An interview with D. Kroll founder of Raven Brushworks

The Well~ When I first encountered your work, I was struck by a visceral experience, akin to a noise canceling phenomenon that restores clarity to inner essence and a full buoyancy to its outward manifestation.

I felt a sense of coherence, there was no detour, no getting lost down side trails but instead a clear path onto which the essence could flow untainted and be made visual.

How would you describe the process behind your work?

D. Kroll~ It is indeed one that bypasses the ego and the brain, and any preconceived ideas…It is a feeling that translates into sight.

I start by reading a koan, sometimes only one word. I feel inside my body for the essence, then I completely clear myself, I go empty, and allow the energy to be expressed through my hand.

The art has an intent that is not attached to form, it is the product of an energy flow.

In my healing practice I do not interpret through my opinions. I follow the truth inside the body that wants to speak…Feeling the essence of what is IS my superpower…(laughter).

Reaching this depth of mastery in clearing the vessel was necessary to my practice and transferred over into my art.

The Well~ I see a blending of inner and outer work between your fine arts training and energy work, was this intentional or accidental?

D. Kroll~ Both. It started as a survival then spiritual then intentional shift to explore zen art to match my intent for healing art.

I spent 25 years meditating and providing healing work, I saw early on where it could go, I waited a long time to use this “superpower” (more laughter) in my artwork. I needed to wait for the process to reach its maturity to be able to use it as a creative process with full authenticity and integrity.

The Well~ You could say that your artworks are encapsulations of Essence, a… visual medicine?

D. Kroll~ Yes. I wish for my works of art to leave the viewer in a transformational, inner-reflective state.

My intent is for art to be healing…in a profound way.

The Well~ A gift of great medicine for the soul indeed! Thank you D. Kroll.