Nina Ross; Painting the Human Spirit Free

Nina Ross and I came to know each other during a time before the terror that is pandemic. We were participating in an ongoing somatic movement practice known as 5 Rhythms. Every Sunday, in an individual and community “happening,” we sweated our prayers, as 5R founder Gabrielle Roth referred to the event of dancing. (You do not need to believe in God to consider reality as various and complex). We emerged palpably shifted; unmasked, electrified, exalted, and transformed - connected more deeply to our own true natures, within and inseparable from the context of a wider cosmic universe. Spoken word was kept to a minimum. Nina and I, as well as others, rather “sensed” one another across the floor, sometimes touching, sometimes not, communicating through the secret language that is creativity. It was magic.

Kachina, Nina Ross, acrylic, 15 x 15”

While gathering as a group is on hold, those of us who feel ourselves pulled along a path of heart and imagination have immersed ourselves in media that can be plied in solitude. Nina Ross continues to make her enigmatic paintings. Like voting in a political election, most particularly in this presidential election in the United States in 2020, the act of art-making, Nina’s act of art-making, is inherently an act of protest - an affirmation of hope, love and liberty. It pushes at boundaries we thought were constant. With her pictures, Nina Ross paints the human spirit free, objecting to the notion that life is small, broken and cruel. Her work lets us know that, given time and sufficient resolve, it is generosity, tenderness, grace and compassion, the essentials that beat the rhythms of this dance we call life, that will prevail.

Nina Ross is currently writing a book, Seized By Beauty. What could be more wonderful than to be seized by a thing so ineffable? Here is what she has to say about her very personal and vivid work:

"The images I present here are not necessarily quarantine-related. However, during COVID, I have asked myself, as so many of us have, ‘What really matters?’ ‘What are the different questions relevant to building, healing, and creating renewal now?’

Over the years, although I create mostly abstract work, the things that I tend to come back around to are related to the eternal, to human kindness and understanding, and to healing ourselves as well as the planet.

I humbly offer these, with thanks to all of you, and especially to Jada.”

Although Nina and I cannot be physically together, we remain interwoven threads in a tapestry of friends surrendered to the belief of art as ecstasy, and whose bonds grow only stronger during the shared challenges we face. The magic is palpable.

Words: Jada Griffin

See more Nina Ross art and find out about workshops and retreats. Visit her website HERE

And please VOTE!

Art Under Quarantine is a global, multi-media platform for creatives. We are diverse and inclusive, and we welcome your offering. If you’d like to join the conversation, email SOUL.

Ghost Bird, Nina Ross, mixed media, 8 x 10”

Prayer for Healing, Nina Ross, mixed media collage, 8 x 10"

After Death, Nina Ross, mixed media, 20 x 20” - “Made literally when my mom was dying.”

Sanctuary, Nina Ross, acrylic, 20 x 20”