In September of ‘05 I participated in a protest in Washington D. C. against the American occupation of Iraq. Thousands of people crowded the subways and the streets of DC. But the chief executive was not home and didn’t respond to our message. I felt that although the solidarity of the event was positive, I was longing for action; real change. I had the sense that the consciousness of the whole country needed to shift. I remembered the words of my first yoga teacher, Roslyn LoPinto, “Raise your own consciousness and you raise the consciousness of the world.” I decided to take action and try to raise my own awareness. I signed up for a ten day silent Vipassana meditation retreat starting December 28th and stretching into the new year. It was difficult but well worth the effort. While I was there I was taught about the potential of every human being to reach enlightenment. Each person is endowed with a spark of divine nature. Each person has the potential to be a Buddha. My meditation experience helped me see/have an awareness of not only my own higher self but that of others. I wanted to honor that quality in all people. Returning home, I decided to paint portraits, starting out with friends and family.

The portraits are usually a little bit larger than life. The sittings take about forty five minutes to an hour and a half. I complete the work in my studio. Over time the sitter’s expression changes and I see a multitude of feelings and qualities in their face. Beyond or through this changing aspect I try to glimpse the essential, highest nature of the sitter. I strive to capture the image of the Buddha nature in each person.

CONTACT ANNEMARIE IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR ARE INTERESTED IN COMMISSIONING A PORTRAIT