The Architecture of Peace in North Laguna Beach
Living in Laguna Beach, one is constantly hyper-aware of the relationship between light and mood. When I am working in my North Laguna Beach artist studio, I am surrounded by the “borrowed light” of the Pacific. But even in a place of such natural beauty, the internal “noise” of modern life can be deafening. To reach a 90% success rate in creating a healing home, we must choose art that speaks to the soul.
In my mission to build a Sensory Refuge, I look for pieces that don’t just decorate a wall, but actually “re-tune” the room. This journey led me to a masterpiece of modern abstract art that changed how I see my own space. I didn’t just see a painting; I saw a visual exhale.
In our hyper-connected world, our eyes are constantly bombarded by the harsh, blue light of digital screens and the sharp, rigid angles of modern architecture. A true Sensory Refuge acts as the antidote to this visual burnout. It is a space deliberately curated to lower cortisol levels and invite deep, restorative breathing. The art we choose is the anchor of this refuge—it sets the emotional frequency for the entire house.
The Ritual: Chanting into the Present Moment
Every piece in my collection, and every work I create, begins before a brush even touches the canvas. I start every session in my studio with chanting and meditation.
This is my way of getting out of my head and into the present moment. Chanting uses vibration to “reset” my system. By the time I open my eyes, the chatter of the day has vanished. I am left in a state of , or “no-mind.” This is where the creative flow begins. This ritual ensures that the space is cleared of stress before the day even started.
Susannah Bettag’s “Do you see what I see?”: A Portal to Presence
I collected this specific piece because it mirrored my own philosophy of healing. Susana has captured a sophisticated, expansive field of soft turquoise that reminds me of the Pacific at 10:00 AM—clear, shallow, and inviting.
Against this cooling background, she placed visceral red poppies and intricate psychedelic mushrooms—what I often think of as a “Neural Bloom.” The inclusion of these cellular “spores” is a nod to the neuro-regenerative space—the idea that our brains, like nature, are constantly blooming and re-wiring. For me, this painting is a map of hope.
There is an emerging field of science called neuroaesthetics that studies how our brains respond to art. When we look at organic shapes, flowing colors, and nature-inspired textures, our brains actually release dopamine. Susana’s piece doesn’t just represent nature; it triggers the exact same calming neurological response as a walk through a quiet forest or a sit by the ocean. It physically heals the viewer.
The Floor: A Dance with Gravity and Intuition
For my larger works, the easel feels like a limitation. I prefer working on the floor. Laying the canvas flat gives me the freedom and flexibility to move, pour, and dance around the work.
Fascinatingly, when I first started painting on the floor, I was simply following my own intuition. It wasn’t until much later, through my own research, that I discovered I shared these sensibilities with the legendary Helen Frankenthaler. She famously moved the canvas to the floor to pioneer the “soak-stain” technique.
Like her, I embrace the dance of fluid pigments and the honesty of a pour. However, where Frankenthaler often saturated the entire canvas with color, my work finds its power in negative space. I believe the “unpainted” areas are just as important as the pigments. This openness creates the “Visual Exhale”—a place where the eye can rest and find stillness amidst the movement.
The “Bowling Pour” and the Inner Child
This is where my inner child comes out to play. Being playful is key to my creative process. I’ve always loved bowling—the weight of the ball and that long, swinging extension of the arm.
In my studio, I launch paint with a full-body swing, using that same “long-arm follow-through.” I don’t just “pour”; I move with the paint. This movement ensures the lines are fluid and expansive, mimicking the natural “S-curves” of the female form. It is a dance of physics and intuition. This playfulness is the key to the “Visual Exhale.” It’s the energy of a soul that refuses to be heavy.
3 Core Elements of a “Visual Exhale” in Modern Art
If you are looking to curate a Sensory Refuge in your own home, look for these three elements in the art you collect:
Breathable Negative Space: Areas of the canvas left open and unpainted, giving your eyes a place to rest.
Kinetic Honesty: You should be able to “feel” the physical movement of the artist’s body in the sweeps and pours of the paint.
Organic Curves: Avoid sharp, jagged geometry. Look for flowing “S-curves” that mimic the rhythms found in nature.
The Studio: A Courtyard of Light and Feng Shui
My studio is tucked away in North Laguna Beach, and the space itself is part of the art’s DNA. It features a small window facing a lush courtyard, bathing the workspace in a concentrated, natural light that follows the principles of Feng Shui.
This courtyard acts as a vessel, holding peaceful energy before it enters my workspace through that singular frame of light. The light doesn’t just reveal the pigments; it breathes life into them. When I look at Susana’s work, I see the same balance of nature and light that I cultivate in my own studio—a place where the external world and internal creativity meet.
- The Geometry of the Feminine: Gold Filaments
One cannot ignore the technical mastery of the gold filaments in Susana’s work. They mimic the natural “S-curves” of the female form. These aren’t jagged accidents; they are intentional arcs. Sharp lines trigger “fight or flight,” but these feminine, flowing gold curves signal safety and grace. They provide a “Visual Path of Least Resistance,” allowing your eyes to glide through the painting without hitting a single snag of stress.
The Art of Presence: Why Connection Matters
In an era of digital screens and fleeting interactions, I believe we are all starving for deeper, more authentic connections. This is why studio visits are so vital to my work and my spirit. My process—the chanting, the meditation, the “bowling” pours—is an act of presence, and that energy is best shared in person.
When you visit my North Laguna Beach artist studio, we aren’t just looking at art; we are connecting. We might discuss what you are going through in your life, or how the gold filaments in “Do you see what I see?” catch the courtyard light. We might simply sit across the street at Heisler Park and let the sound of the ocean do the talking. These moments of shared presence are where the ‘Visual Exhale’ truly takes root.
An Invitation to North Laguna
Choosing art is an act of Kindness to the Self. Whether it’s a piece created through the “bowling” movement of my own hands or a curated masterpiece like Susana Beteg’s, the goal is to create a Sensory Refuge.
The process is as important as the final product. If you find yourself in my neighborhood, I invite you to visit me at my studio. Come see where the chanting happens and where the paint is poured.
“I invite you to step into the natural light of my studio. And if the spirit moves us, let’s sit across the street at Heisler Park to enjoy the sounds of the ocean and feel the breeze. Let’s find the piece that speaks to your soul in the place where the Pacific meets the canvas.” — Clara Berta
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Sensory Refuge” in interior design?
A Sensory Refuge is a space intentionally designed to lower stress and combat the visual burnout of modern, digital life. By incorporating natural light, flowing modern abstract art, and calming textures, a home can be transformed into a sanctuary that promotes deep breathing and psychological healing.
How does modern abstract art promote healing?
Through the principles of neuroaesthetics, viewing art with organic shapes, soft colors, and flowing movements triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Abstract art bypasses logical analysis and speaks directly to our emotions, allowing the viewer to experience a “Visual Exhale” and a profound sense of calm.
Why do some artists paint on the floor instead of an easel?
Painting on the floor, a technique famously pioneered by Helen Frankenthaler, removes the physical limitations of an upright easel. It allows the artist to use their entire body—incorporating gravity, intuitive movement, and techniques like the “bowling pour”—to create fluid, expansive, and highly energetic compositions.
What is the significance of negative space in abstract art?
Negative space, or the unpainted areas of a canvas, is just as crucial as the pigment itself. In a busy, cluttered world, negative space in art provides a visual resting place. It allows the composition to “breathe” and prevents the viewer’s eye from becoming overwhelmed.
Why is North Laguna Beach considered an artist’s haven?
North Laguna Beach offers a unique combination of stunning natural beauty, clear coastal light, and a deep-rooted history of creative community. The proximity to inspirational landmarks like Heisler Park and the rhythmic sounds of the Pacific Ocean make it an ideal environment for artists seeking a deep connection with nature.