold a brush. Drawing before I could walk or talk.
I am a "young" artist, at 27 years old, but I feel an ancient calling stir every time I open my eyes in the morning. I have known no more humbling and empowering teacher than art.
I usually begin each piece with only a loose idea, a seed of a concept, or a few fragmented elements. With such an open starting point, the possibilities are boundless of where the piece will take me.
Sometimes it is a little clearer when I begin, and there are only slight surprises as it develops, other times I think I have it "figured out" and suddenly it will shift and flow in a totally different direction, and sometimes i just begin by getting splashy with colours and energetic brushstrokes and the imagery gradually comes clear.
As a painting develops and evolves, often new animals, objects, figures, or symbols come to mind intuitively. I trust this as guidance and most often they will fit perfectly into the composition and concept of the piece.
Each painting truly is a journey, and it never ceases to amaze and delight me.
I believe that if you step into a painting looking to find the artist, you will only find yourself.
Autumn Skye Morrison is a self-described visionary-figurative painter from Powell River who will show her work for a fourth year at the Filberg Festival in Comox from July 29 to Aug 1.
For more about her, visit www.autumnskyemorrison.com. For details about the festival, visit www.filbergfestival.com.