Artist’s Statement
This summer, I have been inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s new book Is a River Alive? I now see how my work echoes the answer to his question: yes, the river is alive.
So, my task is still to portray a vision that attracts others and inspires them to find a deep peace while immersed in earth’s lively natural world. I believe if we humans can learn to highly value life itself and our shared interdependence with all beings, then humanity will be able to find a way to a healthy future. And since humans, wildlife, and plants are related in Buddhist philosophy, then perhaps Buddhist symbology can remind us of this caring relationship.
In 11th century monasteries in Ladakh, India, there is “a room of a thousand Buddhas” where all the walls and woodwork are painted all over with rows and rows of identical Buddhas. In those rooms, one feels absorbed by these many surrounding Buddhas. Imbedded in my mind’s eye, I often paint them on the sides of my paintings. They are a part of my creative process, as are images of 12th century Chinese Boddhisatva’s—spiritual beings who live to help others.
– Pat Silbert, 2025
