quote

"Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing process of growth, renewal and transformation in our lives."
~Mary Ann Brussat

Matisse

I came across a quote by Henri Matisse who stated that his "aim was to create a calm and luxurious art that would soothe and please, and offer peace from everyday life." As I thought about his paintings and collages, I wondered if I had ever felt this way when I had looked at any of them. It made me want to learn more about his creative process, especially as I am discovering my own. I thought about how I might want people to experience my work and I wondered if anyone else had thought much about this. Right now I am in a place where I am trying to figure this out. I feel so fresh and raw, yet more alive than I have ever been. Every day is a gift that I am trying to embrace. I now understand how how people say that "their art is their life," as I try to use every moment to inform my work. I am eperiencing my work for the first time and I can only hope that one day I will reach the full clarity that Matisse did in his lifetime.

sowing seeds

Thank you all for being so brave in sharing all the ways that you do or don't make time for yourselves. It was very inspiring and I could see the comonalities that we share. I make time for myself by writing in my journal, walking and exploring the most amazing State Park down here called, Bluff Point. In addition to this I have learned to appreciate working in my garden in a more mindful way. It wasn’t easy to leave my beloved NH cottage garden to move to a house that didn’t have anything growing other than grass. Realizing how important the energy of a garden was to me as well as trying to embrace my new home, I planted several small gardens started mostly from seeds. This was very gratifying for me, as I had never had much luck with seeds in the past. I am now enjoying bright, laughing zinnias, punchy nasturtiums, shy morning glories and giant sunflowers. They have become my friends here in much the same way that my flowers were at the “magical cottage.” These new gardens have become a necessary ritual in my life. What changed for me I realized was that I now make the time each day to truly ENJOY my garden. It has become a place for me to think and meditate in a way. I am not annoyed and overwhelmed by the weeds and the watering that I once was. As I slow down each day I try to appreciate nature’s gift to me. I am in constant awe by each of the flowers tenacity and humbled by their presence. Seeing how much each plant has grown and stretched in such a short time has given me a deeper awareness of the changes and life around me. I am connected to my garden on a deeper level and have realized things about myself in the process.

One of the things that I have learned is that things grow at their own pace and cannot be rushed. Within my own newly formed studio practice I am constantly questioning what I am doing and why I keep coming back to particular themes and ideas. Like my plants, some ideas have taken deeper roots than others and I constantly question why that is. This week I am wondering what ideas you have or haven’t allowed to take root. What is important to you? Could you express that in some way? What suggestions do you have for others who don’t have any idea where to start? Are their any books, poets, artists, magazines, or exhibits that have helped you in some way that you could share? Can you commit to some small movement for yourself this week? Would you feel comfortable sharing it?

Some ideas: Buy yourself a new pen, journal or art supplies. Set a gentle time and place for yourself, even if it is just going to get a cup of coffee at a café. Put your inner critic to bed for fifteen minutes once this week. Give yourself permission to make a mistake. Find something in nature to observe. Notice your surroundings in a new way.

I would like you all to know how deeply moved and motivated I have been by all of your posts. I want you to know that I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such creative souls and that you have given me so many things to consider as we continue our dialog. It can be very isolating working on our own sometimes and I truly appreciate all of your brave and giving contributions. Much love, Laura

Beginning thoughts...

Hello everyone and welcome to "The Artful Garden" and the beginning of our conversation. As was mentioned in the invitation I am going to use a question as a framework for our conversation. My goal is that eventually you will have your own thoughts and questions that lead our discussion into new terrain. In addition to my weekly (monday) posts I will share my learning as well as interesting quotes, observations or ideas that I come across in my graduate work. Feel free to respond to these as well if you like. Feedback is always welcome. This week I am wondering how many of you make time for yourself during the week? What are the things that you like to do and how do you find the time? If you don't find the time, what keeps your from that? What would you like to do for yourself that you don't?