Here I am in the garden with my subject before I started my work. I'm trying to stay warm with my tea. During a recent vacation, I had the opportunity to spend some time with an artist and learn the art of watercolor. I am not a painter or artist in any real way, although it can be fun, therapeutic, and sometimes freeing to reconnect with this part of ourselves. In elementary school I had one of those mean art teachers. You know the kind - the ones that tell you that everything you do sucks - no matter what the project. I'm sure this is why I have shied away from all forms of art for a very long period in my life feeling that I didn't have an ounce of skill or artistic creativity. Harshly judging whatever I attempted. But recently I found a pulling desire to free my inner artist. I was ready to dissolve the negativity surrounding my art experience. Several years ago, I attended a workshop and began a creative journal combining collage with words and doodles. Since that time, I have been longing to take up an art project. I wanted to paint something. So when the opportunity arose on a recent trip to Maine with my husband, I was all too eager for the undertaking. We spent several hours with the artist learning the basics of watercolor. After picking our subjects, the first step was to sketch it out. I had a blast drawing and was surprised that I didn't hate the results. In fact, I really liked the whole process and my work. By the time the painting began it was later in the afternoon and it was very cold and windy. My easel blew over countless times as I mixed colors trying to find the right combination. After spending most of our day hard at work, neither of us had finished our pieces. Determined to finish them, we headed back out to the artist’s shed the following afternoon. It was so cold that only crazy people would try to finish an art project in this weather. The previous day I had been set up in the garden facing my subject, but it was way too cold to be outside, so I took refuge in the shed with a portable heater. Although I did leave a small crack in the door to view my subject from afar, bundled in coats and hats, we painted until after the sun had set. Pleased and excited to have completed my "masterpiece," I now can't wait to tackle new artistic ventures. Who knows what will be next? As I look forward to continued creative projects back at home, I am happy there are local places to support me. WCA is a great place to try out new art options. I also have been wanting to check out the Wine Palette. Wine plus art - I wonder if that would make my creations better or worse. Can't wait to find out! What gets you inspired and feeling creative? Have you allowed others to damper your gifts or make you afraid to try? What have you done to overcome it?
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11/8/2012 0 Comments In the aftermath of SandyWe were lucky here in Charlotte, only days and days of wind. A sometimes sunless sky - unable to glimpse the passing full moon. Feeling the effects of the storm on my sensitive system as only I do. Reminding me of my place in this world and how vulnerable I am to its whims. Knowing that for me, the storm took with it some aspect that was ready for release. Not choosing which one, but grateful all the same. Much like the unconsulted leaves the winds pulled from the trees. I, too, am letting go for winter. For countless others who lost everything tangible, it may even be harder to believe all the destruction and heartache left by Sandy. Stripped down to the core of yourself must be the greatest reminder of what is truly important in this world. I feel for all those suffering, and once again stand in awe of the power the Earth holds within her. In what ways has Sandy affected you? |
AuthorJenn White, Yoga Educator, Meditation Teacher, and Owner of Embodied Bliss, began her journey of yoga and meditation in 2004 while recovering from a back injury. Feeling lost, restless and seeking something more from life, she found her path through meditation. Archives
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