In the middle of the journey of my life,
I came to myself in a dark wood
And the straight way was lost.
Adapted from a translation of Dante's "Inferno," Canto I.
Not exactly lost, and the chronology is off, but it's just that a new, indirect, and wavy way seems to be taking over here. I believe it comes from that life force, the c'hi, that I sense so palpably in my numinous places, and which inspires me in my art life.
Well, I can't be in my numinous places (Norway, Wales, Iceland, Scotland, etc) every minute of the day, so I'm figuring out how to find charged experiences here, at home, in my daily life. And now, at the beginning of a new year, I've started following this barely-intuited way, this wavy, meandering way, in my journal/sketchbook.
I feel a huge burden of guilt over unfinished paintings from the past year and more and this guilt has made it ever harder to return to that unfinished work. So, I'm going back, via this new way, to basics and to joy.
The way appeared one very cold day on my late afternoon walk. Here is what I saw:
I read the message in these lines and now I draw, paint, make marks, collecting my own images, from what I see around me, not just anything my eye happens upon, but scenes and objects that seem charged with a special energy, for whatever reason... and record them in my journal, to find out who... and where... I am. Again.
I'm not making huge pronouncements or plans for now, just going step by wavy step. And I'm developing an awareness for presence of the c'hi in, say, a plate of apples.
It's a happy life.
Pink hyacinth in pot wrapped in pink foil, mixed media on toned paper:
Bowl of nuts with nutcracker, mixed media on toned paper:
Angel drawing after Melozzo da Forli, mixed media on toned paper:
Apples and tangerines on blue plate, mixed media on toned paper:
My new challenge is to be open to charged places and objects and settings near to home. Then, when I get back to Norway this May, I'll be more than ready to receive it!
Happy New Year! May we be filled with energy and joy.
Cathy, it's always such a pleasure to hear from you! You are making fabulous mixed media pieces and I always, as you said about me, enjoy seeing what you've been up to! Happy new year to you, too!
Posted by: Laura | January 14, 2018 at 09:49 AM
Thank you very much, Robyn. It's a matter of putting the time in, frustration ( sometimes to the uttermost!) , as I'm sure you will agree. I was waylaid, or let myself be waylaid, by non-painting art assignments too many times last year
Posted by: Laura | January 14, 2018 at 09:42 AM
Inspiring post for a new year! I love what you've been doing lately; I've just taken the time to have a look at your last works. Love tha t long drawing of rock formation, love the sketches of gardens (as always), love the exquisite sketches with the limited palette (the teapot, the flowers!!!), ... I wish I had time to come more often, but to be honest, if I had more time I'd spend it painting more :-D
Keep up the work, the awareness, it's always a pleasure to pop by and see what you've been up to and to see the path you've taken. Happy (creative) new year!
Posted by: Cathy | January 12, 2018 at 04:18 AM
Laura--these are marvelous and free images with so much energy. I feel your pain (I can't seem to get started yet this year) and love your approach--I seem to have too many interruptions mentally and otherwise and thank you for this post--I see your progress and get the message--get going, try something to get off the dime--and I shall. I must say the portrait and hyacinth are beyond wonderful--you could frame and hang and enjoy them without hesitation.
Posted by: Robyn Mixon | January 11, 2018 at 07:12 AM
Joyce, I think the year is well underway, too! There'll be many missteps and despairs, but on we go! Thank you for your exceptionally nice comment.
Posted by: Laura | January 10, 2018 at 08:29 AM
Thank you so much, dear Annie. And happiest of new years to you, my friend.
Posted by: Laura | January 10, 2018 at 08:26 AM