Inspiration drives most artists. However, different perspectives allow for each creative voice to evolve in their own special way. On Sunday, September 8th, the work of Felice Willat and Paula Fagan will be celebrated in a new exhibition titled “Stillness” at Topanga Canyon Gallery. Each was inspired by stillness, yet the artists were led to different places with their craft, creating very different results.
Felice Willat is a photographer who was first moved to take photos on a trip to India. In 1997 she began her journey. Willat describes what inspires her…“The moment when the extraordinary environment and the unexpected human element come together – a little girl entering a colorful doorway in San Miguel de Allende – women bathing ceremoniously in the river with the golden temples in the background – tango dancers in front of a café in Buenos Aires – not a portrait, nor a landscape, but where the people and the place are one.”
She continues, “Most of my Facebook friends are photographers, and I am continually inspired by a several – both black and white and color, old and new – processed or straight shots.” Willat adds, “I am fascinated with the medium of photography and often stymied by how some people interpret the medium and the skills they use.”
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Paula Fagan was inspired to create her Spirit Girls after a ninety-day early morning personal meditation practice. She explains, “In that stillness I was inspired to return to painting after an eight month personal sabbatical from painting. When I entered my outdoor studio that morning I had no idea what would appear on that large swatch of loose raw canvas I grabbed and stapled to a board!! I knew it would be something that never existed before. The first Spirit Girl was born!”
Her ritual continues, she recounts, “To this day each one is conceived in the silent sacred space of my early morning meditation altar with an original name and a message for that Spirit Girl. The message will be printed on a heartstring that soon will hang on that Spirit Girl painting right over her heart.”
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Fagan’s art allows the art lover (who purchased her work) to walk away with interactive art. Each piece comes with a mantra on their heartstring offering the viewer some words and an image to stop and ponder.
The Spirit Girl Tagline is "What You See Of Me Is What You Know Of Yourself." The Spirit Girls only facial feature is their powerful eyes. Within those emotional mystical eyes one can see and feel emotion and mystery of oneself.
The reception for the artists takes place Sunday, September 8 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The event will feature poetry readings by Lark and solo Guitar instrumentals by LA recording artist, Calvin Banks. The show will remain on view from August 28th thru September 22nd.
Willat & Fagan are both members of Topanga Canyon gallery, which was founded back in the 1950s. The artists owned and run collective presents monthly exhibitions featuring well-known and emerging artists from all over the Los Angeles area.
