A Conversation Between Two Bodies
March 25-28, 2022
The experience of sharing open conversations and personal stories with our community was an important part of this series, therefore photos of our visitors and patrons are included.
Christine Holton & Jane Kelly, A Conversation Between Two Bodies, March 25-28, 2022
Why is human anatomy fascinating?
I think it's because studying the body and portraying parts of ourselves is part of the experience of loving others through loving myself first. First, learning about and really studying the parts of the body which feel especially important for that moment. Next, I will draw or paint more simple visual studies and drawings before diving into a big project. Painting these living systems and organs id a way for me to have grace for imperfection and divinely inspired creation. I have an openness and exhilaration in noticing what's been here in my body this whole time...a new discovery of a physical space to connect to a spiritual place, to God in a way.
Christine Holton
Home at the Sea, 36”x48”
The sacrum is a large wedge shaped vertebra at the inferior end of the spine. It forms the solid base of the spinal column where it intersects with the hip bones to form the pelvis. The sacrum is a very strong bone that supports the weight of the upper body, distributing it across the pelvis and into the legs. This part of my body can feel connected to the earth and the center of where I hold myself still. The rippling surface is a vision of floating stillness, allowing the water to move softly under me yet firmly supporting my body.
The following photographs are documented moments of connection and joy from this show.
Conversations
The Width of my Love, with Love and Friendship
This show was held at Artpost in Durham, NC.
I teach lessons and classes here as well. If you are in the Triangle area of NC, pay them a visit and connect with local art, artists, supplies and service to the mental health community.
https://www.artpostnc.com/
Happy collaboration of eyeballs
Liver 16”x20”
The liver cleans up all the body's toxins and filters them out of the blood, allowing potentially harmful unnecessary substances to be removed. This unusual view of this organ shows the gallbladder and part of the intestines, depicted with embellished veins and flowy lines to show activity.
The Guest Book
@badcat.studio ‘s Sean Graham gave us sounds!
The Anatomy of Breath, 10”x10”
Jane Kelly, her beautiful collection of monotypes! Her Memento Mori series.
Jane Kelly, 2022
Unhurt (second study)
The heart is at the center of the circulation system, pumping blood around the body as the heart beats. This blood sends oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, carrying away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products. The loose splashes of color resemble a bloody wound as a clichéd expression of torment in love. The scale and texture of the subject show its power and strength along with the splashy display of injury.
Connecting with our dialogue, documenting
Translation (Listening) 24”x36” mixed media on canvas
The human ear is an organ of auditory perception and equilibrium that detects and analyzes sound by transduction, the conversion of sound waves into electrochemical impulses, and maintains the sense of balance. The folds of the outer ear are delicate and intricate, and can resemble the shapes of seashells or flower petals. This is the artist's ear, illustrated in golden hues and textured brushstrokes, a visual representation of listening in conversation, a struggle to communicate and the vibrations received through the ear canal.
Divine Autonomy, 24”x36” Mixed media on canvas
Friend and Mentor, Lisa Creed of Durham. Find her work here: https://www.lisacreedartist.com/
Christine Holton and Jane Kelly, A Conversation Between Two Bodies
Heart Space Energy, 16”x20”
I created this painting following a session of energy work, a new experience for me in my wellness practice. The purple represents the crown chakra. Associated with the element of thought, this energy center controls your connection to spirit, as well as your sense of universal consciousness, wisdom, unity, and self-knowledge. Its associated color is violet, reflective of its connection to spirituality and enlightenment.
Expanse, 9”x12”, mixed media on wood panel, SOLD
Lymph Dance, 30”x40” acrylic on canvas SOLD
Digital Sketchbook, by Jane Kelly www.janehanakelly.com
Hearth, 24”x24” acrylic on canvas
This chimney in the woods can be found at the Eno River State Park off the trail in northern Durham. I stopped and visited with myself there, noticing how the entire scene seemed created just to frame these remains of an old home. The space of the former structure is now enveloped with trees, and the hearth is holding a blue human heart. A hearth is an image or place which symbolizes one’s home, and true home is the spiritual connection found between physical bodies. SOLD
Spinal Column & Phalanges
Your spine, or backbone, is your body's central support structure. It connects different parts of your musculoskeletal system. The spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. Facet joints have cartilage (a slippery connective tissue) that allows vertebrae to slide against each other, allowing twisting and turning, providing flexibility and stability. Most vertebrae move to allow for a range of motion. The lowest vertebrae (sacrum and coccyx) are fused together and don’t move. The spine is thought of as holding the frame together, supporting sitting and standing, walking, twisting and bending. With diminished spinal function, it continues to support the stability of the frame. The concavities and protrusions reflect the light and hold shadows in this illustration.
All work can be found in IG at @christineholtondtudioart (Christine Holton) and @fromherelove (Jane Kelly)
Jane & Christy Excerpt from Transcript:
“I feel like that's super relatable, you know, to connect to being recorded or knowing we're going to be viewed or being seen versus being by yourself, you know, or sharing on social media or just keeping it to yourself, you know, these like what changes you know, worried about big things like being cheap and or for some reason I call it people pleasing. Like, I feel like I have learned what what does please others in regards to my work and to be really aware of when it's more that than what feels right and authentic to me. Not that there's anything wrong with any of that. I feel like I love making things that bring people joy. So if I can tap into that, that's great. But then sometimes I have to remember okay, like, that's great, but it's like chasing a chemical high. You know like, I want more of that…And that's not really to be judged because a we all do it social media is for is attention, you know? Promotion, attention sharing connection, but also like Ascension, right? Am I changing what I'm doing to cater to somebody? And I like to perform. I'm kind of a performer. And so my journey like my part of my creative journey is learning how to do that when it feels really good. And not for any artifice, you know, because I can lose touch with what's authentic, and I can just be like, That makes someone happy. Therefore, that makes me happy. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it is all beautiful life experience.