It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
~ Mary Oliver
Creativity and wellness message for today: Be open to silence.
Another foot of snow fell in the night. This early morning photograph reminds me of the quote by Leonardo da Vinci: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Creativity and wellness message for today: Be in the moment and enjoy what is.
Many years ago, my intuitive friend Linda used to decide what to wear by asking her clothes closet, “Who wants to play?” Linda, a grounded and professional social worker, professor and humor specialist, was convinced that her rainbow of blouses, pants and scarfs responded.
Yesterday, I was unexpectedly asked to submit a piece of art to a university at which I had been a faculty member. Their Gallery of Contemporary Art is having a 20th year anniversary. Speaking with the gallery director brought back fond memories of working together and of academia and university teaching.
As a creative individual, I have morphed myself into many satisfying careers since teaching art and design. My walls are still adorned with artworks of my own creation and others are in international collections. My professional life now is as a writer, educator, designer and community liaison, not as a fine artist. As I descended the basement stairs, thinking about which artwork, in storage, I might choose, spanning my long and varied career, I decided to use Linda’s technique, “Who wants to play?” To my delight a small gem-like piece chimed up. I would have walked right past it, on the way to where I store my larger artworks. I imagine that many hours later I would still be looking for the right piece to represent me and my career. I would have tripped over my own ego in the selection process.
The voice of my diminutive, glimmering artwork was so happy, and frankly so immediate and clear, I could not ignore it. As I lifted my painting, the texture of nubby canvas reminded me that life can be easy, playful, intuitive. I smiled all the way up the stairs.
Creativity and wellness message for today: Let your intuitive voice guide you. Ask an inanimate object, “Who wants to play?” and see where your life leads you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Greetings again, I hope you all had a good summer. Mine was full of work and play, coupled with casual sunsets on the beach with friends. As you know, I took some things off my plate, like posting entries to my Creativity and Wellness Blog. Crafting so(u)l space helped me come back energized.
On my early morning walk today, I remembered a favorite potter of mine, Diane Heart. I’ve been buying her pottery for many years. She has a wonderful studio on Cape Cod. Even though I didn’t make it to the Cape this summer, I think of her fondly, every time I use one of her finely-crafted and artistic bowl, mug, or vase. Many years ago when I was still in my corporate, highly structured professional life, I visited Diane’s studio. Inhaling the scent of beach rose, sea grass and salt water, I read her tiny, ceramic front door sign: Open 10ish – 5ish. Before I set one sandy foot in her shop, I was delighted, mesmerized and envious! Her simple sign showed me that it was possible to have flexibility and still be a professional.
Twenty-five years later, her vision continues to inspire me. After sitting at my desk this morning, and opening the computer, the first thing I did was Google “Diane Heart Pottery.” Sure enough, there she was, and sure enough . . . her hours are the same.
Creativity and wellness message for today: Try flexibility on for size, it might be just the inspiration you need.
P.S. I’ll be writing and posting this blog: Once-a-week-ish.