Kay Sarver
Houston, TX
Artist's Statement:
A few years ago, I became very interested in the indigenous people of the Americas. This began after reading a book about the Aztec Indians. My interest in Mexico became much more heightened, so I made a trip for the first time to this wonderful, magical country.
My reaction was much like a small child seeing something for the first time. The cultural backgrounds were so clearly evident and fascinating; so colorful and full of life, that I truly fell in love with the people. However, it became apparent that for many, the struggle for life is significant. As much as I enjoyed the country and it's people, this affected me strongly.
I thought a great deal about the impression this had left in my heart, and I knew I had started into a new artistic direction that continues to unfold with time. In order to express myself visually about this subject today, I felt I needed to learn more about the truth of the past. As my vision expanded , along came many realizations. After all the years of subjection these souls have endured with humility and grace a stature that is worthy of so much more. I felt as if I were being guided into this personal mission.
Even though most of these people that I paint are coming from the Mexican influence, which clearly has so much of the indigenous culture, I feel they are representational of all their brothers and sisters in the Americas today. Usually I portray them in a simple act of necessity or faith, using colors to surround them that create a balance which reflects these beautiful cinnamon tones that glow in their faces. The aura that appears from the top of the head is the pure energy being omitted by this symbolic, "pure at heart" soul. This is the way I believe these people need to be seen, as if a special filter were put in front of our eyes so that we may see their truth. If only we could hear the wisdom of their ancestors with their visions of reverence for nature; the simple balance that was practiced with respect for all of life . . . perhaps this could be our saving grace.
This is what my art is a small part of. I hope that by sharing this vision, that it will help bring more awareness and therefore, ultimately more compassion, creating the healing necessary to bond us all.
