STERLING — Elements of physical exercise, meditation, pain, and even x-rays are all on display in the unusual art exhibition entitled “Centripetal,” currently on display at the Sterling College Art Center Gallery. New Sterling College Art & Design faculty member Katie Petersen blends two unique perspectives of her life: her passion for art and her experience of scoliosis, a bone related condition, into the exhibition which runs through Oct. 5.
Petersen received her MFA in Art from Fort Hays State University last spring. “Centripetal” is her thesis show.
“The word ‘centripetal’ means moving toward a center,” she said. “I chose this title for my exhibit because my work is about moving towards health or our ‘center,’ whether physically, mentally, or spiritually.”
Petersen has learned how to manage pain due to scoliosis. She said, “My work focuses on the balance of communication between the mind and the body. I use meditation to manage chronic pain caused by my scoliosis.”
She started the artwork by creating paintings from video frames. “Many of these paintings in ‘Centripetal’ were from exercises or activities I enjoy doing. Everything came together when I realized how many activities I did because I was trying to relieve pain in my shoulder and back from scoliosis.”
Meditation through exercise and art is core for Petersen.
“I perform physical activities such as swimming, biking, running, and other repetitive exercises as a form of meditation that focuses on my body’s awareness and healing. If the pain is chronic, meditation through exercise can treat pain and take the mind away from the body. Finding a balance between how aware I am of the pain is crucial. Pain signals to our minds that our body needs attention and is a call to action,” she said.
“I create a reflection of my meditation practices through my art. Many of my paintings show a figure repeated multiple times at various stages of the exercise. Painting is a meditative experience, similar to my meditative exercises. Painting requires concentration, awareness, and trust in intuition.”
Petersen also incorporates x-rays into her art. She said, “I use x-rays of my spine within my work that records a body scan meditation. During a body scan meditation, I allow my mind to freely explore what my body is speaking to me, including the pain in my back and shoulders that are represented by color and abstracted form.”
Petersen is excited to see what new ideas and artistic expression her students will bring to the classroom. “I want to encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. It is important for artists to be challenged by their work in order to continue to grow and create authentic and deeper work,” she said.
Petersen’s work “Centripetal” will be on exhibit weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public with no admission charge.
