Meditations of a Shared World:

Wild and windy seascapes rich with texture, smooth layers of pigment, and rough exposed canvas, correspond with the practice of observing people anew without the chatter of preconceived notions formed from the world and our own conflicts. Deciphering when a level of faith needs to be applied to anxiety posing as protection,  comes from exposing these fears in quiet moments. Stepping into those uncomfortable places isn’t done in vain— it reminds us of the desire to feel a sense of belonging that we all share.

This painted series invites to viewer to remember these ideas in their own moments of reflection. The paintings have an overarching feeling of softness through the hazy, undefined skies with layers of blues and lavenders, while they also bear rough characteristics seen in the textural marks and exposed canvas. Not turning away from the struggles of people requires us to feel a lot of emotions we try to avoid, which is visually conveyed in the deeper colors and rugged areas of the pieces. And what’s more rugged yet beautiful than a coastal setting.

Fulfilling Observances

To observe the world with wisdom is to see
Our shared grief, longing, and quiet, human need;
Maybe we harm not out of choice,
But by duties or forces we don’t heed.
Some influences within us stay unnamed,
A hidden pull that bends the heart askew;
Yet seeing this, our judgments lose their claim,
And mercy finds a wider, truer view.

To watch the world instead of turning away,
To set aside the urge to judge or rise above,
Is faith made real—a choice we make each day
To stand where there’s no excuse to flee from love.
I try to look, let certainty unwind,
And dream a world of grace, with dignity in kind.

Sara Grace Lane