Artist Valerie Wiebe presents a charming collection of nature-inspired paintings with decorative frames. See more from this talented painter by visiting her website.
“Cheerfulness Amidst Adversity” acrylic on birch panel, 48″ x 48″
I am an artist. I think I have spent my entire life trying to figure out what that means exactly. It seems to me that being an artist is more than being able to put medium to substrate (e.g., paint to canvas).
“Persimmons – Fruit of the Gods” acrylic/pyrography/embroidery on birch panel, 17″ x 17″
In my career I have developed enough skill that I can pretty much represent what I see with some degree of accuracy or at least considered intent. I have degrees in art and design and run a successful creative event business. I have an award-winning picture book, Time to Fly! and currently am working on a sequel. And I’m passionate about facilitating others to find their own creative voice. But what does it all really mean?
“Sometimes a Light Surprises” acrylic on birch panel, 24.5″ x 19.5″
Recently I have come to understand that my main job as an artist is to bear witness. On a 2023 trip to Spain, I had the pleasure of visiting a Goya Museum in Zaragoza. I must admit that I have never been a big fan of Goya’s work, having always found it dark and disturbing. But on this visit, I felt inspired—not so much by his work, which in all honesty, is actually dark and disturbing—but more by the artist’s purpose that I glimpsed beneath his work.
“That Tree” acrylic and pyrography on birch panel, 21.5″ x 21.5″
Goya lived in a time of much political, social, and economic upheaval. It was not that different from our own era. He was paying attention to what was happening around him—the injustice and abuses of power by those who were supposed to be caretakers of the people—and he was communicating that in his art.
“So Bright You Have to Wear Shades” acrylic on birch panel, 24.5″ x 19.5″
I found myself really resonating with this role. I think the trick for me is finding the balance of being a witness, but not becoming overwhelmed by it all. Unfortunately, Goya was not so successful at the second part.
“Along the Road” acrylic/pyrography/embroidery on birch panel, 17″ x 17″
Over the last couple of years, I have been engaged in a personal healing journey. The most important lesson that I’ve learned is to “practice the pause.” Pausing is essentially the act of taking time to separate myself physically and mentally from the chaos that is often swirling around and within me. It is learning to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and not reacting. It is the most difficult thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding.
“End of Day” acrylic on birch panel, 13.5″ x 7.5″
Through this process of pausing, I am coming to understand that being a witness with my art practice must include both the expression of what I see before me, for good or ill, but also learning to bear and then let go of all the distressing or invigorating emotions that want to cling to me. Releasing them to river of life and out to the ocean.
“Blue Prairie” acrylic and embroidery on birch panel, 11.5″ x 11.5″
This is how I can bear witness and help others to see. Bringing things that are far off, things that are unnoticed, things that are dismissed, literally and figuratively, closer so others can get a better look, so that they can no longer be ignored.
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