Dreamy Visions, Dreamlike States, Dream Interpretations
The dreams one has at night are often re-expressed in the art one creates from the imagination, because the imagination is no stranger to the dream. Conversely, many artists fall into a dreamlike state when they are in the flow of creation, and the art that comes out of them is as intuitive as any dream the subconscious works up.
Pat Stevens understands how dreams are a combination of emotions, symbols and seemingly mysterious messages: “By using nontraditional materials and new techniques, mixed-media work often breaks the binds of traditional art and enters a less-defined area similar to the dream state.”
Whether we are trying to create a dreamy experience for the viewer of our art, or we are pulling personal symbology, iconography and metaphors from what we recall of our dreams to use in our art, art often begins as a dream.
THE SERVANTS OF ORD, DETAIL
Karen S. Furst | 12" × 12" (30cm × 30cm) | painted epoxy clay, aluminum foil, Styrofoam, muslin and wool fabric, stained coffee filters | photography by Luigi Ciuffetelli | see artist’s note later in this chapter