Artist's Statement - Paula LeBleu
Be Open to the Journey
A bowl, like a spoon and a heart, is a vessel that is filled, emptied, and refilled over and over again providing nourishment.
On December 20, 2013, a heart attack brought about the realization to me that I had been giving out of myself but not refilling. I felt like a dried out empty bowl on the verge of crumbling to dust.
The need to refill my inner bowl led me to Texas Tech to attain my Masters in Art Education. It is my desire to spend the rest of my life being true to myself and my passions for creating and teaching art.
Working with clay honors my artistic need to turn inward and work with my instinctive emotions to create. Producing the pieces in this show has been an exercise of caring for myself. They are visual representations that honor my experiences and decisions I have made on this journey of the refilling of my Self.
Be Open to the Journey
A bowl, like a spoon and a heart, is a vessel that is filled, emptied, and refilled over and over again providing nourishment.
On December 20, 2013, a heart attack brought about the realization to me that I had been giving out of myself but not refilling. I felt like a dried out empty bowl on the verge of crumbling to dust.
The need to refill my inner bowl led me to Texas Tech to attain my Masters in Art Education. It is my desire to spend the rest of my life being true to myself and my passions for creating and teaching art.
Working with clay honors my artistic need to turn inward and work with my instinctive emotions to create. Producing the pieces in this show has been an exercise of caring for myself. They are visual representations that honor my experiences and decisions I have made on this journey of the refilling of my Self.
Replies
ReplyDeleteDavid HarmonDecember 11, 2016 at 6:20 PM
I love the analogy of the bowl,spoon and heart.I met a fellow educator who had an extensive bypass a few years ago.It had cost $500,000 and threatened to bankrupt him.He has such a positive attitude and so do you.You have also rolled this into an expressive solution,i.e.,art.I have oftened thought how people go through such trauma without sharing their trauma and success in rising above it via art!We as artists have an advantage in this regard. Bravo!
BleuSkyDecember 12, 2016 at 10:34 PM
Thank you, David!
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Debbie CailletDecember 13, 2016 at 11:13 PM
I agree with David, what a beautiful analogy. I personally loved reading your story and journey. Bowls transcend throughout history and have different meaning in every culture. I, many times, understand being an empty bowl so your words hit home with me. You are an inspiration!
Candie PrintzDecember 14, 2016 at 3:36 AM
This is a beautiful thought. I am happy that you are creating and that you are in the program with us. When I met you, you were a whirlwind of passion and energy. I think you are doing a good job of "refilling" yourself.
BleuSkyDecember 14, 2016 at 12:49 PM
Debbie and Candie- Thank you so much for your kind words. Onward we go!
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Jennifer WeigandDecember 15, 2016 at 1:43 PM
Paula - This must be one of my favorite lines: A bowl, like a spoon and a heart, is a vessel that is filled, emptied, and refilled over and over again providing nourishment.
Such poetic words!
April Terry-GriffithDecember 16, 2016 at 6:54 AM
Nice words, I like your connection with the bowl. It almost acts as our soul, it needs filling yet it also needs to have release. It is a constant struggle of balance and working with clay you seem to find that.
ZackDecember 17, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Paula, I've already talked to you about your defense script in person, so you know how I feel. I've been using your bowl on a daily basis! Thanks for giving me a vessel to fill with delicious things. I'm gonna miss you a ton. But we will get together soon. You're the greatest.