“When we repeat a story to everyone we meet, a story of pain and trial, with no transformation or resolution - this is a good indicator that the story is harming more than helping.” - Rising Woman
Over the past year of consistently creating art, I have found the process that feels the best artistically also matches the way I choose to observe life. I think of us (meaning me and you..a.k.a…the human race) as co-authors...or co-illustrators...whatever you fancy. In other words, we are given circumstances and situations that are sometimes beyond our control, but it is always up to us on how we choose to see them and how we respond. In my art process, I always start with a scribble and/or a free-flow form of paint, very similar to an experience in life that has just been thrown our way and is out of our control. During this first part, I try not to think or control it at all, but rather just allow whatever comes to come. The next step is to take pause to observe it. Then I choose to see beauty there and create a piece of art using those initial markings and shapes as my guide. Before I know it, an alchemy of personal transformation has occurred on the page and in my mind. I call this series of paintings, Mind Narratives. And now I’ve started to apply the same process to my bigger pieces on canvas.
“Art is the world’s ability to investigate and have an intimate relationship with itself.” - Olafur Eliasson
I have been told that it is my gift to see the good in everything, and I believe it is my purpose to share that with as many people as possible. My husband and I recently watched an Abstract episode about the brilliant artist Olafur Eliasson. He is known for using and creating light in his art. He says, “Everyone has the right to access light in the world,” and I agree with him. We all have the right and the ability to see the light...the good...and the choice to believe in it, even in the midst of darkness. But sometimes we might need a gentle push, a spark, or a piece of art to remind us. That’s my dream: To create pieces of art for people that symbolize our ability to face life’s trials and tribulations with a fighting spirit that says we refuse to give up. That the narrative in our mind will continue to see the good, the light in the world, regardless of how dark and scary it can be.
Think of something difficult you’ve had to face, recently or in the past. Now think of one positive thing, however small, that came from it. Now try to think of two more. If you love a challenge, keep going. If you can’t think of anything, dig deeper. You’re better than that.
Now before you go calling me a Pollyanna, and trust me, I’ve heard it many times before, hear me this way.
“All that being positive means is you’ve chosen not to let what’s happening around you get the best of you. You have an unwavering strength and you won’t let the storm drown you.”
So don’t see my art and my perception as just a way to see the world through rose colored glasses. See it as I do, a peaceful way to fight the good fight. If you want to change your tiny corner of the globe, or change the entire world as we know it, start with fighting the battle in your own head.
“And yet at some point, we must become the hero of our journey, traverse the challenges we have set forth, and re-claim that we were powerful all along.” - Rising Woman
Accept the situation given to you. Take pause to observe and see the good in it. Then, create beauty from it. Repeat.