The Healing Power of Art
In the presence of art, we may experience inspiration, wonder, and even hope; it can spark our imagination, creativity, and thinking. Our internal awareness and capacity for transformation can expand through experiences with art.
When in front of an artwork, we are connected to the artist and to others who have experienced it. And connection, to ourselves and others, is at the core of art and healing.
Healing isn’t a destination with a fixed timeline or endpoint but rather a path, or many paths. Just like each visit with a favorite work of art is a new experience with new insights, healing is a journey with possibilities stretching out in all directions.
- edited from an online MoMa article by Jackie Armstrong; Associate Educator, Visitor Research and Experience
Myra Clarke • Artist Bio
A Breathe of Fresh Air
Artist Statement:
The health benefits of deep breathing are well-documented, as are the benefits of fresh air, since every cell in our bodies depends on a constant stream of fresh oxygen. I thrive on being outdoors, and my work is an expression of how important the natural world is to me personally. I love to breathe in the cool, crisp air while cross-country skiing, “forest-bathe” in a walk through the woods, or inhale the warmth of the sunshine while floating down the river in my kayak; and re-creating my interpretation of these landscapes in my artwork helps me to stay connected to the natural environment. I invite you to take a deep breath as you view each of these paintings and I hope that they will help you feel both relaxed and re-energized.
Artist Bio:
Whether it is the beautiful river valley of Saskatoon, the varied shorelines on the lake near my cottage in Riding Mountain National Park or unique landscapes I have had the privilege to visit from around the world, painting helps me to connect with the natural beauty of every place. I paint in watercolour because I am drawn to the translucent quality that is inherent in the medium.
I didn’t set out to become an artist. About 15 years ago, a friend invited me to a community association watercolour class in Saskatoon, and although I didn’t learn much there, it was the beginning of a new adventure. In the early days, I painted with friends and took a few workshops, and it turned into a hobby that continues to challenge and inspire me. I am primarily self-taught, but have learned much from Cecelia Jurgens, Gordon Mackenzie and others. Another way to keep learning is to share my knowledge with others through the workshops I have taught.
My work can be found in many private collections throughout Canada, and in Mexico and the UK. I am privileged to be associated with Dandelion Art Framing & Gallery in Saskatoon, and seasonally with Wasagaming Art Gallery and Poor Michael’s Emporium in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba.
A Breathe of Fresh Air
A Family Affair
Ancient Stories
Aspen Canopy
Cat Tales
Couple of Posers
Curtain Call
Denouement
Frost Moon
Grand Finale
Grasslands
Happy Go Lucky
High Point View
Invitation
Island Mood
Kingfisher at Rest
Maligne in the Morning
Morning Mist
Nature's Gift
October
Patient Earth
Roadside Attraction
Shadow Play
Still Standing
Sun on my Back
Sunday Drive
Sunny Days
Artist contact for more information or purchase inquiries.
Myra Clarke
Phone/text: 306.292.8449
Email: twokayaks@hotmail.ca (available for etransfer direct deposit)
4 packs of greeeting cards are available for $15.00
Are You an Artist Interested in Exhibiting at BHC?
If so, click on the link below to email us and share a bit about yourself and your artwork, your contact information and a couple of samples of your work (or a link to instagram or facebook).
We look forward to hearing from you.