A Practice of Contemplative Creativity
Reprinted by permission from Pamela Becker
excerpted from an article
written by Pride Wright for the Harbinger Magazine
Sedona artist Pamela Becker has produced a series of provocative paintings, Between the Linear, about the journey of the timeless heart as accessed through meditation, breath and nature. They speak to alternate levels of our consciousness about the human experience, both outward and inward.
Between the Linear is a practice of contemplative creativity. It is Becker’s way of listening and pursuing the subconscious mind. These new works emanate a sense of peace and tranquility. We are limited in our own lives as to where and when we get to create peace and are easily influenced by others not choosing peace. The people in Becker’s paintings remind us how to breathe and be at home inside our own bodies.
The notion of Linear represents the known, acceptable way. Between the Linear is the subtle rebellious space inside and around what is visibly known. “For this exhibition as well as this reception on Nov. 3rd, I have chosen works of my art that most represent the paradox between the rational and unrational mind: art, music and video interaction that cause us to ask the question “what is most important during this life span” and “how do we see and interact with the world through the vessels of who we are and aren’t.”
Becker, who is a formally trained illustrator from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a remarkably versatile artist, has chosen this somewhat unconventional method of layering for this particular body of work because she believes it allows a more direct path to and from her subconscious. Becker exudes a strikingly tranquil, healthful presence. “I access visual art through movement, sound, music, and writing. I seek to invite you inside yourself, by choosing imagery that is representative to the human brain as well as a deeper place of comprehension. “Throughout the process, Becker is observing what is emerging, instead of striving to execute a preconceived vision. Ultimately a message calls forth. The wood surface is complemented by painting, drawing, collage, texture and words until the work is complete. Though the work contains some abstract, her exquisite figurative skills are much in evidence. The titling and story that comes along with the vision is an integral part of the work, seeking yet another place of listening inside the observer. Her new large format hand-crafted book Nothing is Better Than Anything which includes a combination of photo-painting, and poetry.
Examine her Buddha Painting: Before the Tree.The Choice is a Buddha figure, radiant and full of youthful human life choosing to walk towards the Bodhi Tree (nature/enlightenment) rather than the hearth-lit home on the other shore. What are the consequences of this choice? What motivates this choice? Every moment we are choosing. How can we make more conscios well-informed choices that aren’t motivated by habit, comfort or chance.