Once I have entered the realm of my painting it takes on a reality of its own that can unfold over many weeks, months or even years. Often it touches me at a deep personal level, but it also seems to go beyond me as well, touching into the collective. Sean McNiff in Art as Medicine writes of imagining paintings as guides, guardians, shamans and messengers which moves art into the realm of poetry and visionary potential..........

About ten years ago my art started to go in a new direction as I explored the healing aspects of art. That is when I returned to school earning a Masters of Arts Degree from Lesley College in Cambridge Massachussetts. I currently have a private practice as an expressive arts therapist as well as paint and exhibit my work throuhout Ontario.

The way in which people have responded to my images has been deeply gratifying leading me to believe that they must express something that resonates within each of us.

Much of my work is done in watercolour or waterbased media, but often using the expressive, linear qualities of graphite and oil pastel.

My training consists of a B.A. degree in Fine arts and a M.A. degree in Expressive Arts Therapy. I have exhibited in numerous solo shows and group shows and my work is in private collections in many countries. I currently paint from my studio in the Toronto Beach area.

I feel I have journeyed an interesting path in pursuit of art and meaning and after all these years I am still searching and do not feel comfortable wearing any particular label.

I do feel that, the more I paint and open to my own creative depths, the more I am in awe of an unfolding process. I like the ideas of Alex Grey, in his wonderful book called The Mission of Art, as he writes of visionary and healing art. However, painting as a woman, the Goddess is ever present and I have been inspired by Meinrad Craighhead and a number of female painters who exhibit an earth based spirituallity.

Whether you call it Shamanic art, Spiritual art, Surreal, Mystical or by another name, I am open to discussion and welcome your comments. I am interested in connecting with other painters, viewers, and buyers. You can e-mail me at ruth@shamanstree.com.