Artist Statement: Nancy West
"Since I was a child, I've always loved the smell of oils and the texture of paint. I have to paint. However, when I was nine, I was diagnosed with Bi Polar Disorder. I used people places and things to try and self medicate... always short changing myself. That illness has both plagued and blessed me throughout my life. On one hand I've been swamped down into deep periods of depression which have paralyzed me; robbing me of the one thing I truly love to do. On the other hand, my illness has elevated me into a trance-like euphoria that can throw me into periods of productivity.
With each painting there is a flow of vibrant color and an orchestration of textured brush strokes to form abstract yet recognizable shapes that are carefully arranged to carry out the themes of my explorations. My art explores a wide variety of themes such as abundance, joy, and fulfillment, complex melancholy feelings and moods, and simple ideas, legends and stories. I use color as the primary vehicle to represent the mood of an overall theme and stimulate my sense of connection with my creator, other people, and my own soul.
It has been a long journey but I feel like the proper medication has finally given me a new lease on life. In the process of improving my health there has been a major shift in my belief system. I believe painting is a gift given to me by the Spirit of the Universal Creator and in order to honor that spirit I must return the gift by showing up to the canvas to visually express myself. Finally when I become the vessel to create art, I am drawn into an alternative world where I find extended moments even hours of inner peace in comparison to the turmoil and paralysis from my rapid wide mood swings of my former life."
- Nancy West