Kelly Schmitz

Artist Statement:

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My faith and my connection to the environment have been important to me throughout my life. I wanted to create a series of work that combined both of these elements. For this series, I chose to create drawings of Cairns or “trail markers”. After stumbling upon a quote by John P. Kraemer, I found that Carins relate both to my faith and spirituality as well as my connection the environment. This is the quote: “Carins represent a trail marker that guides one through uncertain areas in life. They provide guidance, hope, balance, continuity, and confidence on the journey down the path of life”.

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Both art and being in nature have always been spiritual activities for me. Because of this, I wanted the actual process of creating these drawings to be as spiritual as possible. The motion of creating the organic circle patters of the rock formations, the slow brush strokes and the balance of control and chance all contributed to making this a spiritual practice. Additionally, I devoted the time that I spent on this series to be a time to reflect and to pray.