Dearest all,
This is one of those posts that is both literal and metaphorical. On the surface, it is about painting. Beneath (or above) that, it is about… well, you decide!
The “stunning” artwork pictured above is my beloved practice canvas. It started out very early in my Intentional Creativity journey as a small painting of something I couldn’t make work. It made me feel frustrated and inadequate and in way over my head.
And then, somewhere, one of my paint sisters posted in one of our Facebook groups about her practice – or compost – canvas. A place where she went to doodle and plant seeds and see what would happen if…
I was so new that I hadn’t begun to sort out names or initials or who belonged where or to whom.
All I knew was that the frustrated, shaming, blaming embodiment of what felt like failure was redeemed!
That 18×24″ level 2 canvas became my compost heap. (This from a gardener who does a lot of composting!)
I tried out colors and brushes and glazes. How to write in Greek (with a toothpick) or Hebrew (with a stiff liner brush). How to make dots, and collage (which I’m still working on) and what different brushes will do.
No shame. No blame. Just layers and layers of learning.
Pretty soon there will be so many layers that it will seem to be a level 3 canvas!
Contemporary astrological glyphs. (Who knew???)
The dry, scrubby brush things that bring streaks of light – and life – to whatever you’re painting.
More dots. More glazes.
And all of it, layer by layer, teeming with new life out of old stuff that might not have worked or has given it’s obvious gifts.
It works for writing, too.
And soup, in a different, way less germ-y sort of way.
It also works for trying new things, bringing me face to face with proof that I’ve been building this life all my life.
This is what I wish for my girls. And our world.
And for you, new COW and Muse sisters, and all of you just finding your way into the magical realms of Intentional Creativity or quilting or apple pie or music or quantum physics.
If, perhaps, you are a painter, get yourself a practice canvas. Possibly one that you have that just has never clicked. Or maybe a new one. (Michael’s is having a big sale!) Pick a size that feels friendly. Even one like mine that you can hold like a sketchbook if you need to.
Paint an intention on it, for it is a real part of your journey. And then just play with a couple of layers of color and glaze. Make friends with it.
And when your garden, of whatever sort, needs a bit of a boost, turn to it for energy.
It will help you bloom!!!
ps…. if you’re intrigued but not sure you’re a painter, check out https://events.intentionalcreativityfoundation.org/red-thread-guide/ for information on becoming a Red Thread Circle guide… class starting really soon!!!