“My thread paintings have their source in my relationship with the spirits of nature, in my conversations with all that is depicted in each piece, and my own inner conversations. I find my connection with the natural world to be very lively, informative, and a huge resource. When I am in nature, it is like being with someone. It is a source of guidance, information, delight, and rest. Many of the pieces are storytelling in some way, and deal with an inner question I’m puzzling, but my story in words is not meant to go with them. Instead, I hope for each piece to tell its own story to each viewer and that in doing so, a world may be created, even momentarily, every time someone connects with one of the images. At its best, I hope my work is joyful, open hearted, gently mysterious, and that it embodies the uncertainty and certainty of the world. It is my intention that the pieces reach out to the viewer, making a heart-to-heart connection through color, imagery, and the stories each piece embodies.”
“”The Spirit of Togetherness” emerged from my wish to acknowledge the essential nature and complete necessity of my connections. Other people and animals, past and present, and the spirits of nature hold me, encourage me, educate me and make me one with life.
Inspiration arrives in many ways: through dreams (or dream-like states of consciousness), others’ artwork, experiences in nature or through materials I work with. The design of this piece, which carries the message of togetherness, was partly inspired by Warli paintings from India. When making a piece, I’m always looking for glimmers of life and joy – here too.”
Missy Stevens
