She

She

A Collaborative Artwork by Sara Hiris 2015 & Sara Donatelli (my younger self & former name) 2003. I painted the face in 2003, at the beginning of my professional journey, and the background in 2015. I completed the piece in 2015 for a show which explored the multiple identities of art educators. Each ray represents the characteristics and ways of being that give She her identity and power.

She

2003/2015

Sara Webb Hiris

During this process, I was pulled towards focusing on the principles and practices that guide my professional (and personal) identities. It was impossible for me to think of my identities without thinking of what infuses them. It is these principles and practices that I most resonate and identify with—they are what I strive towards.

She was painted at the beginning of my professional career—a spontaneous imagining. I rediscovered her while brainstorming for this project. She seemed like many and one (identities) simultaneously. The following principles and practices are represented in She—they give her power.

Mother Nature

Awareness

Observation

Listening

Reflection

Connection

Love

Compassion

Empathy

Integration

Movement

Wholeness

Fear

Spontaneity

Trust

Respect

Mindfulness

Flexibility

Imagination

Uncertainty

Intuition

Perspective

Space

Wonder

Curiosity

Play

Quiet

Presence

Experimentation

Practice

Courage

Growth

Purpose

Balance

Openness

Patience

Persistence

Resilience

Clarity