See Debra’s virtual soft opening video and part two
HO’OPONOPONO: A New Celebration of Life Collection by Debra Sutherland Core
::Paintings on Canvas and Paper::
::Digital Painting on Fabric::
::Home Decor and Wearables::
::Styles: Abstract, Florals and Landscapes::
::Influences: Traditional and Global::
In the Mezzanine Gallery July 25 – August 14th
Join Debra a Meet and Greet
Saturday July 25th
Noon – 2:00 PM
Love in the Time of COVID- 19
(a testimonial from the‘Tis Art Center & Gallery)
The Hawaiian healing practice of Ho’oponopono is simple and powerful. It begins with a mantra:
I AM SORRY
PLEASE FORGIVE ME
I LOVE YOU
THANK YOU
These four basic sentiments are the key to finding and focusing on one’s inner self. When repeated aloud, or even in one’s mind they provide us with the unique power to address external conflicts by shifting our thinking to a problem solving source within ourselves.
The COVID-19 virus pandemic shutdown arrived just as “Ho’oponopono: A Celebration of Life Collection” by Debra Sutherland Core was installed in the ‘Tis mezzanine gallery.
For this article, Debra shares her thoughts:
On March 15, 2020, I was beyond excited to be setting up my first one woman show at the ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery! My preparation for it began in the spring of 2019. I knew I needed months to pull together a cohesive collection. I wanted to focus on 2 dimensional paper and canvas creations but as a multimedia artist I also wanted to create a new collection of fabrics to use for scarves and wall hangings.
And to bring it all together, I needed a name. I am, after all a devout student of esoteric arts and science. These are studies that fuel my desire to create and allow for my art to emerge and unfold. So, it wasn’t long before I found myself revisiting my experiences with the Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono.
I know from firsthand experience that the repetition of the ho’oponopono sentiments can help heal personal issues. I have since applied my own set of sentiments to assist me on my personal path:
LOVE
GRATITUDE
ACCEPTANCE
JOY
With these words my new collection emerged.
As we all know March 2020 became a benchmark month for the global pandemic and led to the self-quarantine and closure of businesses. On March 17, 2020 I was told the gallery would close. My immediate reaction was close to devastation and sadness. But then my basic instincts directed me to step back and observe from my center. Without emotion, I found myself looking at the situation with a new understanding of what was going on in the world and new ideas emerged. I decided to create a virtual tour of the exhibit which we were able to post on Facebook, web sites and newsletters. I had no idea at the time how virtual conferencing would become such common practice.
The gallery has since reopened and my exhibit has been extended to August 14th. Face masks, hand sanitation and the practice of physical distancing are required by all and the 4th Friday Art Walk receptions have been suspended until further notice.
I am, however, still available to give visitors personal tours upon request.
Looking at it now, these COVID-19 times have become almost perfect timing for this “Celebration of Life “collection. We have been given the time to reflect along with the opportunity to go within ourselves and discover who we really are. We have found new ways to coexist with our families, nature, animals, and one another.
It is no coincidence or maybe it is. I have always trusted my path and lived with faith and a love of the world of the unseen to guide me in a world of love and uncertainty. I pray and hope you will find comfort in my work.
Humble servant to all that is, I give you a glimpse of my joy…
~Debra Sutherland Core July 2020
HO’OPONOPONO: A Celebration of Life Collection. Now through August 14. Please feel free to contact Debra directly at 310-621-4383 or debrasuthart@gmail.com to schedule a personal tour.
These pieces are all titled using key words to reflect on as we walk through these changing times.
Included in the collection:
“All things in Balance”, “Not What You Expected”, “Gaia Speaks”, “Keep Going”, “Celebration”, “Transformed by Love” , “Unity” , “Look Between the Lines”, “Finding Your Joy”, “Calling”, “Gratitude”, “Love”, “Joyful Alignment”, “Peace”, “Every Day is a Great Day”, “Awakening”, “Heart Space”, “Sacred Dance”,”Bowl of Light”, “Circles of Life”, “My Offerings”.
Debra was born into a family of artists, teachers and jewelers in Denver, Colorado. She won her first competition at the age of 17. After high school, she moved to California and attended Santa Monica College, where she studied drawing, painting, and design. Upon graduation, she gained experience in almost every facet of the art community, working as an art consultant, artist representative, fine art publishing and placing art in corporate collections, residential, and hospitality.
