Connect To The Source At Creative Gateways

On many levels original artwork is inspiration personified. An artist connects to an inner vision, to something larger than themselves - some unspoken vastness and then embodies this connection with the creation of a piece of art. One of the many reasons we respond so profoundly as we gaze upon the work of any artist is that we too are responding to something larger than ourselves. In September Creative Gateways in West Sedona explores this magical connection with their new exhibition "Expressing the Source." Join them and meet the artists during the opening reception on Friday, September 1, from 5-8pm during 1st Friday in the Galleries.

Pilisa Rainbow Lady's work boldly expresses the diversity of her background and experiences. Born deeply sensitive to the different layers of reality, she experienced visions as a child and "just knew things." After a successful career in technology, she founded the Ringing Rocks Foundation, dedicated to preserving ancient teachings of indigenous cultures and spent over a decade working with shamans, medicine men and healers from across the globe. She is the editor of the acclaimed book Shamans of the World: Extraordinary First Person Accounts of Healings Mysteries and Miracles.

During her time with the Ringing Rocks Foundation she able to delve deeply into many of her childhood experiences and now translates her visions into luminous creations that echo the ever-changing nature of glass itself. She has worked across multiple mediums including fiber art, painting, and ceramics but found her passion when she began working in in fused glass. In her radiant "Intention" series she skillfully weaves the knowledge she honed into her work with fused glass. Each piece in this series holds hold an intention, such as love or abundance, that is magnified by the glass and gracefully reflected in its design. In addition to the pieces available in the gallery, she also does commissions that are uniquely created for the individual.

Ceramicist Sumati Colpitts channels joy into each piece that she creates. A licensed massage therapist, she is extremely tactile and through touch her hands "talk" both taking in information and communicating back to the world through her extraordinary life like sculptures of animals. Her work is a visual display of her love for the creatures of the world and she powerfully captures their essence. As she sculpts she deftly captures her subjects personalities actively working to create pieces that dynamically engage with the viewer bringing them joy. Essentially she follows the "wisdom of her hands" as she works allowing it to guide her as she brings her pieces to life. Her beavers, elephants, bunnies and more are full of motion all seeming to cavort within the gallery space. She will be debuting a stunning new rhinoceros head wall piece during this show, part of a series that also includes elephants and hippos, animals that are in danger of disappearing from our planet.

Join Creative Gateways at the opening reception for "Expressing the Source" on Friday, September 1, from 5-8pm. Enjoy beverages and special treats as you browse new and current works in the gallery and mingle with artists.

Creative Gateways is an artist's collective and public gallery space in Sedona, Arizona. It's working studios are open to all and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time to meet the artists and engage in the creative process. The gallery space showcases the innovative and lively work that results from this very special environment for visitors to discover, explore and take home with them. Creative Gateways is located at 45 Birch Blvd. in Sedona. For more information about Creative Gateways please visit www.creativegateways.com or call 928-862-4440.

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