Young artist

Arts & Activities, April, 2008 by Valerie Moon

My central theme in my body of work focuses around the spiritual realm, mostly the idea of women striving to achieve a spiritual balance and center, amidst the pressures of the modern world and society, by being in the most natural and meditative state possible in junction with nature.

To stimulate my artwork, I redefined spirituality for myself in my everyday life. I gained inspiration by delving further into traditional Buddhist ideas and symbolism, which my work has been affected by immensely. I am inspired by abstract ideas in Buddhism, such as enlightenment, which reappears constantly in both my artwork and in my personal life.

A lot of my work is also indirectly self-portraits, in they all portray the mindset that I strive for every day. I try to reach out to my audience, inviting them to consider the spiritual state depicted in my paintings.

[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Valerie Moon, grade 12

Mira Loma High School

Sacramento, California

Allison Stiles, Art Teacher