Gosh it's been way too long, again, that I've sat down and wrote a blog entry. I'm not sure why, maybe it's the fact that creating these days has been basically non-existent...at least on a canvas, although certainly not in my mind. But....here's one happening that I am so excited to tell you about.
(That's me below, extremely happy to be in the Wellsville Arts Center)
When I was in my old home town of Wellsville, NY, someone told me about this creative arts center, this place and time spent there became one of the highlights of my trip. It had coffee, and art. Who wouldn't love that!! Well, as I meandered through the place, my eye was immediately drawn to this locally made pottery that was made by one of the people that are part of the center. I fell in love. But, there was only one beautiful, sea foam/blue green plate for sale...and I soooo badly wanted at least 4 to bless my table with. One thing led to another, and after a few months of hoping to somehow, someway, obtain a few more plates, the potter contacted me with a brilliant plan...an art exchange!! Now, I am frugal, probably to a fault, so this idea of trading my art for hers, sang a beautiful melody!!
My hometown hasn't changed much. The beautiful old buildings are still there, some have changed names, but most have kept their charm. And of course, those cars are not the same ones that ran those streets.
After a few weeks of patiently waiting, (ok, not so patient at times), my beautiful new pottery plates arrived on my doorstep, I opened the box with so much anticipation, shed a tear when I saw them and then placed them on my cozy little barn wood table.
They were home. I grow more in love with them everyday.
And just look at those cute flowers...they are sooo me!!
My dear art exchange friend blessed me
beyond measure.
Now it was my turn to create a masterpiece (lol, I hardly do that, but I do try and paint something of beauty, and from my heart). I pondered, knowing I wanted to do something calm, something that would would be pleasing to the beholder. So after choosing, again, my favorite color for the background, I set to work, letting my hands and mind be led by the one who gave me this gift. I thought about flowers, and vintage "ephemera" and strong stones (a similar idea I saw lovingly painted on another piece),
and three simple words...
"I AM HOME"
Little did I know, but those three little words were what spoke volumes to my new friend, something that her soul desperately needed to hear. I could go on about that, but I don't want to share too much of what was seemingly shared in confidence.
But, this to me, was all worth this experience...
to have a recipient of my work say it spoke to them to the core.
THIS is why I paint.
This is why I love creating, to bring something to someone, something lovely.
"Wildflower Dance" was done on a pine cupboard door with paint, paper, ephemera, and bees wax...and created with much love.
