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The Gift of Being Seen











John O'Donohue the Irish poet and philosopher, once wrote, “One of the deepest longings of the human soul is to be seen.”     

 It is truly a gift.  Last Sunday, Gallery Stratford curator Aidan Ware, introduced my exhibition, Gathering Light with these words:  "The work is not only beautiful aesthetically, it expresses a longing we all feel-perhaps particularly at this time of year-as we search for light and meaning and hope.  Mark Rothko once said, 'A painting is not about an experience. It is an experience.' And I cannot think of a better statement to describe Janice's work. You have to experience it. Meditate with it. Be quiet with it. Let it transcend its form and become a spiritual experience. I believe that art can act as a kind of spiritual salve. It can heal as much as it can provoke us towards and past boundaries. It can offer us space for contemplation, elevation, communion. For gathering light."

 My exhibition, Gathering Light continues at Gallery Stratford in Stratford, Ontario until April 5th.




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  1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:16 AM

    wonderful Janice, love the O'Donoghue and Rothko quotes, and what a fabulous introduction to your show, well deserved, its beautiful work

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    1. Janice Mason SteevesJanuary 30, 2015 at 5:47 PM

      Hi Liz, Thanks for your kind words. I hope we can meet up in Ireland one of these fine days! I look forward to it.

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