Artist Statement: Many years ago, when I was studying for my Masters in Pastoral Studies, I took a class with Br.
James Zullo called Transitions. “With every ending, there is a new beginning; with every new
beginning, there is an ending” he would say. The space where the ending and beginning
overlap is the in-between space. This space can bring healing from what was. It can be a place
of anxiety of the unknowns. That class changed the way I see the space between. We need
space between for growth, for possibilities and for new life to emerge as well as to conquer the
fears of darkness.
As I started to think of how to render a space between the first thing that came to mind was
pointillism. The space between each point determines the density of color and light. The
drawing was made completely by hand, carefully placing the dots of ink. The spirals represent
both creation and being bound up in our own darkness. Yet, even there, space still exists.
In the space between
Light can enter
to extinguish the darkness.
Like Stonehenge,
the spaces between the rocks allow light to enter
for the mystical to appear.
In the spaces between
Light and dark co-mingle
Light that can pulse and vibrate,
Darkness that can suck all matter in,
come together to dance.
In the spaces between there is hope.
Possibility is made manifest,
The welcoming hand reaches out.
In complete darkness the hand in front of a face cannot be seen.
In complete light, the light is fierce and blinding.
In-between the extremes
Black moves to gray.
Love can grow.
Bridges can be built,
new paths can be discovered,
there are endings and new beginnings.
Bio: I am a retired Middle School Science Teacher. I taught students how to observe, to look for the
unexpected, and to experience wonder in science. Now that I am retired, I transfer the joy of
learning to my art practice.
Artistically, I’ve been a functional potter for over thirty years. Pottery is a spiritual experience
for me especially when I am creating pieces to be used in worship or prayer. I pray that God
might use my hands to make pieces others find beautiful and useful. While I also create pieces
in fused glass, sew vestiture and draw, I am continually called back to clay where I find my
closest connection to God.
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