Betsy McCall

Artist Statement

Practice. Studio practice. Contemplative practice. The dedication and rigorous rhythms demanded by both disciplines inspire my work, which explores repetition, breath, pattern, and liquid movement as a space of transformation.

My time dedicated to the Art Monastery social sculpture has affirmed the daily link between meditation and studio art-making practices. Practice is a commitment, repetitive and prolonged, a disciplined and sustained effort that yields perspectives that are undiscoverable any other way. Regardless of the stated goal, practice in itself reshapes the practitioner over time, whether gradually or through bursts of inspiration and insight. By engaging the repetitive rhythms of practice, my work also aims to reshape my life as an artist.

The Materials

The majority of my paintings use Yupo paper. Yupo is a Japanese “treeless” paper that is basically waterproof. Because it is waterproof, the ink puddles and floats on the surface, as opposed to sinking into the fibers the way it would on normal paper. The ink continues to move until it dries, creating movement and maintaining brilliance.

The Process

I begin my studio sessions by lighting a candle and offering incense, invoking the muse, the divine mother, and Buddhist deities. I then sit in meditation with paintbrush in hand. I sit quietly until an impulse moves through me. Sometimes the impulse comes after a minute, sometimes after half an hour or longer. I work intuitively, in connection with my breath. Each line, drawn with tiny paintbrushes or fine-point pens, is made in intimate relationship with the breath. The titles of many of my works come from that sacred poetry of Buddhist sutras.