Any visual medium is acceptable (photographs, paintings, prints, drawings, 3D etc.) Send an image or two along with title, medium, your name and Diamond group to: alexis@alexisstjohn.com. This is not a juried show; all entries submitted will be posted in next month’s newsletter.
Artist Interview: Bindi
by Alexis St. John
I met with Bindi over Zoom in her Maui studio. The lush greenery through the window blended harmoniously with the tropical seascapes and richly-colored assemblage pieces hanging on the walls. She began by telling me about her history with the Diamond Approach.
Bindi: I have been in The Work in one way or another since ‘94. I started on Maui, continued in Boulder, then more in California, and Oregon, then back and forth a few times to Maui; which is where I am living again. I’m grateful to be here during this shutdown time. Seems to be my heart home, with a sense of community, and certainly this body loves the warmth and visual delights of sun and sand, water and sky.
Mountains of My Soul, acrylic collage, 12” x 16”
Altar Series, assemblage, various sizes
She talked about the inspiration she finds in the local environment...
Bindi: Inspiration comes through my eyes and heart in color and form. I go snorkeling in the morning in the little bay down the road from me. The journey takes me past trees and flowers, old sugar plantations, and through a little beach town.
Q: How is your work influenced by the Diamond Approach?
Bindi: This Diamond Approach has touched me in so many obvious and quiet ways. I’ve been in a few groups over the years (DH6, DHR#4, Maui large and small group for a time) and have had different private teachers in this order, and want to thank and honor each:Dina Crago, Laurie Wattel, Byron Brown, Roselind Diamond, and now Bill Welch.
The thread of Inquiry and Presence so central to what we are up to supports the journey of Creativity so well!
Twin Soul Mountains, acrylic collage, 18” x 24”
Mountain Waves, acrylic collage, 18” x 22”
Q: Tell us a little about your medium, style of work, process.
How I approach my own expression whether it’s with paint, torn paper, or mixed media, is with curiosity and play, allowing things to unfold, welcoming the unknown.
Seeing what “wants to happen” since there is never an idea of finished product before starting, is the process and evolution of the painting.
The physical process is painting on watercolor paper first. Sometimes simple solid colors, sometimes waves or sky, mountain or rock. Then tearing organically and cutting in strips, and then to glue with acid free glues onto wooden panels, most often in horizontal strips.
At the end it gets varnished to protect the surface from sun and dust; so no need for it to be framed under glass.
Thanks for the opportunity to share here.
Its touches me.
Wave Song, acrylic collage
Tides Coming In, acrylic collage
Toward the end of our talk, Bindi revealed a project that she’s just starting to organize; teaching online workshops entitled “Art from the Soul.” Attendees will get the opportunity to learn Bindi’s techniques and apply them to creating pieces that express messages from their soul. If you’re interested, send her an email to get added to the waiting list.
Q: Where can people see more of your work?
Bindi: My art is in a couple of galleries here on Island; Maui Hands, in Paia and Makawao.
