heather

Waiting

Cheating
the End
of the World

Barren

Moon Conjuring

So this is Love

Heather Mary Smith
Artist Statement

Ocean Cedar Dolphin vertebrae Crow's wing Humus

All you have can be shattered in an instant. Life is fragile at best. The body is fragile but unbelievably strong. Yet we are not our bodies.

An instant - steel smashing steel Damaged, and yet, still breathing Broken bones, severed nerves, blood, shredded muscle, bruises. Broken heart

Thus, a new cycle of destruction and creation begins.

My work is of healing and transformation. The psychic and emotional wounds: pain, grief, rage, agony, betrayal - emotionally wrecked and soul damaged. The work is intertwined with other realms; magical, shamanic, ecology, earth and dreams. Dreams are a fertile source - especially lucid dreaming. Dreaming with open eyes.

The self portraits are a self affirmation and form of processing life. I often feel invisible and flattened among the rational based corporeality. Self portraits translate my inner world into a tangible language.

The hand is a trace of my presence. The hand is a powerful universal symbol. The hand cries out in defiance of being silenced by paralysis. My hands are my voice.

Though I lived in a large city, I existed in a space closely connected to Earth and Water filled with plant life, squirrels, crows, eagles, owls, seals, skunks, raccoons, the neighbourhood cats and of the coyote. Long a significant being, coyote has been protector, guide, messenger and survivour. Coyote was an overwhelming figure and I ignored it. Though Gary Snyder has said that "those who can handle such a helper, the power of being a healer might be gained." (Tucker)

To become Healer one must heal oneself. Desire; the desire for fury, intensity and empowerment in life. To heal is to return to the Earth and live in the fullness of its mystery and wonder. There is magic in everyday life. Shall we conjure?

Cone