Interview with Seattle Artist Marguerita Hagan
EATP: Has art always been a part of your life?
HAGAN: Yes, when I was growing up it was an essential part of it. My mother's artistic gifts were infused in day-to-day life, and my family home radiated with my grandmother’s paintings. Goggy studied at the Corcoran and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art from 1917 to 1926, and she supported her family as a professional artist – she was a real trailblazer and a tremendous inspiration to me.
EATP: You raised two daughters working as an artist and teacher?
HAGAN: Yes, my daughters grew up working in the studio along side me, and they are now studying and pursuing their own careers in art and design. My love of creating naturally led me to teaching –- and supporting others in their creative process.
EATP: Art has truly been an all-consuming part of your life…
HAGAN: No question. For me, art and life are really one thing. The gift of creativity is something to be celebrated – and I believe it’s manifested through and around us in each moment. When I am open to the creative process it’s incredible how people come forward to assist me and materials are made available – they just show up.
EATP: You are currently working on a remarkable piece called “Hearts of the Universe: E Pluribus Unum?” Tell us about it.
HAGAN: I began the work in the summer of 2005. The first exhibit of the series was an installation that consisted of 67 sculptures the size of the human heart. The hearts hung on an 18’ by 6’ map of the world with the latitude and longitude lines created by the lyrics of John Lennon’s song Imagine. On the back of each heart is a gold leaf square representing the oneness that connects all of us.
EATP: What does that mean to you?
HAGAN: The states of consciousness that we move through are infinite and the heart sculptures reflect this incredible range...and no matter what form (of consciousness) we are experiencing in any given moment our essence remains constant. Hearts remind us of this truth - throughout all the forms and passages of life. Given the state of the world, it feels more important than ever to remember what connects us.
EATP: Tell us about your work with Divine Life Church.
HAGAN: Well, the Church is a non-sectarian spiritual community based in Baltimore that promotes the philosophy of Oneness. In 2000 I was commissioned by the minister, Swami Shankarananda, to do a large glass mosaic piece for the Sunday school, and since then the list of projects has just grown. “Truth” was made in the spring following 9/11. It celebrates the One Truth that inspires spiritual practices throughout the world.
EATP: It’s a beautiful piece, what do the various elements refer to?
HAGAN: The 3’ diameter architectural glass has gold leaf symbols sandblasted on the face of the glass, representing the spiritual practices of the world. A lotus flower is sandblasted on the backside – a symbol of spiritual unfoldment. The seven concentric rings expanding from the center outward illustrate the ever-expanding nature of Truth…like when you drop a pebble in the water and the rings keep going out. All of the symbols rest on the seventh ring.
EATP: What’s the significance of this?
HAGAN: Seven is a sacred number – we have seven chakras – and the symbols representing the spiritual paths are connected in the One Truth, literally and figuratively. Starting clockwise these include Aum; the religions of Africa; Judaism; Native American Medicine Wheel; Taoism; Zoroastroism; Shintoism; Buddhism; Christianity; Islam; Sikhism; and at the eleventh hour, a rising sun, conceived by the minister, Swami Shankarananda, representing the dawn of a new spiritual consciousness.
EATP: Tell us about your stained glass work.
HAGAN: The Swans and Lotus was the first stained glass piece I’ve ever done. L It consists of 3 panels, 58” x 50”, and is installed behind the altar. The swan is a symbol of the soul and the pair represents union with the Beloved, between the guru and devotee, and between lovers.
EATP: What was it like to work in such a different medium?
HAGAN: I love learning new things - it gives me an opportunity to expand my experience. No matter what medium I’m working in the process of creating remains the same. It’s an inside job – it comes through us. Each medium teaches me something about its nature, and about myself.
EATP: Can you give an example?
HAGAN: At one point when working in glass, I had challenges with the lead, solder, and glass working together. There was a separation in the process, and whenever there is separation, there is struggle. I had to let the concern go and allow the inspiration and heart of the piece to carry the work. Connecting with the creative source enables it to flow and remove the obstacles.
EATP: Does this understanding apply to day to day life?
HAGAN: Absolutely. I know the minute I have disconnected, by the way I feel...like a valve shutting off. It doesn't feel good and it reminds me to shift my attention to what feels best.
EATP: So, this is what you meant earlier when you said that life and art are the same you?
HAGAN: Yes. It's really about manifesting our dreams whether in art or life. You can see it as The Art of Life. The creative source is a part of everyone, it is infinite. I am so grateful for the gifts available to us all. The process has shown me that anything is possible.
Editor’s Note: Ms. Hagan’s website is currently under construction and will be up at the end of November 2006.
Visit her at www.margueritachagan.com or by email at margueritah@gmail.com
