I explore the intersection of the physical with the fluid spiritual and emotional realms by merging figurative elements into sacred landscapes or presenting self-portraits in psychologically heightened situations. To encourage viewers to enter these worlds where boundaries are challenged, I create participatory experiences and multi-component painting installations, urging release and transformation.
I employ imagery from the Celtic Otherworld, meditation, and dreams, drawing from a personal mythos based on my ancient ancestry. From this sacred perspective, I advocate a reconnection with nature and its innate healing.
Following personal archeology of decades-long suppressed emotions I am now embracing vulnerable content in Excavations, a series of paintings, drawings, and installations. Using works like talismans for emotional self-awareness, I am unflinchingly exploring themes such as hidden emotions, shadow work, the Fight/Flight/Freeze Response, and self-worth in these works thematically linked by my healing journey. While advocating authenticity, self-awareness, and self-expression through an Empath’s lens, I encourage viewers to project their experiences onto my own by using open-ended narratives and participatory aspects that merge the roles of creator and viewer. With participatory works I also invite self-exploration by employing techniques inspired by the sympathetic magic tradition.
~ Amy Funderburk