Oriana Sage

 I strive to bring to life the inner workings of my soul, to visually articulate the struggle and triumph that rest beneath an assumed surface. My paintings examine the close relationship of physical position and the spirit

This series has developed from an interest in the interaction between humanity and nature and society's increasing distance from the natural world. I am fascinated by how our fabricated structures relate to, alter, and engage with nature. My oil paintings combine built dwellings with hexagonal wasp nest cells and seek to showcase structural similarities between the two. At first my interest in the nests stemmed from the precise intricacy and fragility of their design. This led me to consider the architectural landscape that humans inhabit, and the similar brittleness of our structures. There is an ongoing process of construction and decay within our world which cannot be overcome by human efforts. 

     Hexagons show up repeatedly throughout my paintings as points of intersection between mankind and nature. They represent powerful and efficient structure and show the order and mathematics that belie the apparent chaos of the natural world. I employ architecture that incorporates elements of skeletal construction; simultaneously showing fortification and exposure. The protection and comfort of these dwellings are progressively dwindling. The paintings have aspects of familiarity, yet create a new reality of buildings tangled with a bizarre landscape. 

     These building-hive hybrids expose the psychological insecurity of our daily lives by showing how our structures become unstable when in contact with the natural world. The paintings serve as a metaphor for our elusive human desire for safety and control.   

 Rooted in Love, Together

Description of finished art piece: Large round painted canvas with tree in the middle and elements of tree and root coming off of the top and bottom edges (see attached photo of design). All elements are made on or with canvas.

Invitation for each session- "This is a simple invitation to create; you may adapt to what you are uniquely comfortable with"

Honor every person, honor every mark.

1 1/2 hours for each session, with extra time at the end if needed or desired.

Tuesday afternoons, from 2 to 3:30pm- November 7th, 14th, and 21st.
Session 1- Theme of the day: WaterHonor each one's mark- "You bless this canvas with your unique touch, whether it is one mark, or many."Brief discussion about what to expect within this project, where we will end up, and an explanation of the finished piece. Flow with the water and paint (focus on the feel of water, and flow of brush on canvas).Process:Large round canvas laid on a communal table, gather round table, begin by breathing together/slow down, close eyes, feel music (peaceful), be led in slow movement of brushes on canvas.Colors selection: cool tones- blues/purples/greens- see what each person is drawn to.Rotate canvas half-way through, allowing for collaboration between participants. Paint: Acrylic with lots of water.Session 2- Theme of the day: Wood & RootColor selection: Warm/earthy- browns, purple, yellow, orange, red (mix earth tones for color selection)Process: Large pieces of unstretched canvas laid on tables in front of residents. Invitation to touch and hold actual wood pieces that I bring. How does the wood feel? Invited participants to pick up a brush and dip it in thick, warm-toned acrylic paint (pre-mix the color selection). Canvas pieces (large natural canvas pieces on table), use thick paint and expressive marks- guide through movement associated with music and breath. Bring pieces of wood and bark to feel, invite participants to close their eyes as they feel. Does wood mean anything to you?Paint: Acrylic, thickly applied.Session 3- Theme of the day: Beautiful Together

Puzzle pieces come together in unity to form the tree and its roots.

Painted canvas pieces can have dimension (crinkle and twist, like bark) on the canvas background.

This ending session will be like putting puzzle pieces together. Each person will be able to handle the painted, pre-cut pieces and will be invited to place them within the tree form that I have designed.

Discussion points for each session:

How is creating art a spiritual practice for me?

How have I been met and nourished while creating art?

Art as a wordless practice of joy and praise.

Does creating awaken you in fresh ways?

How does creating art within a community feel?

Finished Art Piece:

Size- around 40" round, though can be created smaller if that is better for the space.

Piece is meant to hang on the wall (chapel or hallway).

Attached is a photo of the design for the finished piece. The round canvas background will consist of cool color tones, painted by residents in a lighter, watercolor-like effect using acrylic paint. The tree form will consist of painted canvas pieces, with thicker paint application in warm color hues.

I plan to facilitate each part of the creating process with residents, as well as bringing the piece to completion on my own after session three is finished.