Mixed Media Art by Sarah Maker

Creative Maker's Statement:

"I believe that everyone has the power to create. Having said this, I also honor those who, for whatever reason, choose not to create. I used to be one of these folks.

Long story short, in 2010, when I was being trained as a spiritual director (one who accompanies seekers in their prayer life), I accepted what seemed then as a huge challenge: "to respond to a meditation through creativity." As one who had often excused myself from such invitations, I hesitantly accepted the challenge to create. My medium at that point was colored pencils and white paper.

A miracle happened. I fell in love with the process (not product) of creativity. For the first time, at age 46, I really saw beauty in myself. Let me explain. If I could create colors by placing them on a page, somehow putting them from my interior through my body onto a piece of paper in a pleasing manner, then there must be beauty within me.

So this experience was a game changer. I have never stopped creating or learning from the creative process. The experience connects me deeply with my sense of spirituality. In Genesis, we are told that God is in an inky darkness in the beginning. What does God do? Create. The whole world. In doing so, God affirms the power of relationship. God, Higher Power, Universal Love, whatever words you may use, desires to be in relationship. And Genesis also states that I am created in the image of the One who creates. So, it is my belief and experience, that through creating, I evolve into the best version of me.

Therefore, this show is not only about sharing my voice through these works in various mediums, but also an invitation to any reluctant creator out there. This show is also for you. If through your engagement with these pieces in various mediums, you you are led to try something new—creating something yourself—I would be so very happy. If creativity can impact me in such a huge way, it likely can for someone else as well."

About the actual pieces:

"Each piece, as is tradition, has a card by its side that describes the materials that went into its making, as well as the date it was created. What is less traditional is that each piece also has a card that 'speaks' in the piece's voice, stating what lesson, insight or experience it may have to share with me, the creator. Then, in response, I share my thoughts back; in this way, I actually relate to my piece. Why do this? To show how much the act of creativity is able to mold, transform and shape not only me, but you. Indeed, while not everyone chooses to create, Creativity Is For Everyone!

Enjoy!