Seeing life’s challenges through the eyes of art

What I look for in art of any period is imaginative energy, radiance, equilibrium, composure, color, light, vitality, poise, buoyancy, a transcendent ability to soar above life and not be subjugated by it.

Mark Rothko

Bearing witness is a term used by Zen Peacemakers International to describe the practice of not turning away from suffering but facing suffering, in the world and in and ourselves, directly and with compassion. As artists we can offer the possibility of seeing life as it is with fresh eyes. Bearing Witness Project shines light on the suffering in the world in order to raise awareness and secure funds for non-profits that benefit important causes. This approach offers the opportunity to view the un-viewable, making it possible to sit with uncomfortable issues allowing what arises to move organically into compassionate action. Bearing Witness offers an opportunity to fully embody joy and grief and share joy and grief with one another in order to create meaning, connection, and support important causes.

The Bearing Witness project began with the Syrian Refugee Series https://jacquelinekramer.work/refugee-series-1 It is an expressionistic reflection on the plight of those who are forced to leave their homes due to war. It is also a reflection of the beauty of islamic art forms, such as Persian miniature paintings, and the rich, complex middle Eastern design heritage. Half of all proceeds generated by this collection are donated to the International Rescue Committee.

Project Coordinator-Jacqueline Kramer

Jacqueline Kramer graduated from Bennington College with a degree in painting and sculpture where she studied painting with Pat Adams and sculpture with Isaac Witkin and focused on large color field stain paintings and sculpture made from found objects. Her first one woman show, which showed her water color rendition of the Zen series called The 10 Bulls, was in 1979 in Napa, California. Her watercolors and mixed media paintings are in personal collections. Jacqueline taught color, line and design at the Julie Nation Fashion Institute and painting through the Santa Rosa Junior College. She lives, paints and teaches meditation in Sonoma, California.