Newly Commissioned Painting, Soul Resonance

Soul Resonance
36" x 48"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Gaitonde Collection
Fine Art Giclee Prints Available,
please message for more details

I was approached by a very kind couple who had seen my recent write-up in the Dallas Morning News and that lead them to my artwork.  They had been on the hunt for an original painting for their home and were moved by this piece. They asked me to create something larger, just for them.

A Platform for Consciousness
28" x 24"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available

Not looking for an exact replica, they gave me creative license to take the painting in a direction that felt organic as I was creating it.  I played with the same themes of synchronicity, and when souls find each other and resonate with one another. When this happens, there is a beautiful connection. I was highly inspired by the poetry of local Poet Jeff Clardy, this verse in particular:

To seek the truth
Takes courage and strength
To question the norm
And face its ranks

It's how we grow
It's how we evolve
The questions to life
Are there to solve

Be free In your heart
Wherever you stand
And know the truth
Is always at hand

Wishing you all a day where your heart is free and your soul is at ease.  xoxo, Gina

New Painting, So Much Love

16" x 20" x 1.5"
Original is sold
Fine art prints available, please message me for details.

Studio doors flung open, music playing and painting with an open heart in the studio. Mumford and Sons' words, "Where you invest your love, you invest your life" has inspired me to revisit my heart/poppies series and create pieces full of love. This one was not complete without three simple words at the top: so much love.

We are all attached to certain things outside ourselves from which we derive our sense of self; we're plugged into other people--family, friends, colleagues-- to our career, to success. Yet these things are tenuous--money and status come and go, people come and go, the years come and go.  We are all vulnerable. 

The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with the importance of the trivial things, petty things. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides to witness love in action.

Becoming aware of our vulnerabilities is a lifelong practice.  Realizing that we are not the ones in control is a great step toward practicing deeper empathy for ourself and others,  As we look ahead to the promise of Spring, it feels like perfect time to begin the process of "peeling away", being present and open to this endless unfolding journey, this lifetime of exploration into unlocking the power, compassion and infinite love that resides within us all.

Awake My Soul, by Mumford and Sons

How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
My weakness I feel I must finally show

Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see
But your soul you must keep, totally free

awake my soul...
awake my soul...

How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
My weakness I feel I must finally show

In these bodies we will live,
in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love,
you invest your life

In these bodies we will live,
in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love,
you invest your life

awake my soul...
awake my soul...
awake my soul...

What Happens When Street Art Meets Fine Art

Photo Courtesy JMR

The Dallas Contemporary is shining a bit brighter today. With the recent mural installation by local Artist James M Rizzi, or JMR, a once drab side wall in the Dallas Design District is no longer–now it's decked out in bold, vibrant colors and painted textures. JMR's process was astonishingly similar to that of your everyday graffiti artist, slowly and meticulously layering the exterior of a building with spray paint, rollers and brushes in a process that took about twelve Artists to complete. The only difference? It was entirely legal, and in fact commissioned by  The Observer in collaboration with the Dallas Contemporary for their annual Artopia event.

"The name of this mural is "Bridging the Gap". The reason its named this is the following: Its an accomplishment to go from painting walls that are illegal or under overpasses, in abandoned buildings, and other frontier lands. To then paint the side of a major art institution. Its important for me to remember my source. How I got here. And where I may be going," says Rizzi.

This idea harkens back to a long history of artists who use a term called ‘ready-mades‘ in their practice. From MOMA:

“Ready-mades originated from Marcel Duchamp, who borrowed the term from the clothing industry while living in New York. ‘In its strictest sense, [the term] is applied… to the product of an aesthetically provocative act, one that denied the importance of taste and which questioned the meaning of art itself.’”

This means, of course, that graffiti (whether identified as commissioned murals, street art or public art) does indeed qualify as fine art. So why isn’t it regarded as such?

I am a huge fan of fellow native Brooklynite JMR's art, here's a pic of him below.  His art is a living, breathing representation of who he is and what he represents. Visit his Website and go check out his wall at The Dallas Contemporary and his work all over town.

Tags: #jamesmrizzi, #JMR, #graffiti, #street art, #street art, #dallas contemporary, #Dallas Design District, #Artopia, #Dallas Observer, #dallas Artists

New Painting, You Brighten My Soul

New Painting
You Brighten My Soul
24" x 24"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available
www.ginamariedunn.com

We have to breathe in order to stay alive, but only when we have love in our hearts are we alive in the truest sense.

My husband has been traveling this week, so I used the evening hours after the kiddos went to bed to finish up this painting. I was putting the last touches on it, and wondering what to call it, when at that moment a text message from a dear friend popped up.

"You brighten my soul"  was all it said.

Just seeing those words cracked my heart open, and I knew at that moment the painting's name. Surround yourself with those who brighten your soul and you will see the divine love and happiness that is within all of us mirrored back.  May your weekend be filled with a brightness that shines from within.  

Autumn's Early Glow

16" x 20"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Original and Fine Art Giclee Prints Available HERE.

Close your eyes and think about something you are really grateful for. Tune into that warm emotional rush you feel when you focus on that something.  Experiencing that feeling of true gratitude, puts us into a state of grace.

This morning I awoke and heard that little voice inside got me out of bed and lead me out to the studio. As I painted and watched the sun rise around me, I felt grateful. Grateful for the moment to be surrounded by Autumn's early glow, (hence the title) grateful for my space to create, the time I lovingly carve out for myself to nurture my own spirit so I can extend that out into the world as a mother and as a teacher.

No matter what is happening, when you are able to feel gratitude, it helps to reduce fear and bring you back to an inner peace.

How different would our lives be if we could see everything that happens as a blessing?

Love is my Religion, Sunday in the Studio

It was an early morning of work out in the studio. I can never anticipate when The Muse will descend, and today I woke up as the sun rose, with something calling me to go out and paint.  

It's hard to describe that feeling that pulls me to the studio...it's bigger than me, and when I don't listen to its voice it just simply doesn't feel right. Coincidentally, this happened on this Sunday morning, as rather than being called to attend Church I truly believe it is the hand of God that lead me out to the studio.

www.ginamariedunn.com

With my rigorous Catholic upbringing, even attending a Catholic university to pursue my art degree, going to Church was always a part of the routine. Couple that tradition with living here in the Bible Belt where what Church you attend seems like another way people use to define themselves, you would think the foundation is set for me to attend Church regularly on Sundays. However, I have found as I get older my need for organized religion has waned.  Sure, I can say it's too hard to get three young children out the door for a 9 a.m. service, but that excuse only goes so far. 

I have started to make peace with the fact that, although I dearly love the traditions in which I was raised, and am sometimes drawn to the comfort of an old Catholic Church like a moth to a flame, I don't feel that organized religion is the only way to find God.  There is no right way. God is inside of each one of us, and I can say with certainty that I have had more honest conversations with him out in the art studio, or on long early morning runs at our ranch in West Texas, or even on my yoga mat, than anywhere else. 

True peace comes when you are able to connect to the divine that is inside all of us, because when you do that all that's left is love. 

Who's to say our traditions won't ebb and flow, and our Sunday morning routine won't change...in fact I'm banking that it will, especially as my kids grow older because I want to give them the chance to choose for themselves the best way to find God. But for now this works.

So this morning it's just me, Brooklyn the dog, Dave Matthews Band and the rain. Fall is descending on Dallas, slowly but surely, and all is cozy in the world. Grateful for this peaceful time to create while the troops inside sleep in late-- now time to clean up so I can go make them pancakes.

How to Appreciate Contemporary Art

I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't 

= Modern Art

A Platform for Consciousness
www.ginamariedunn.com

Take Me Away, Down the Star Mile
www.ginamariedunn.com

Contemporary Art is generally classified as any art that was produced after World War II. It comes in many shapes and forms and can often be quite abstract, thought-proking and even shocking.   This type of art usually makes you think outside the box and can stir emotions on a visceral level.  Taking the time to look at a piece of art, and feel its presence, can cause you to examine your own feelings and experiences that arise from the painting, leading you to see the possibilities around you and stimulate your mind for change and social growth.

The great thing about contemporary art is that there are no limits to medium or subject matter. It's used as  more a tool for change and inspiration in modern society. 

Art does not have to match the couch! 

Before We Turn to Stone
www.ginamariedunn.com

City of Blinding Lights
www.ginamariedunn.com

Tips for appreciating contemporary art:
1. Come at it with an open mind.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions-- about the artists, what inspired them, their background, materials used, the process which it was created. Ask the Artist directly or the Gallery you are dealing with--they are there to provide you with information and love to talk about the art. 

3. Do some research on the Artists.  You may find that learning the story behind the people who created the art makes it more tangible for you.

4. Try to feel what you see:  Tap into personality, character and individuality in the work reflecting back to the Artist.  Can you see yourself in the painting (not literally, of course)?  Try to connect with the passion that the Artist used while creating that work. When a piece resonates with you, it will be because of that connection. Art is a universal language we all share.

Fall Cleaning

"Creativity is a gift...it doesn't come through if the air is cluttered." 

- John Lennon

Here is a picture of the studio right now...the definition of "clutter".  I haven't gone in there in five days because just the thoughts of it eeks me out. It's like a big messy monster waiting for me. My neat-freak, borderline OCD germaphobe husband has to walk through it every night when he comes home from work and bless his heart I think he's using every ounce of self-restraint not to wring my neck. 

After recently completing two large new paintings for my upcoming show at Calypso St. Barth in October, working with my mom to refinish some large pieces of furniture for a friend, caring for an unexpectedly hospitalized family member, teaching yoga at Exhale Spa, receiving a new art supply order that came in bulk, and embarking on the journey of getting one little person off to kindergarten and two to preschool--and our family of 5 adjusted to our Fall routine,  I've found the studio in disarray, and my artistic mind too cluttered to think, much less produce.

Creativity comes in waves. I've learned this over the years.  Learned to surf the highs and wait through the lows, knowing another wave is always just around the corner.  After coming off the high of producing new pieces, I'm cruising through a valley right now and ready to make some space for new creativity to happen.  I literally have to clear this out.

The word Aparigraha, translated from Sanskrit means non possessiveness or non grasping. Aparigraha gives us the permission to let go of not just excess material goods, but also the fear and clinging we experience around trying to protect what we think we own. All suffering is caused by our resistance to loss or change. It is so simple: When we cling, we suffer. Aparigraha is really about letting go. It’s about living the moment. 

Remembering there are far, far greater things ahead than anything we leave behind.

All right. I'm off to clean-wish me luck.

New Painting, Dreaming in Sanskrit

Dreaming in Sanskrit
24" x 30" x 1.5"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas
Available

24" x 30"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Available for purchase here.

We don’t need to chase the shadow

Don’t need to wrestle, don’t need to battle
Wherever we go, it will always follow
Go to bed, dream at night, rise up tomorrow
Just let it all go
Let yourself be hollow
Empty every drop out of the bottle
When you let it all go
That’s when you’ll know
Sunlight shine bright, light up the temple

—	Sunlight, on MC Yogi’s album, Pilgrimage

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Studio doors flung open, painting en plein air while the kiddos run amuck outside. This painting is my most recent to date. Feeling gratitude for the special stars in my life, beautiful and unique, each drawing light from each other and reflecting that back into the world.

New Painting, "The Way of the Light"

The Way of the Light
48" x 36" x 1.5"
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

We're all stumbling towards the light with varying degrees of grace at any given moment.

Here's a pic of the piece when it was in progress....

Sunflowers on our recent family trip to Carmel Valley, sunflowers on my yoga pants and sunflowers in progress on a big new canvas. Coincidence? Methinks not.
Growth, progression, shining your light, reaching your full potential, seeing the beauty all around you...these have been common themes in my work lately.  
The title is inspired by one of my favorite songs. It was introduced to me by my teacher, Julie Boyd, and listening to it out on the studio, adding it to the playlists of the classes I have been teaching has helped me channel her energy even though she is now far away.  Her advice has always been to give love. I think that can apply to everything we do. Do things with great love, and with your best effort and then you can be at peace with everything you do. The universe will take care of the rest.


Way of the Light- by The Gift of Gab

We're all stumbling towards the light with varying degrees of grace at any given moment.

Here's a pic of the piece when it was in progress....

Just like a sudden rush 
Flowin all through my soul now 
Way of the Light 
Everything's alright now 
When ya living in the Light now 
Way of the Light 

Running through rhythms 
Proceeding in the torch lights 
Floating on melodies 
Helping make my thoughts glide 
Jumping off a climb in the faith I'm a fall guy 
Never falling though, in the heavens we all fly 
Fourth Dimension rocketships telling ya all why 
Wake up from ya slumber my children it's all lies 
Money just like everything else, it all dies 
Help me focus on wealth, not material wealth 
'Cause true wealth resides deep inside 

I put the pen to the paper and let the ink thin 
Give what it's channeling through me without no thinking 
About it, no doubt about it, part of my being 
Came into open the spirit and let you see in 
It's time to let 'er off for now, no further seeking 
I follow it as I hear about to begin 
Follow the Light as I take you on a journey deep in 
Sound of the side of the light you might just wanna be in 
Way of the Light 
Way of the Light you wanna be in 

Go on and flow with what you seeking 
Playing it right 
The little voice inside is speaking 
Saying it tight 
Beyond your logic and your reason 

Cultivating image instead of the great soul 
Cultivate an image but it was all for show 
Blow up, explode, didn't it erupt way though 
Millions of dollars does not a mortal make whole 
You can only take what you've given away though, come on 

New Painting: We Are the Light Bearers

24" x 24"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

Available

Fine Art Giclee Prints Available on Etsy

Sunflowers bear the light, they breathe the light in and use it to grow tall and strong, and then they share this light with the world.

I just completed this painting and wanted to share it with you. I had been stuck on this canvas for months, and it was sort of hiding out in the art studio, waiting for inspiration. After a few strings of events, inspiration struck!


#1. I visited the 1700 Seeds Project in the Dallas, Bishop Arts District. This is a living, breathing, work of art-- a temporary instillation of 1700 sunflower seeds planted and in full bloom in an undeveloped field in the middle of a thriving metropolitan area.  The sunflower was my grandmother's favorite flower and holds so much special meaning to our family. She told me she loved them so much because they made her happy. Whenever I see them I think of her, and I felt her presence among them.  It was such a special moment to share with my mom and kids, three generations of women who were raised to follow their hearts and find the happiness that lies within.

#2. After finding my artwork via my Etsy site and purchasing several paintings, a client in Denver had these kinds words to say: "There's something wholly intangible about your paintings; I believe it's actually a part of your energy that's breathed into your art, not unlike a blessing. It's special because you are special! "  I was struck by how someone whom I have never met could hear my authentic voice by looking at my work.  Sylvia, if you are out there, thank you!


#3. I never forgot what one of my yoga teachers, Leslie Storms, once said ago about being a light bearer, and how we should ask ourselves what we can do each day to bring light to the world. Those words truly touched my heart.  Now I find myself asking each day--how can I be a light bearer? How can I help, share love, show kindness, etc.  


Hope you enjoy the new piece.

Creative Intelligence

This picture of autistic Artist Stephen Wiltshire's unbelievable take on the NYC skyline has really impacted me. (for more of his story, visit here ).   What an inspiration!

His work shows us what the mind is capable of.   The human brain is both mysterious and amazing in how it works - it takes away in some areas but blesses us abundantly in others. Those who learn how to make the most of the abundance truly have a gift!!!

Here's to those with high creative intelligence--a trait not easily measured or fully understood/appreciated.  Applying our creative intelligence invites us to keep both heart and eyes wide open to the emerging moment. We’d all be more creative if we paid less attention to the surfaces, our doings and achievements, our ambitions and desires; and more attention to the depths, the hidden forces and faculties that lie within ourselves and others, within all things and all experiences.

God dispenses His genius in many different vessels...how are you using your today?

Life Calmly Gives Out Its Own Secret
Fine Art Giclee Prints available here.

Let it Go

What Lies Beneath
24" x 36"
SOLD
Fine art Giclee Prints available here.

It’s time to. . .

Let go of the anger of what could have been
Let go of the worry of what might become
Let go of the mistakes you think you’ve made
Let go of a future you cannot yet see
Let go of the expectations of others, their path is not your own
Let go of your need for control, it is only an illusion
Let go of your training and education, it was simply a place to begin
Let go of the comfortable and familiar, what you need is not found there
Let go of the distractions that keep you from your path
Let go of the tools and talents you have not yet acquired
Let go of your schedules, lists, and plans
Let go of jealousy, it’s only ignorance in disguise
Let go of competition, your path is yours alone
Let go of the critics who don’t understand
Let go of the life you had planned to live
Let it all go

It’s time to create your story
It’s time to do the work you are here to do
Then let it go

Let it Go
18" x 24"
SOLD
More original paintings and prints available here.