The Artist As Shaman

Curators, Susanne Iles and Patrick Byrne, invite artists to submit entries to the 2004 International Juried Online Symbolist Art Show, The Artist As Shaman. The power of artwork to communicate, heal and shift consciousness will be the foundation of this years show. The deadline for entries is March 1, 2004, and complete details are available online at http://www.dracoblu.com/symbolistshow.html

(PRWEB) January 7, 2004 --Curators, Susanne Iles and Patrick Byrne, invite artists to submit entries to the 2004 International Juried Online Symbolist Art Show, The Artist As Shaman. The power of artwork to communicate, heal and shift consciousness will be the foundation of this years show. The deadline for entries is March 1, 2004, and complete details are available online at http://www.dracoblu.com/symbolistshow.html.

Original two- and three-dimensional artwork including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, printmaking, etching, collage, fibre, digital art, sculpture & photography are acceptable media. Last years show attracted almost 400 entries, with $2,000 in cash prizes awarded.

The international jury selected for the 2004 competition includes: Steve Danzig, Australian digital artist and Director of the International Digital Art Awards, Teri Degler, an award-winning writer from Toronto, Canada and author of The Fiery Muse: Creativity and the Spiritual Quest, Wedlidi Speck, a First Nations storyteller, artist and addictions counsellor, with titles in several Clans belonging to the Kwakwaka'wakw Cultural Grouping of British Columbia, Canada, and American, Mark Wagner, an accomplished digital and traditional artist, recognized for his work as concept artist for Terminator 3, DreamKeeper, and RuneLords.

Susanne Iles, comments, I am intrigued to see how artists will interpret their connections to nature, mystical energies, dreams and visions. Like Shamans, I believe artists have the extraordinary ability to explore alternative realms. Given the state of our world today Im excited by the power of art to communicate, heal, and shift awareness from the mundane to the sublime. I believe this show has the potential to truly make a difference in our collective mindset."

According to the Oxford Dictionary, symbolist art seeks special symbols to express the essence of things by suggestion. It engages the viewer by appealing to the heart, personality and unconscious mind, as well as the intellect. The purpose of this annual event is threefold:
   
- To promote symbolist art and its importance of leading the viewers imagination into the unseen world of thoughts, hopes, and fears. Symbols in art are a catalyst to personal revelation.
- To provide artists from all backgrounds an affordable, convenient, and global venue to exhibit their work. Finalists and winners will be showcased for one year beginning May 1, 2004.
- To help art students gain exposure and bring together a diverse array of inspirational perspectives from around the world.

The International Juried Online Symbolist Art Show is an annual competition, which includes fantastic, visionary and surreal genres. Curated by Canadian artist and writer, Susanne Iles, and Patrick Byrne, the current show, The Mythic Quest, is online through to April 30, 2004.
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