Belonging

I answered a call for artist to an upcoming show at a local gallery and my goal is to submit 2 pieces.  The theme is "Belonging".

"Belonging evokes a sense of inherent connectedness...either to a particular family, tribe, community, or the cosmos.  There's a certain deep association...you're a member, you're related, share the same beliefs, same vision...there is a bond."

As I strode into my studio this morning my intention was to begin creating my first piece.  Let me fast forward...............after a long while, I was coming up blank, nothing, nada, and quite frankly getting rather pissed off.  I thought, "their description speaks my language, why can't I come up with any ideas???".   It was then that it dawned on me that my ego had been in charge, not my heart.  I knew it was time for me to walk away.  That is exactly what I did.

When I returned to my studio it was definitely with a new frame of mind.  I invoked my creative spirit for guidance.  The next thing I knew I was gluing book text onto a 9x12 watercolor paper, adding clear gesso to the top, following with a  fumage technique.  I noticed on the left side of the paper, from the fumage, was the beginning of what looked like a ladies hat.  And off me & my creative spirit went, sketching with a graphite pencil. The next thing I knew is that the piece was done, excluding highlights and shadows.  There will be no critiquing or second guessing this piece for perfection.  It simply is what it is.  As far as I know, right now, the only change will be in the flower.  I think I will do that in oil so it pops.  I took the drawing outside and burned the edges.  Next I will be rusting nails and to tack the paper onto wood.

I release attachment of all outcomes knowing the response will be to it's highest intention.  

With quite expectancy, I let it be.  

And so it is.

The Prayer

"The Prayer"

Charcoal/Joint Compound

14 x18

Canvas panel with shadow frame

Available 

I have a ritual that I do when I enter my studio in the morning and it begins with an Affirmative Prayer.  This helps me to center myself and leave my doubtful self out in the hallway.  As soon as I finished saying the prayer I said outloud, "what will I create today?".   There was a canvas panel that was already prepped with joint compound so I grabbed it.  Got my charcoal powder, then I let my creative spirit out to play.  While looking at this finished piece I've said several times that this is totally out of my box.   Then I pondered,  "Is it really?  Or have I just been holding myself back?'  

Thank You for your continued support and encouragement.