Artist Statement
Jacqulynn Mulyk
September 2011
I saw an expression which really resonated with me, ‘art farmer’ and have taken it to start describing what my practice as an artist encompasses. Infusing my life with experiences which help me to better understand the natural rhythms of plants, seasons and soil, along with learning sustainable living practices such as natural building, canning, growing food and seed collection has contributed to a change in outlook and a change in my practice as an artist.
It is all of these experiences, skills and values which influence my work as an artist. I feel a vibrant, humming, illuminating connection to the universe which expresses itself in bright colours, bold strokes, strong lines, loose patterns and textured surfaces. I like to be surprised when I work. In my process I leave room for unpredictable results to represent the complexity of nature. I ask questions about materials and their impact on the earth and I try to eliminate the harmful ones while I trapeze my way towards a balance of sustainable living and meaningful artistic expression.
Weaving technical and community building skills I am learning how to live as a villager – to share, cooperate, feel empathy, teach, be a leader, be a follower and to embrace the vision of a new and different community landscape.