For me, a two-dimensional plane, whether it be on canvas or found wood, is a gateway to infinite possibilities. As I walk my path in this life, disillusions can and do present themselves, impelling me to continually edit and alter my beliefs and ideals. In being mindful of my ego and painting each day, a perceptivity surfaces as my thinking mind fades away. It is then that I become absorbed in an alternate universe-a mystical reality where all things are possible and infinite. I am reminded that I am the student, learning better the mystery of light through every brush stroke; and allowing myself to become a channel for the mysterious to take form through me. I am humbled as each painting presents itself organically. Being self-taught, I am advantaged to not know that something is impossible-which allows me to playfully experiment and render art that is boundless.

Alexandra Rocchio was born in 1986 and began painting in 2009, due to what some might call an “awakening.” Shortly after, she set off to travel the world- adventuring throughout Costa Rica, Panama, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Peru. While in Peru, she stayed with a shaman in the Amazon Jungle and worked with medicinal-plant teachers. She is currently traveling throughout North America and wishes to express gratitude for the many supporters and teachers that continue to inspire, bless and pave the way to an endless wellspring of possibilities.

Carina’s interest in what she called “metaphysical art” as a child began when she received her first canvas and paint set in 1986. She has always felt that through painting she has been able to access portals into other times and dimensions. Currently she is working on a body of large scale paintings called “Labyrinth of Infinite Doorways” which focuses on a period about 4 billion years from now when the Milky Way will merge with neighboring Andromeda. Her concepts are based in the premise that life and intention is stronger than fear, that life is a structural component of physics, and that eventually life will penetrate both star systems to form a galactic biosphere.

Visit her website for more.

http://www.dreamcatcher.net/nature

In her own words: My work is a reflection of how we experience life with an attitude of thanks, grace, and play. When we do this, reality is a lot more like a dream. Everything takes on an air of fluidity, and there is more space in our minds to experience moments like water in a river, continuing onward without resistance to what is. This does not mean that we give up the power of choice, or that we “give in” to whatever comes our way—to emulate the river is to understand that the nature of the river is to keep on. Water does not hold onto the riverbank, it simply flows.

Life itself is my art; So I create art throughout my life. I find myself exploring personal growth, balance and reflections of self in this modern world. To me art has become a valuable way to tap into the knowing which we all possess.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz California, I’ve found myself active in creating and sharing art throughout the bay area. A few projects include co-founding the Hide Gallery (Receiving multiple gold awards for a Santa Cruz gallery); Activating and promoting the Tannery Arts Project (Currently the largest Santa Cruz development); and founding Painted Hats (a way to bring exposure artists as well as create wearable art).

Sunset Under a Mantle of Stars

Darren Minke is an accomplished digital artist, commercial artist and fine art painter who has shown art at Mystic Garden for several years as a vendor. We are pleased to showcase him as a Featured Artist this year and have his sacred and goddess art grace our stages and altars. Darren has shown at Sacred Spaces Village and Red Lightning at Burning Man and is constantly touring and showing at music festivals along the West Coast.