I began this process in an attempt to break an artist’s block. I decided to use oil pastels to start making marks and ended up drawing circles. The process is soothing and grounding and I often return to it when I want to appreciate the creative process.
There is a deeper meaning for me in the symbol of the circle as described by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung. He saw the circle as representing the Self. The Self as a circle is a symbol of totality, unity, wholeness. Jung believed that we are born inwardly whole, but as we grow up we acquire personas. Personas (or masks) are roles we play given certain circumstances which we hope will prove to be acceptable to others. It is the purpose of one’s life to realize one’s own potential and to follow one’s own perception of the truth despite societal expectations and boundaries. Individuation involves differentiating between ones true personality and deeper potentials versus following egocentric tendencies and narcissistic gratification.
The circles are made with oil pastels on 8″by10″ stock paper. These are examples of sold circles. I make them when requested.
