In a world that is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, I believe that Spirit is the ground of all being, the foundation from which all form arises. I tap into my own understanding of that ground when doing my collage paintings, trying to express the essense of things as I experience them. The Jewel Tree sculptures were inspired by a workshop with my teacher Isa Gucciard, Ph.d. and through Robert Thurman’s book "The Jewel Tree of Tibet." Each Jewel tree is a meditation to a magnificent and magical tree that grows spontaneously from a crystal clear lake, high in the mountains. On this very personal tree sits every teacher, every benevolent, angelic and mythical figure, every hero, every ancestor, every aspect of God that has ever looked upon you, loved you, taught you and wished you well. They smile upon you and send rays of wisdom, compassion and strength through the jewels that each wise being holds in their heart, body and mind. They transmit their energy to your heart, body and mind as you gaze upon them. They are so glad that you have come and what they radiate to you, you in turn radiate to all who come in contact with you. I try to transmit this through every little tree I create.

beauty,

art,

nature,

courage,

brilliant energy,

truth,

unexpected exchanges..

these things inspire me.

My process is stream of consciousness;
One color,
one form,
one line,
leading to the next.
I have no idea what the outcome will be.

This is fun.
It feels right.
I know that it is done.

~Sue Laurita

In learning to draw, one learns to see. An artist must become an accomplished observer of detail, then be brave and bold to put it to paper, pen sometimes quivering in hand. the rewards are much more than artwork, for the Universe not noticed before appears in your line of vision in all of its wonder and glory. It was there all the time, waiting for you to see it. Now, start drawing"
"To paint is to love, and to love is to live again." Henry Miller

My art is about the power of people. Our resilience in the face of struggle. Our unity in the face of adversity.

Growing up in New Orleans and witnessing firsthand the catastrophic forces of Katrina and its aftermath has profoundly shaped the path of my artistry. I’m committed to the ways art transforms communities. Art, to me, is a way of life. I embrace creative expression for its ability to help us learn about one another, and feel empowered to make change. Art can bridge race, age, geography and language. Art is the power of people.

I mostly paint, but my art often has a sculptural quality and an element of craft. I use found objects when they have significance because I enjoy the idea of art as artifact, as historical record. In my manipulation of the paint medium, I use loose lines and free strokes of color but tightly render specific shapes, lines or edges. I cover paper with sticks and leaves, spray-paint over them, and remove the debris to leave amorphous shadows. I enjoy what chance brings to my artwork. I sharpen certain elements to create depth and draw attention to small details, but I like my art to remain as raw and vibrant as the world I see around me.

Virginia Barrett is an artist drawn to capturing form and color in nature, landscapes and sculptural work from diverse cultures. Her series of mixed media painted poems celebrate a unique, spiritual relationship between the word and image. She is a published poet and author; her most recent books are Mbira Maker Blues—a healing journey to Zimbabwe and Radiance—poems from Mendocino. Her illustrations grace both books.

Eve Skylar is a San-Francisco based Production Designer and Concept Artist for Animation, Film, and Game. She is currently working on two animated films; a feature for Marza Animation Planet (SEGA) for 2012 and a short film with an international team lead by Carlos Baena.