Selected Early Works
A trip to the Rothko Chapel in Houston inspired Beth Ames Swartz to create her series A Moving Point of Balance. "The feeling of wanting to create a contemplative atmosphere or environment came to me during that visit. I conceived my next major series, A Moving Point of Balance, as a contemplative environement." Swartz described the work: "Concepts related to spirituality, shamanism, and healing were woven together to create a complex installation consisting of paintings, light projections, music, and a medicine wheel. The installation's principal paintings depict the seven chakras, which are points located along the spine through which universal energy flows into the body. In this work, each multilayered canvas fulfills a specific function and purpose. Viewers were encouraged to particpate and interact with the installation." The work was first exhibited at the Nickle Arts Museum, Univeristy of Calgary, Alberta, in 1985 and appeared in nine U.S. venues over the next five years.
A Moving Point of Balance
Chakra #1 (base of spine)
1985
acrylic, gold leaf and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
A Moving Point of Balance
Chakra #2 (reproduction)
1983
acrylic, microglitter, gold leaf and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
A Moving Point of Balance
Chakra #3 (solar plexus)
1984
acrylic, microglitter, gold leaf, broken glass, foil and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
A Moving Point of Balance
Chakra #4 (heart)
1984
acrylic, microglitter, gold leaf, broken glass, foil and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
 A Moving Point of Balance
Chakra #5 (throat)
1985
acrylic, microglitter, gold leaf, broken glass, foil, fabric and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
Point of Balance
Chakra #6 (third eye)
1985
acrylic, microglitter, gold leaf, broken glass, foil, fabric and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
Point of Balance
Chakra #7 (crown)
1985
acrylic, microglitter, gold leaf, broken glass, foil, quartz crystals and mixed media on linen
84 in. x 84 in.
Installation view of A Moving Point of Balance
Nickle Art Museum, University of Calgary, Alberta
1985
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