Products ~ Paintings

Artist Statement, 2021

Jacqueline Gautier

My current interest is the de‘light’ of illumination through the use of multi-colored metallic foils and their interplay with acrylic shapes and images. The foils are multilayered, textured and glazed to create a variety of lustrous experiences. They often act as a backdrop for the magical, mystical and whimsical. My creative process is intuitive, each step and figure making itself known to me spontaneously. I have learned to abandon planning and surrender to moment-by-moment inner guidance; it leads me gently and amusingly to the next surprise. There is often a theme of transformation or revelation appearing which is evocative and leaves the observer fully in charge of their response. It is a satisfying integration of my counselling profession and the arts.

Hand painted originals by Jacqueline in acrylics.

Click on any painting for an enlarged view

**Shipping and packaging to be arranged individually with each order.

Art Gallery Shows

2022  January 4-23   Victoria, BC   The Gage Art Gallery "New Beginnings"
2006  July1-31  San Francisco, CA  The California Institute of Integral Studies,  Expressive Arts Graduating Class

The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth that Jacqueline Gautier has painted is a replica of the one laid in stone in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. It is a portable canvas that is 36 feet in diameter and was created using the same principles of sacred geometry that were used at Chartres. The walk to the center and back is one-third of a mile.

 

There are no set rules for walking the Labyrinth. You simply allow your body to find its own pace. Labyrinth etiquette says that it is just fine to move around someone who is walking more slowly or who has paused for a while. Because the path goes in two directions, a person going in may meet someone coming out on the same path. Make room for one another. If you prefer privacy, focus your eyes on the path.

In the past decade there has been a renewed interest in Labyrinths. The Labyrinth is a universal prayer and meditation tool found in many religious and cultural traditions around the world. It has been in existence for over 4,000 years. During the Gothic Era (12th century) in Europe over 500 churches and 80 cathedrals were built. About 30 of these cathedrals have labyrinths.

Most religious traditions have some form of walking meditation. Labyrinths are found in Native American culture and Eastern religions. One of the most famous is the seven-circuit or Cretan Labyrinth originating in Greece. The Labyrinth is an archetypal mandala symbol representing unity and wholeness. It is a sacred place where we can rediscover the depths of our souls. It is a practice in mindfulness.

Unlike mazes, Labyrinths have only one path leading to the center and the same path back out again. They are unicursal. They are not meant to confuse us. There is something very unique about walking the paths and turns that allows us to pray and meditate more deeply. The Labyrinth clears and calms the mind, allowing us to be more open to insight and intuition. It is a spiritual form that is open to people of all faiths and religious traditions.

Another facet of the experience is that many people can walk the Labyrinth at the same time, allowing people to meditate and pray together without the intrusion of words or ritual.

Jacqueline Gautier is a certified Labyrinth Facilitator, having trained with Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco through the Veritidas program. She has also developed beautiful handmade Labyrinth "Finger Meditations" which are not only lovely pieces of art, but portable interactive tools for reducing anxiety and centering oneself.

Jacqueline Gautier also works extensively with Mandalas, and teachers numerous creativity and expressive arts programs. For detailed information on workshops, retreats, courses, and costs, please contact her either by phone at (250) 619-0374 or e-mail through this website.