Violet Dempsey – “Inspired by Kokoro”

My work explores and investigates interconnectivity. How we make creative connections and how we identify the potential to connect within the world we live in both locally and globally. My interest in symbiosis and relationships has to do with a fascination with hidden nexus, unveiling these links and demonstrating networks in an aim to connect self and environment. Albert Einstein said “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything”.

I am intrigued by how connections, especially within nature, are formed. Their purpose and function, inspires and guides me to identify my own connections both mentally and physically. Materials play a central role in my projects. The tension between objects, form and structure interest me to capture human beings’ primal drive to connect, with themselves, those around them and their environment.

I have depression, I am not at present in the grips of that darkness, and I have found hope again. I take medication, go to counselling and have amazing friends and family. A few years ago I was very ill with depression, it had robed all my light and hope and I came to a very dark place. But I came through the process and found my strength, I’m still here I fight to still be here and I paint and make art.

My work is inspired by a Japanese word “kokoro” translates to mind or heart, it has no English equivalent for its a term that encompasses the whole of one’s mind, spirit, emotion, volition, and psyche. It can also indicate “life” as a psychosomatic entity. A Buddhist principle of “turning poison into medicine” which means we have the power to transform suffering into an opportunity for enlightenment and growth.

I use poisonous flowers as they represent for me a kind of beauty I found within my depression. They are so alive, beautiful and add to their environment, but can also hold so much danger. Take the little flowers called Bloodroot or sweet slumber, bloodroot is a member of the poppy family and its toxicity is similar to that of opium. Bloodroot poisoning causes drowsiness leading to a coma and death. Something very sweet can be so deadly! Or the Lilly called Cerbera Odollom.

This flowering tree is also known as the “suicide tree.” The poison, an alkaloid toxin related to digoxin, paralyzes the heart. I’ve had a broken heart, it was paralyzed, with no hope until I grew some and now it’s blossoming.

I use a lot of symbolism like gold; I am drawn to the Japanese technique of Kintsukuroi, translated to (“golden joinery or “golden repair” it is the centuries-old Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with gold. Gold is the only metal that is resistances to corrosion it can never lose its value!

We are all unique with beautiful golden cracks, they make us precious, they make us strong!

I am curious and asked the question, if we have bad thoughts do we damage our Neocortex? Can we repair those connections or do they add to new connections making then stronger, my art explores this question.

I make art because it helps me understand my depression, helps me own it and gives me an opportunity to share my response and experience with others.