Moon Musings - July
What is in a name? When it comes to our charming coastal gallery, there’s actually a great deal of consideration behind our name. Here at Moon Over Water Gallery, our name reflects our thoughts on the relationship between art and the artist. We believe the moon is symbolic of art. And art, like the moon, is powerful. It brings out emotions, has the ability to make a strong impact, is able to elicit change, invites you in, and then sets you free.
The water, then, is symbolic of the artist. Like the water, the artist experiences the ebb and flow within their process; they can use their energy to create a wave of emotions or to calm the senses. The journey is guided by their art. And the moon is over it all.
July MOW Wow!
For this month’s MOW Wow!, we want to spotlight our fabulous Sharen Chatterton and L. A. Carroll. A reception for these two outstanding artists was held at Moon Over Water Gallery on July 8th from 4-6PM, coinciding with July’s Austin Street Art Walk sponsored by the outstanding Rockport Center for the Arts. It is a must-do event each month!!
L.A. Carroll
“Water (that flows around immovable rocks to get where it was called to be)”
L.A. states, in reference to this work, “Long full title for an image packed with meaning. I had been painting images specifically for all my family and friends. This time, I knew this one was my inspiration. “To Become Like Water’ was painted when faced with an immovable problem in my life that I had no control over and could not alter. This 24x30 acrylic painting reflects my decision to change the way I had always responded, yield my plans, and ride the flow around that immovable object; ignoring whatever influence it wanted to have on my life and to remember who I am; aiming for my goal regardless of what obstacles stood in my way.
There are times when we face obstacles that seem insurmountable; things that have stood as a barrier for a long time. This image speaks to facing that challenge and yielding to the power of grace to carry us over and around that obstacle; like water flowing over a rock.
May this image bring encouragement to remember who you are called to be.”
Eternity in the Balance
KintsugiGrace®
A one-of-a-kind art piece created in cooperation with the power of nature on a Horse Conch seashell and inspired by Kintsugi* and the power of time.
The transformation of this weathered shell displays the KintsugiGrace® idea that value is found in embracing both the beautiful and broken places. The beauty in the imperfect is highlighted rather than hidden in shame. Repairing an object reveals the deep love the owner has for the creation; it is too precious to throw away, regardless of the damage, presenting the wisdom that there is value to be found in embracing the whole journey.
*Kintsugi – The Japanese Art of repairing broken things with gold. The brokenness is not hidden or glossed over, but rather embraced and highlighted.
Sharen Chatterton
A Tern of Events
Our coastal seagull is often a misunderstood bird. As I paint these lovable scamps, I am reminded of their resourcefulness, their incredible adaptability and their ability to make the best out of almost any situation. They, being the wily birds that they are, would think nothing of plunking a shell upon their heads to set themselves apart from the pack. As time goes on and I continue to paint the shells upon the heads of the seagulls, I find other birds joining in, all wanting to be included in the Shell Head community. Each one is a joy to paint, showing their individual personality and their unique value to our coastal community
Divine Love Gatherings
The latest in Sharen’s “The Gatherer’s Series", her gatherings are of the infinite love surrounding each of us. She brings the power of the heart to heal and transform. She symbolizes the human heart and the divine love that flows through each of us. She gathers the energy of the divine feminine and honors the innate beauty and grace that resides in all women.
New Workshops Page
Our mission to spread art joy and love is continuing to thrive! Head over to our new workshop page to check out our upcoming events. Come play and discover your art passion!
July Art Prompt
Let’s celebrate the path of the artist and how it’s reflected in the moon’s relationship with water! Choose a different method or medium than you usually use. Are you into acrylics? Try oils! Do you love your pens? Try colored pencils!