Gaby Berglund Cardenas Artist Talk | PrintMatters Exhibition

“Through my art I address the human condition, the female body, and the realms of spirituality in work spanning mediums from paintings and printmaking to installation, textiles and artist’s books. Focusing my work on women’s bodies and mind can seem very intimate but at the same time is universal. I want to invoke a universal humanity through the female experiences and stories and at the same time utilize the human body as a format for discussing social and political issues.

In book arts I use my own prints, papers, excerpts from antique books, antique objects and textiles that I collect in my travels.

Handwritten ink calligraphy scrolls that are several feet long are part of my meditative practice and I create installations with them. This process may reminds us of the Zen monks who in the early 1700’s drew Enzo circles as part of their meditation.  I see it as a natural consequence of my spiritual journey in Asia, studying Zen Buddhist Philosophy (or Mindfulness). To increase my knowledge and experience I am currently learning and practicing in Houston tai chi and qigong.

Whit Altizer wrote on Bracket Art Magazine of Sep., 2014:

“The artist addresses philosophical, social, political, psychological and spiritual aspects of women, through work that incorporates a unique style with multiple techniques and materials, causing the spectator to pause and think about those aspects.”

“In a way, her work does feel like meditation. Her choice of colors, materials and subject have a meditative quality that forces you to focus on the work. They draw you into heavy issues through dreamlike scenes.”