Spirit Of Wood

“The Spirit of Wood” art exhibit and multi-arts festival will be presented at Life Force Arts Center Gallery, 3148 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL 60657 from April 22 – 30, 2010. The show features artwork in wood and other media honoring the spiritual aspects of wood and includes the work of more than 10 artists capturing the essence of trees, forests, nature spirits, the relation of wood to human life, and the spiritual meaning of wood in various cultures. The show runs from Earth Day (April 22) to Arbor Day (April 30).

The Opening Reception is Thursday, April 22 from 6 – 10 PM. Singer and sound healer Louise Cloutier will present songs about spirits that live in the woods. This will include songs channeled from the artwork itself.

Artist Sharon Bechtold, who works with pyrography (burning images into wood) says, “Pyrography is a metaphor for life. The burning of the wood — destruction or death — gives birth to a new life — in an image. Each piece of wood is unique: its own history told within each line of grain and ring marking the passage of time. The burning instruments range from the open flame of a blow torch to various heated metal surfaces, soldering irons, and burning blades. The pyrographic process itself is a highly sensual experience. The smell of burning wood relaxes the mind and body. Fast burns contrast with slow burns trailing wisps of smoke. Texture created by the burning adds a tactile aspect to the artwork. A delicate dance between the artist, materials, tools, and process ends in the final orchestration of image.”

Admission to the exhibit is free and gallery hours are by appointment. All art is for sale. For more information, contact 773-327-7224 or joan@LifeForceArts.org or visit www.LifeForceArts.org.

Life Force Arts Center is Chicago’s space for spiritually-based visual, literary, and performing art. The Center presents dance, theater, music, performance art, authors, and visual artists who work in many spiritual traditions, including shamanic, goddess, earth-centered, visionary, angelic, yogic, and other spiritually uplifting paths.

Life Force Arts Center defines spiritual art as:

art that flows from spiritual practice.
art that strives to connect the audience with Spirit.
art that creates spiritual healing. transformation or awakening.