Art is a link to Source – Infinity Consciousness. The transformative potential in all of us allows art to be a path of self-knowledge and self-transcendence. My creations serve to raise consciousness so that we can recognize the Divine within and create a better world for us all. ~ James F. Jereb, PhD*
In my humble opinion, making art is as close to touching Divinity as you can get. I agree with Mr. Jereb in that art is a link to one’s super consciousness; it peels away the layers of daily grind until you find yourself ‘in the zone’, much like a long-distance runner or yoga practitioner. When you are in the process, your mind seems to go into neutral and you coast along without any effort.
(Must make a point of watching this film!)
“Ah, but that is not entirely true!” I hear you cry.
OK, sometimes it is hard to get anything to go right, as colours, perspective or composition just don’t want to obey any of the rules. My response to that would be that you should stop trying so hard and just DO. It doesn’t matter if things go wrong! The point is to let that little creative ferret come out of its hiding place and run all over the canvas or over whatever surface you are working on. Don’t keep it under a lid – just let it run! Before long you would be so engaged, things would start flowing…
(Sweet little thing!)
Yes, just let it flow! You can always tear it up or start over. You can even start doing something entirely different!
Our new-look website is up and running – have a look here … we are in the process of early registration for our 2017 event in October. It’s all very exciting as we will be concentrating efforts on specific regions for the four weeks, e.g.
Week 1 – Paphos
Week 2 – Nicosia
Week 3 – Limassol
Week 4 – Larnaca
Of course, the publicity and marketing will encompass the whole island for the entire month, but the four regions each will be highlighted in turn. This will include a gallery exhibition in each of the four cities, featuring established artists – something that has not been done here before, but we tested it in 2016. More details about this in a later post – early days! On our website you will see a section under “Members > Cyprus Open Galleries” – COG. Yes, an essential part in the wheel…
Pafos2017 launched over the last weekend of January and it all sounds very exciting with lots of interesting activities all over town. We, at Cyprus Open Studios, wish each participant in this momentous event the very best of luck. May you go forth and prosper!
COS is looking ahead towards 2018 and beyond. Every step we take is with an eye on our future.
This year, we have already started a programme whereby we assist artists with exhibitions abroad. This spring, six of our members will attempt to be accepted by the Royal Academy of Arts in London – we wish them well! Should they not be successful, they will automatically qualify for the Salon des Refuses, also in London – seems to me like a win-win situation! There are two other opportunities, also in London, but we have not yet tied up the loose ends… More about this later.
In 2018, we envisage expanding the programme into Europe. This is all in the planning stages, as well as a very exciting ‘happening’ to coincide with the opening of COS 2018. Again, there are lots of elements to bring together and we are hoping to make the world aware of Cyprus and the vast treasure trove of talent we have.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere we are in deep winter – spice up those Winter Blues by adding a dash of Red! The kiln or the forge also helps… Keep on creating!
Isn’t this gorgeous?!
The COS Team.
* James F. Jereb, PhD, is a self-taught, visionary artist who works in paint, print and stone and is the creator of Stardreaming, Temples of the Cosmos, a 22-acre sacred stone temple labyrinth complex for the new millennium located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Read all about him here: http://www.stardreaming.org/about.php and about the website: http://www.stardreaming.org/index.php
Jason Horejs | Owner – Xanadu Gallery
cyprusopenstudios 