I’m not going to post a bio. If you keep reading, you’ll understand why. I’ve never needed or wanted one. I’m using my real name now, but for years, I just used @BlueRavenArtist

 

I’ve always been a fairly reclusive artist, never really wanting any kind of online presence, content to live in relative obscurity. The images I create are used in huge, heavy collages and the images alone are not sold commercially. As each piece is big and heavy and takes a long time to create, I’m happy with the occasional word-of-mouth commission. But art has the power to produce social change and I’m hoping that if there are enough of us, we can create a course correction to a better direction. In times as these, I believe that it’s important to speak out if you have any kind of venue at all. So, that’s why I’m here, baring my soul and psyche in visual imagery and social commentary instead of hiding in the shadows.

They say that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. Freedom, laws, equality, inclusiveness, and social justice are important to me.  I believe that love is love, that we should strive for peace, and that we should care for the planet and its people. I also believe we should use truth, facts, and science to direct our collective decision-making. We’re down to the wire to tackle climate change. We can no longer pretend it isn’t happening. We ignore these things at our own peril. After years of posting political commentary (and pretty much ignoring other art) I realized I was just preaching to the choir. I thought it would just take a couple of years, but it got worse and went on and on and I just couldn’t take it anymore. Now, I’d rather just try to instill a little hope in humanity, hope for the future. For without hope, there is no action; and action is what is needed to save the planet.

 

My background in human behavior often shows up in my work with open heads and mazes where the mind would be. I believe that art can serve as a portal to a deeper realm of the mind. That I’m drawn to the surreal is obvious. Sometimes I want to invite people to think. Sometimes I just like weird stuff.

Jung said, “The sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” Humans are a resilient species. We have survived tremendous challenges in the course of our evolution and I believe we will survive the challenges we face now. We can kindle some light in this time of darkness. But it’s going to take each and every one of us to make that happen. So, here’s to like minds working together to build a better tomorrow. We can do this. Push forward. Save the future.

 

Jacquelyn