Artist Statement:
I created these works as ways to access a sense of centredness and positivity during difficult times; they are visual touchstones to remember our connection to the Earth and our universe. Each work is like a portal to a peaceful state of mind; an escape from day-to-day stresses to feel the magic of being part of life. Life is always moving, changing, cycling. Ups and downs are part of the ride, and it can be hard to remember the positive when things are on a downswing. COVID-19 and heightened polarized politics can be anxiety-provoking and depressing; my art is a way to express and reaffirm my connection to the constant changing beauty of existence. I find staying grounded in remembering the wonder of being alive, and how we are all connected to each other and everything, helps provide balance in my life. Escape into memories by breathing in the salty smell of the ocean, listening to waves lapping on the shore, feeling the cool wash of water against your feet, and the warm sunshine kissing your skin. Let your mind travel in thoughtful directions about how Earth is just a pretty marble in an infinite universe—the endlessness of space, the beauty of swirling galaxies, the bright heat of shining stars, and the cool mysteries of dark matter. When I feel overwhelmed, I can look at these paintings and lose myself in swirling thoughts of positive places near and far–in memories, reality, and my imagination. 

Artist Bio:  

Miki Dare (Dare is pronounced DAH-RAY in Japanese) lives on the West Coast where she likes to express herself with whatever falls into her hands–from a pen to a paintbrush. She enjoys working with mixed media (from food packaging to fire) and acrylics on canvas to explore issues of identity, personal history, and social realities. Her science fiction and fantasy writing can be found in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, Inscription Magazine, Grievous Angel, Tesseracts Twenty: Compostela, and Where the Stars Rise: Asian Science Fiction and Fantasy. To learn more about her work and see what Miki is up to, visit her website at https://mikidare.com. 

Find Miki online:

Website: http://mikidare.com 

Instagram: @miki_dare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikidare