Artist Statement – Ramona Pavilionis
My current body of work is titled Pneuma which was Inspired by my readings of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor (AD 121-180),who wrote Meditations. Based on the philosophy of Stoicism or Stoic thought, “pneuma” pertains to the soul, the vital spirit, or creative force of a person or from the Greek origin “that which is breathed or blown.” In my body of work, I examine the breath as a metaphor with both our physical and incorporeal relationships with the world.
Like an archaeologist, my exploration and vision depicts life between the layers of time, the unknown and the breaths we take. Through spontaneous painting I strive to convey that sense of spirit by capturing the magic in the moment. Pneuma personifies a colourful sensibility of my reflection of spirit and experiences that delve into the roots of our existence.
Techniquewise, I instinctively apply a brave, colourful palette whether it be in acrylic, oil, or watercolour paint to invoke in the viewer a desire to connect with my perspective and symbolism. In an abstract or surreal manner, I interpret how incidents surrounding my life affect the development of my own spirituality. In pondering about the spirit of life, Henry Miller shared with us that, “There is nothing wrong with life itself. It is the ocean in which we swim and we either adapt to it or sink to the bottom. But it is in our power as human beings not to pollute the waters of life, not to destroy the spirit which animates us.”