Jennifer Mack: Art From My Heart

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Jennifer Mack, "Guide to the Cosmos," 2020

acrylic on canvas, 48" x 60"

Art From My Heart- New Works in Acrylic by Jennifer Mack

Caribou - embodying perseverance with their epic annual migrations, these near-endangered members of the deer family (Rangifer tarandus) are subjects of myth and legend across continents and cultures, as well as traditionally being an indispensable resource for survival. First Nations cultures in Canada speak of the Caribou Master, sometimes portrayed as a white caribou or a man with supernatural powers, who travels between our world and the mystic caribou land. For the Sámi in Scandinavia and Russia, historical belief held that creation began with a white reindeer descending from the sky riding the northern lights - and rare white reindeer are still considered holy.

Jennifer Mack's experience was different. For her a hellish year of stress, upheaval and loss culminated in a terrifying trip to the hospital for an emergency cardiac procedure. While unconscious on the table, her heart medically stopped and shocked to return it to its normal function, she had a profound encounter she says she cannot dismiss as a vision or a dream; 'It was a life experience that I revisit like a real memory.' 

For that universe-within-a-minute, she found herself in a silent world surrounded by a caribou herd, closely enough to feel the huffs of their breath and see their four-toed hooves. Safely on the other side of her hospital visit, learning that the caribou as a totem offers guidance and protection in the crossing between worlds, and is considered a symbol of a deeply personal journey, was a profoundly moving discovery. 'That's why I call this show 'art from my heart,' she explains. Compelled to explore her spirit guides with the expressive medium she knows best, Jennifer - largely known primarily as an equine painter - has so far created nine large canvases of these mystical caribou, and is certain that her journey of discovery with them is far from over.

Artist's Reception: Saturday, October 24 from 4 - 7 pm* Please note: for everyone's safety, we kindly ask that all visitors to the reception wear a mask. In addition, we may limit the number of visitors into the gallery at any one time. If you have to wait for a few minutes, we thank you in advance for your patience!