Artist’s Statement
Native Americans say that art is prayer. Prayer for me is honest hope connected to the forces of good. I want my work to create a momentary glimpse for viewers to awaken a deep thought: all of life holds value, has beauty, is sacred, and worth preserving.
These paintings represent the natural world, life along the Potomac River. My task is to portray a vision that attracts others and inspires them to find a deep peace 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 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 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.
This work is acrylic with handmade papers, on canvas with gold leaf.
– Pat Silbert
The Path Not Taken – 24 x 36 inches
The Path with 2 Bodhisattvas – 11 x 14 inches
Two Geese – 12 x 16 inches
