Laura Seligman

Painting

This series of atmospheric paintings expresses abstract impressions of the natural world. Memories and images of the vast sky, sandy beaches and rocky coastlines are rooted in my childhood and travels. I am intuitively drawn to the shapes, colors, and textures of the landscape that simultaneously conceal and reveal narratives within.

The interface between contemplative and creative practices has been a source of inquiry for many years. My intention is to approach creativity in the same way I meditate: grounding the body, quieting the mind and opening the heart. As a sense of spaciousness opens up, perception also shifts in ways that spark my imagination. I am learning to open to more curiosity and ease in both my meditation practice and the studio.

When I enter my studio these days, I read my Art Manifesto. This new manifesto was inspired by a group of women friends who support one another in the dharma and art community. Here are some selections:

• I assess my own work with kindness and loving awareness, inviting responses from the heart, body, and mind.

• I follow the desire of what I love, especially when I have no clue where to start or where to go next.

• I listen to the smallest voices.

• I rest in beauty.

Laura has studied and practiced meditation in various Buddhist traditions since the 1970’s. She was a student of the Diamond Approach for many years. Her meditation practice has continued to evolve, and currently blends Vipassana, Insight, and Soulmaking Dharma. This new practice re-evaluates emptiness, imagination, sacredness, and desire. Laura participated in the Dharma and Art program at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and is in the teacher certification program for Mindfulness and Meditation with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, exploring embodied practices with her mentor, Jill Satterfield.

Since 2008, Laura has been a docent leading adults and children on tours at art museums. She created the Mindfulness in the Museum program at the University of Michigan Museum of Art in Ann Arbor. This program blends meditation and creative practices to help museum visitors have a direct, fresh experience with one work of art.

More on Laura Seligman’s work can be found on our Links page.