Soul Beauty
Welcome to a new feature on my blog! Shining a spotlight on some of the radiant and fascinating souls who are Patrons of mine on Patreon.
“Spiritual beauty ennobles us and helps us be more who we truly are.”
Karen O’Brien
Austin-based couple, Pat and Karen O’Brien are stalwart art advocates, believing spiritual beauty has the power to open hearts and enhance all levels of society. Last October the two spearheaded a groundbreaking artistic integration into the historic Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab celebration at the Bob Bolluck Texas State History Museum. They are both wonderfully good-natured, creative and encouraging of the contributions of others. I spoke with them in April in the midst of the U.S. Covid-19 lockdown.
“See, we told you the arts were important!” Karen said, expressing her sentiment in regards to the increased need and awakened appreciation for art during the pandemic.
Pat, a self proclaimed “naturalist on demand” and retired American History teacher says right now due to the needs of the time, we are at the “forefront of digital connection.” Though there is still much to learn about creating and collaborating online, it provides certain conveniences and offers potential for many new possibilities.
The O’Briens found a silver lining in the lockdown and social distancing orders. “Life has slowed down” Karen said. Like many, they were “unbelievably crazy busy” beforehand and now find more time for prayer, meditation, gardening and being of service to others. The experience has also helped shift their priorities. “Paperwork can wait!” Karen realized.
One priority that has remained constant for them is art. Karen has a background in dance, music and jewelry making, and is currently mastering colored pencil drawing. She says her purpose in creating is to access and share “timeless beauty and deeper truth.” She has been consciously searching for beauty in the outer world, as well, seeking to “utilize beauty as a resource; as spiritual nourishment.”
Pat believes creators are “chroniclers” of this unique time in history. As artists channel the experience of their innermost feelings, he hopes they will continue to “pursue beauty” as a way to bring joy and healing to the world. “Especially people who are angry and lashing out,” he says. “Art itself opens people’s hearts.”
When I asked them what inspired them to become Patrons of mine on Patreon, Pat said, “That’s easy: what you are doing!” Pat knows from his years as a teacher and lecturer that everyone carries gifts inside of them, and his experience attending my show Awaken to Your Life As A Spiritual Journey was that I helped people “unpack” those gifts, helping them access their own inner wisdom. He also appreciated the directness with which I share the Baha’i teachings through my work. “I’m glad to see someone in the Baha’i community put themselves out there,” he said.
“Your artwork struck a chord in us,” Karen said, who is particularly a fan of my Horizon Series of paintings. Adding in classic O’Brien fashion: I feel people need to see your work, and benefit from your programs. We need to support the artist.
Thank you dearly, Pat and Karen O’Brien!
Visit my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jacquelineclaireart