i recently discovered a statement made by georgia o'keefe. she speaks about how she physically burned all work prior to that we can now identify as her art. i began thinking about how i can metaphorically do the same thing. create a burned, charred ground perfect for becoming more of who i am but in a different direction. the one year haitus from shows i'm taking to spend with my art has proven to be quite challenging. creating for the sole purpose of well,...creating. no destination in site just journey. stirring my purpose, my spirit, my creative juices, planting seeds for what's to come. it is not the lack of ideas but the abundance of too many. forcing myself to edit myself visually. i suppose one way to do that is like georgia o'keefe and throw it all out and start fresh. i think there is more of a bridge from where i was... to where i'm going and instead of burning it completely down, unable to go back, i may just keep the creativity bridge in tact.
“My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that, and I intend
to end up there.” - Rumi
so i've decided to take some time off to spend more time with my art..... as of july 1,2012 i am claiming a year to delve deeply into to who i am, what i want to say and how to say it visually as an artist. it's easy to get lost in creating a livelihood and paying bills. i had to remind myself that the art i make is for ME first and foremost. the goal is to create those things i wish to. however, i'm always happy and appreciative of those who enjoy it! i will still be selling all the current work listed on the website and there may be a few new pieces added here and there. i will still continue to paint live for my community of poets & musicians! i do look forward to what the next year of creativity brings! all the days of discoveries and days of angst. they will be part of the process. part of this journey. "i am a quiet spirit with a loud presence"~kottavei 2012
"even when surrounded by others, some paths and journeys are meant to be traveled alone. you can't force companionship in these moments"
~kottavei 2012
“Art is a process, not a product.”
MaryAnn F Kohl
i have 3 siblings. i woke up this morning thinking that we all have a connection with the body...ours or someone elses... my older sister is a registered dietician and keeps bodies nurished. my brother is an atheletic director and keep bodies fit. my younger sister is a physical therapist and helps bodies mend. i cast bodies and embrace that individual's personality. i observe amazing things behind closed eyelids.... others call it sleep..:)

one of my many quilts. this piece is called 'celestial'