THE ARTFUL GARDEN

"The Artful Garden" is a metaphor suggesting how we can sow seeds of creative ideas. Gardens start with small seeds, much like ideas and art. They both need to be fed, nurtured and loved in order to thrive. This "garden" is a safe place to be both inspired and inspiring to others. It is a way to share who you are and promote forward movement within your life. A way to realize that you are not alone. Please join our "conversation" any time by posting your thoughts, questions and ideas in the comment section of
"the garden."



Sunday, November 11, 2007

gentle movement (11)



"I am realizing that I am enough as is--a work in progress. I have looked at the love that surrounds me...the new love and hidden love, and desired love but something changes when I slowly turn my love towards myself. That's when life becomes vividly full color. I can see the life in me. I can stop hiding my freckles. I can look deeply into my own eyes, and high up into the branches of the trees. I can become myself...."


~Sabrina Ward Harrison

4 comments:

Danielle said...

Happy Sunday! I just came in from enjoying the morning outside. I have a new patio set that I love, and now is the best time in AZ to really enjoy the outdoors. I had coffee and breakfast outside and read the paper.
Yesterday my sister and I went for a hike. I had been wanting to for so long, but didn't have anyone to go with. It was a great hike and my goal for this week is to go for another hike next weekend. I will do the same mountain, but explore some other trails. I also want to get a guidebook for AZ plants so that I can identify some of the cacti and other plans while I am out. I also spent some time reading out by my pool today, and plan to go for a walk or a bike ride later. My goals are not so much artistic in the sense of drawing and painting, but to find new ways to learn about my new home and myself. I really enjoy reading what other people are doing to explore themselves as well and I hope to gather more ideas for myself.
Have a great week!

Laura said...

Hello everyone~
Thinking about Danielle’s goals and how she wrote, “My goals are not so much artistic in the sense of drawing and painting, but to find new ways to learn about my new home and myself". From my understanding of art what Danielle described is exactly what artists have tried to express throughout history. Aren't we all trying to find deeper meaning and understanding of ourselves and how we relate to the world? I think that our culture has a preconceived view of what art is and that it is often perceived as being something that is made to be on view "within the four white walls" of a gallery. This leads many artists to wonder where they fit, including me. I wondered what your perceptions of art were or how you thought our culture views art.

Tomasen said...

Danielle, as I am thrown into the depths of too much to do...I am reminded that I need to get back out there and get one more hike in before it snows! This fall has just been insane with opportunities that I have HAD to take advantage of!! It leaves me excited, professionally, but somewhat depleted artistically.
Laura, for me, art is a place that I go within myself. Or perhaps that is what it feels like to "be" artistic.
As far as society, yes, I do believe there are many preconceived notions about what it is and what it is not. You are an artist...there is no doubt about that! I am artistic, but would not go so far as to call myself an artist. In my mind artists can at least draw well!! I am a writer and for me that is a form of artistry. One that I am more comfortable with! Ultimately it does not matter what labels we use as much as it matters that we know where to find that creative spirit that lives within us! Right?
I am so preoccupied. I am going to New York City for the NCTE (Eglish) conference. I am leaving this afternoon and I can't wait to see a show and get to the Klimt exhibit as well...as long as we can make time! I love the city and am excited to experience a bit of time away from all of the craziness that lives here!!

Laura said...

Tomasen~
I will be excited to hear about your trip. I am jealous that you will see the Klimt exhibit. I have never seen on original in person and have always wished to do so. Cheers! Laura