Loretta Mack, December's Artist Intertwines Surreal Worlds

"I think the quote by Wassily Kandinsky …

"The true work of art is born from the 'artist':
a mysterious, enigmatic, and mystical creation.
It detaches itself from her, it acquires an autonomous life,
becomes a personality, an independent subject,
animated with a spiritual breath, the living subject of a real existence of being”

...reflects my inner emotional landscape when I am creating my abstract and fantasy pictures.
My belief system is based on the Chinese philosophy of Chi; the vital energy force of Yin and Yang (male/female, positive/negative,) which flows through everything in creation. When we are in harmony with the natural energies around us, we become aware of and feel the oneness of everything.

I use the colors of the Chakras, as well as, form and movement to express this life energy and duality.

"Chi" - oils - by Loretta Mack

Red: Is related to security and survival.
Orange: Home of creativity and sexuality.
Yellow: Is the seat of our emotions.
Green: Represents the heart.
Blue: Communication.
Indigo: Connected to the higher self and psychic abilities
Purple: Home to higher spiritual realms.

These pure colors sizzle with energy and movement and they lift my spirit and revitalize me with new enthusiasm.

Inspiration for my fantasy pictures happens when a shape, color or image catches my attention and …just like in a Rorschach inkblot test, I “see” a story waiting to be painted. To quote another of my favorite people; the Queen in “Through the Looking Glass;” "Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." "

--Loretta Mack

Loretta Mack, surrealist, delves into the energy's field pulling out a scenario that she puts onto canvas. The energy envelopes her, her mind begins to envision a scene, and as just as mystical as Chinese philosophy is, a creation is formed. The connection continues as one views her work. You can see and feel the energy enveloping you. You don't get 'sucked' into the painting, the energy just surrounds you and you for that moment it is as if you meld with the energy seeing why Loretta created what she had.

During this surreal time in our lives, a surreality, global warming and the economic issues affecting us; having a grave effect on some, you feel as if you need to get lost in another surreal place to counter it, to balance hoping to find an answer to our woes. Loretta has that ability to balance us in the twixt and tween of things. Some might move with the energy while others question the work, but it does give one a harmonious balance so the surreal world we are living in is perhaps more comfortable and seems clearer so we can find the path to leave it bringing more sensibility and direction to find whatever wealth it is we need.

"Gargoyle" -oils - by Loretta Mack

Energy is almost misty, wavy, invisible but can be felt and yet Loretta seems to have been able to capture it defining it. The vibrancy of each color, the defined "outline" that encompasses it - capturing it in a cage so to speak. It shows we can harness it, we can control it, we just need to know how to. That is what Loretta is teaching with each work. By harnessing this "surreal" form we can do anything.

"Gypsy" - oils -by Loretta Mack

Loretta's pastel paintings take the mystical energy, the mystical legends and puts them into human form from Pan to Atlas and Adam & Eve. Stunning portrayals of beliefs from different philosophy traditions - mythical, biblical, transcendental, spiritual and scientific.

"Ladies in Prayer" - oils - Loretta Mack

Loretta will be exhibiting her work at SoBoBo from December 1st to December 31st. SoBoBo Gallery is located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. SoBoBo Gallery hours are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Noon until 6:00 pm. A must see!

Holiday Festival at Walnut Beach will be taking place on Saturday December 10th beginning at 2:00 pm. Carolers will be strolling up and down the Avenue, Glitter Henna Tattoos by Painted You, Taste and See, a gourmet cupcake shop will be on hand to take holiday orders and a tasting of their sumptuous confections, Walnut Beach Creamery will also be giving out samples of Holiday Flavors, Alfa's Jolly Jug will be hosting a liqueur tasting with holiday flavors, a tarot card reader will be Wild Expressions, ornament making will be at Firehouse Gallery - hang it on the tree for the Christmas Tree Lighting that will be taking place at 6:00 pm. A lot of fun and good times!

So, join us Saturday, December 10th as we celebrate Loretta with an Opening Reception starting at 6:00 pm. This event ends an exciting day of activities starting at 2:00 pm.... Then meander down the Avenue to SoBoBo and meet Loretta. See you then!