Miki Dare

Quarantine Experience:

Being quarantined at home has been a “corona-coaster” of feelings and thoughts. I would like to say I used my time wisely and dove into cleaning and Marie Kondo-ing but found most of my energies at the start were put to diving into the internet–ever-searching for more and more on COVID-19. It’s an endless cycle of information, yet never the answer I am looking for could be found—how and when this would end. Eventually I realized this was not a healthy way to navigate my world—and I am limiting how much news I peruse. I am so thankful for all the people on the frontline who are fighting the good fight for us and sending positive thoughts to folks out there with worries for their own health or the health of loved ones. No matter how COVID-19 is impacting our lives, it’s important to recognize that for all of us—that even by doing the right thing by being in our bubbles at home—it is still a difficult time—and to be caring and kind to ourselves and each other. My goal is to focus on finding balance as best I can; I am working on engaging my brain and body in healthier and expressive activities such as art and writing. But I find that I’m many-a-time slow and unmotivated—and accept that as par for the pandemic course. I cheer myself on even if it’s a doodle a day.  

Artwork Description:

My work is an abstract piece titled Oceans of Time. It is 36 x 48 inches. It is not for sale (but I can make something similar if someone is interested) as I gifted it to cheer up a friend. My work is acrylic on canvas.

Artist Statement:

 I created this piece as a way to find a positive place to escape to—like a portal to a peaceful state of mind. To help during this time, I wanted to create art that grounded me—to the Earth through the sea and sand—to sky and land. I also wanted to expand my mind—like thinking of the endlessness of space to remind me of the great big universe that I am part of. My goal is to focus on the simple wonders of life—escaping into my memories of the salty smell of the ocean, listening to waves lapping on the shore, feeling the cool wash of water against my feet, and the warm sunshine kissing my skin. Letting my mind travel in thoughtful directions about how Earth is just a pretty marble in an infinite universe—the beauty of swirling galaxies, the heat of shining stars, and the cool mysteries of dark matter. When I feel overwhelmed, I can look at the painting and lose myself in positive places near and far. 

Artist Biography:
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://www.facebook.com/mikidaremikidare.com, https://www.facebook.com/mikidare and https://www.instagram.com/miki_dare.