Flourish, Soar, Fly!

This is a very personal piece I am sharing.  One that I created as a photoshop blending of two pages in my art journal.  I just listed it on etsy as a grandmother asked if I had anything appropriate to give her granddaughter and I think this one would be perfect!

This painting is of a younger and older version of one person (myself) or a daughter and mother/ grandmother or even an aspiring artist and her muse/ creative spirit or mentor.  I love art that can be taken in many ways depending on the circumstances and mood of the viewer -so even though I will explain some of what this piece means to me, it can mean something wholy different to you and that is just plain awesome! 

The older woman represents the wisdom, creativity, and the traditions which experience and perspective bring. The young girl is wide eyed, optimistic, and just beginning her life's journey. There is a softness and innocence in her unblinking stare. She is holding a mirror gifted by the older woman for reflection and self-awareness. Isn't it interesting how different events seem, when viewed through the lens of a little time?

The older woman is floating in prayer or meditation allowing her life to flow and transform her younger self or cherished one. Through her hand, she is passing along strength and fearlessness. She is holding a heart with the words wisdom and joy because I believe these are two attributes most easily gained through experience, both good and bad. Sure it is easier to be happy when you are young and the world is your oyster (as it should be) but joy, inner joy is so much more than a smile. It is deep and can not be stolen by circumstances. What a gift! 

The butterflies and open flower represent change, a bloosoming into all that you can be -beautiful and free. I love the quote: 

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin. 

So true, isn't it?  We are bound primarily by restrictions in our minds, not reality, but invisible chains are even harder at times to break than ones of fiber or metal and sometimes it helps when others lovely remind us of this fact. We really are free. We really are strong. We really are Enough!

The little houses represents where we come from. Our past; the people, places and events that shape our future. The brushes and pencils are for creativity and self expression. The words, Soar, Flourish, and Fly, well they kind of speak for themselves. What beautiful affirmations and inspirations. Be wholy who you are. Do not fear, you have all you need within you and around you.   

S  O  A  R ,   F  L  O  U  R  I  S  H ,   F  L  Y  !!!!

I hope this piece speaks to you. Let it remind you or someone dear that they are amazing, they can do anything they dream, and they have a responsibilty to share thier gifts with the world.  I believe in you whether you are the young one, the old one, or both. Dare to be yourself!


Morning Music: Express Yourself (Say Yes) - Jon Batiste and Stay Human
I am feeling a little jazzy this morning and Jon Batiste with Stay Human are the perfect indulgence!

Grand Festival of Art

Hello!

The Grand Festival of Art in Fairhope was this past weekend. It was located on the grounds of Faulkner Junior College. Very park like... nice. It was a lovely break from a very stressful work week.

I got to enjoy the amazing almost autumn weather while manning my booth. Still a bit hot in the sun but the humidity was down and you know that crisp fall scent -so distinct, crisp, slightly fresh even - well I got a whiff of it. My favorite season hands down. It makes you want to bite an apple, sip some hot chocolate, throw on a scarf and cuddly sweatshirt or sweater (the one that is a little too big and has been washed so much its baby bottom soft but fraying along the edges), light a fire, climb a tree, ride a bike, plant some mums, daydream in a hammock ....  Oh Yeah my favorite season!!! Welcome Autumn!!! I can't wait to create a few fall inspired paintings.

But now back to this past weekend, the pace was pretty slow but enough to do ok especially since my expenses didn't include gas or a place to stay. The nice thing about the slowness (and beautiful weather) is that I got to create this little beauty here. It is a small canvas with mostly white acrylic, graphite and watercolor crayons (easy to carry along type supplies)

"Out on a Limb"

At first I wasn't going to have a girl on it. In fact, I painted a dragonfly with a top hat to befriend my birdie originally but it was missing something. So even though I was quite proud of how my dragonfly's wings turned out, I painted over him. Sometimes you've got to go with your gut and adjust. I love how her body is a little plumper than most of my girlies. Also even though my scrap stash was quite limited at the show, only a small ziplock baggy full, I think I found the perfect hair. It is from part of a large scale purple flowered scrapbook sheet. I pinched out the center from one of the flowers and Ta-Da ... Here she is! Out on a Limb with her Bestie Birdie!

Music: God Only Knows (Mixed Artists)