Let's Send Kimberly Howland,
Cloverdale First Street Gallery Artist, to
The Florence Biennale, December 5-13, 2009
Kimberly Howland received an invitation from the Florence Biennale to show a painting at this prestigious exhibit. At the Biennale Kim will be representing Cloverdale, Sonoma County and the United States.
2009 Florence Biennale
The Florence Biennale, established in 1997, is not just another art exhibit. Artists from 73 countries will exhibit and take part in an encounter between different cultures, styles and languages. In 2001 the United Nations recognized the Biennale as a partner in their program, "Dialogue Among Civilizations", as art plays a role in helping people to find a common language with which to communicate their cultural values. The Florence Biennale is a stage for opening new doors for learning, understanding and peace among people through art.
The Florence Biennale is solely funded by sponsors who support the artists representing their nation. The Cloverdale Arts Alliance, recognizing the honor Kimberly has received, has made a commitment to assist Kimberly Howland in raising funds to make her participation in the Biennale a reality.
"Madonna"
Artist Statement
Most of my work has been inspired by the ancient sculpture and paintings of Asia and Europe. I look for images that move me on a deep subconscious level and are archetypal symbols that represent the myths and dreams of humanity over time. I work to represent silence and stillness in the mind of humanity.
Most of my work has been inspired by the ancient sculpture and paintings of Asia and Europe. I look for images that move me on a deep subconscious level and are archetypal symbols that represent the myths and dreams of humanity over time. I work to represent silence and stillness in the mind of humanity. I believe this event that we call life is an extraordinary opportunity to discover the miraculous powers and creativity that lay undiscovered, an endless mysterious journey that requires tremendous courage, strength, humility, honestly and faith. Kimberly Howland
Watch for announcements of future fundraisers. Donations are also accepted at the Cloverdale Center for the Arts, 105 E. First Street, Cloverdale, CA 95425. Pictures from the Asti Winery event.
"Peace My Beloved"
Kim's painting for the Florence Biennale
While showing my work in Paris in 2007, I photographed many statues of angels and, when I returned home, began to paint a series of my favorite ones. When I was asked to participate in the Florence Biennale, I immediately knew that I wanted to paint the image of an angel holding the world. I felt this image would be an appropriate theme for this international art exhibition that is affiliated with the United Nations. Knowing that people from all over the world would be viewing the painting, I felt a winged being, which shows up in many different cultures (even as far back as 860 B.C. in Assyrian art) would be a universal image that people from different cultural backgrounds could relate to.
With all of the increasing strife and pressure today, I think the idea of the world being carried by an angel is a restful and calming image. I believe that most people wish for peace, even though they may not know how it is to come about. With the news media covering so much of the suffering and injustice and insanity in the world, many are ready for a new world to emerge.
May we all take the time to wish with all of our hearts and minds, for peace and healing for every man, woman and child on this planet. Perhaps that is the way peace will come about.
Kimberly Howland