Life-giving project

Several weeks ago, one of the art supply sites that I frequent offered a short video on making an accordion sketchbook out of a 1/4 sheet of watercolor paper.  Just a few folds and a single cut and the paper is ready to go. Add a front and back cover. There are spaces for 6 portrait sketches on the front of the paper. When you turn it over, there are 4 portrait sketches and a double landscape sketch.

Having been 'locked down' with COVID 19 restrictions for a few months, I needed a project to help lift me out of 'funk-ness.'! 

So, I found an old watercolor painting that I cut in two and glued the pieces to mat board. I had my covers.

Then, of course, I stared at the blank pages. What would I sketch?

Many of my friends - and I - have been feeling down. How would I get myself out of this hole?

I decided to really make an effort to feel better. I looked around for sketch ideas. I needed something upbeat. I began looking for new growth... new life...and found it all around me.

The tree was trimmed and began to sprout new growth...

We have friends who have chickens...new life....

After a long winter, there is the hopeful quality of spring as the trees begin to burst out with new leaves.

I am always amazed as how a single seed can find just enough space to flourish.

And, then there are buds promising to become beautiful blossoms.

The final sketch on the first side of the book takes me back to church. (We haven't been able to be there since the virus restrictions were put in place.) But, the community and the bread and wine offer both hope and new life.

That completed one side of the book.

I turned to the other side and again stared at blank pages...

I began thinking about the things in my life that give me pleasure and bring me peace. I was on a new journey.

I began with a cairn - marking a trail, each stone having been put there honoring a significant piece of a journey.

I looked around me and there was the obvious...my sketchbook and painting supplies.

What next? I didn't have to go far, swimming helps me unwind. Being outside, being in the water and being surrounded by the pine forest.

There is nothing like digging in the dirt... my St. Francis garden brings me such pleasure. (except that the deer consider it their private smorgasbord)

The last sketch is the double page landscape. We spend so much time on our deck which overlooks Broad Creek. Want to lower you blood pressure? Just sit and look at the water...

I loved thinking about this project and then actually doing it. It did give me energy and helped me to think through where I find that energy. It helped me focus. 

And, I have a meaningful little book of sketches that I can go back to again and again. I can remember and renew...and maybe even come up with some new ideas.

My challenge to you... where do you find goodness in your life? How do you feed your soul? What brings you peace? 

Slow down, stop and take note. Be creative...draw, paint, write, sing, dance, connect with friends...just imagine a new leg of your journey.

What's going on?

Several years ago, someone sent me this quote:

"When a lot of things start going wrong all at once, 

it is to protect something big and lovely that is trying to get itself born.

This something needs for you to be distracted 

so that it can be born as perfectly as possible."

I have thought about that from time to time...sometimes I think it's a lovely idea. 

There is so much going on right now in our world. What can I find to redeem the ugliness that has presented itself? Maybe we have needed these viruses, COVID-19 and racism, to make us really stop and get it right this time. They certainly are distracting... 

I have seen hopeful signs of people helping each other, being kind, listening, feeding, trying to understand and caring for neighbors. 

What does this have to do with my artwork? Perhaps just saying it's OK to reflect and not have to produce. I've 'kept my hand in it' by doing a few pages in the accordion books. Refer to previous posts: Group Project, March 12 and Another page in the book, April 21.

I recently received two more books. 

I've been trying to look at this lockdown as a 'gift of time.' Normal life stops... reflect and look for something new. Thinking about 'time' and 'reflection' took me to my grandmother's gold pocket watch. I have photographs of her wearing this watch on a long gold chain. It is a beautiful antique keepsake. 

For the other book, I started to think about something new being born. (Actually, we have recently become great grandparents for the first time - think about something 'born as perfectly as possible.') 

A week or so ago, I was part of a discussion about new growth and we talked about how some things emerge in very challenging circumstances. How many times have we seen new growth in a crack in the sidewalk? So, the other book has a sketch of hope...and perseverance!

I've also been doing a lot of sketching of things around me... series/collections in my house. Here's a preview of my next post. A few of the vases on the shelf...

Next time, chairs, lamps, candlesticks, coffee mugs and a surprise...