Blog
8/19/2017 8:25:03 AM
In my last blog I said I was going to try to capture "hope" in a painting. Trying to determine what hope looks like was a flood of possibilities, but to my surprise the reoccurring image that kept coming to mind was the Peacock. This surprised me...but I painted it anyway.
I've spent a few days trying to figure out why this represents hope in my mind. My conclusion is hope lies in one's potential. In the instance of the Peacock--they aren't a particularly useful bird. They can be noisy, messy, and no one eats them...but when they display their plumage it is a walking masterpiece!
I'm still processing the comparison to humans. What is my best visual display of my potential? I'm going to contemplate that for awhile.
I'm now working on a painting for my friends at work--it is in the "Campus Crypto" collection. With the solar eclipse coming up very soon we have been hearing about possible sightings of Lizard Man. So I'm giving him a whirl! I've had a hard time getting a good visual reference for Lizard Man...so it is a bit challenging.
Enjoy your weekend!
8/14/2017 8:47:24 PM
This past week I completed two paintings--Imperial Moth and Reflections. While the second painting is of one of my favorite birds, the Sandpiper, I entitled it "Reflections."
This Monday I find my self reflecting over the events of the past weekend in Charlottesville with a surreal feeling somewhere between disbelief, disgust, and profound sadness. I believe we should all give thought to who we are and how our reflection appears. Do we like image we see? Does the image truly reflect the person inside? Is the reflection an accurate portrayal of our true self?
I reflect on more simple times. A period of time where we weren't that different than our neighbors regardless of race, religious affiliations, or other preferences we might have. A person was simply judged by the goodness of their heart, their integrity, and their love for others. WE actually enjoyed our differences. Politics were part of democracy, but didn't divide us, define us, or inflame emotions. We were tolerant of one another and tried to understand a persons views rather than condemn them. An opposing view was just that an opposing view--not a confirmation of ignorance, immorality, or a dividing barrier. If we didn't agree, we sought compromise. We spoke kind words, greeted strangers with a smile, and genuinely cared for others.
Clearly those days are lost. Whether protester or counter protester...whether chosen weapons are guns, concrete filled soda cans, or hate-filled words...is there hope? What does "hope" look like? This week I'm going to focus on hope and try to paint a picture that captures even a glimmer.
I encourage everyone--please step above all political ideologies...fly to the "light" like the beautiful Imperial Moth. We must replace the negative energy that surrounds us with positive through acts of love, kindness, tolerance, and respect. Arrogance and self-righteousness must be replaced with humility and tolerance. Above all--we must "love one another."
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for the shall be called children of God."
Jesus Christ
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
Buddha
"The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified and God will be in them."
Swami Vivekanda, Hindu
8/4/2017 7:03:14 PM
Nothing says comfort like a handmade quilt....each stitch lovely placed.
My mother was an avid quilter! She learned the craft from her grandmother and aunt as a child. "Back in the day" every scrap of fabric-- whether old clothes, fabric remnants, or flour sacks were used. In our old family quilts many small pieces are actually tiny pieces of fabric stitched together...nothing went to waste. The quilts were cherished, patterns shared, and the quality of stitching a sign of mastery.
The quilts served the obvious purpose of keeping loved ones warm, but I believe the warmth actually occurred from the inside out. I remember snuggling under one of mom's quilts when I was sick, scared of the dark (...still am), or enjoying a wonderful nights sleep. The common denominator for all....comfort.
As children we spent many happy hours looking at the quilt blocks reflecting--"this came from my dress....this one was Grandma's...I helped Mom cut these pieces...these are my stitches." One of my favorite quilts is a small Log Cabin quilt she made for my son. Within her delicate, nearly perfects stitches are enormous, random stitches where she let him help her sew. Mom used every opportunity to help us grow, to give us confidence, and share her special love. I remember our trip to a spooky bed and breakfast that seemed a bit like a funeral home. My son was not pleased to be there! At bed time he reached into his back pack, pulled out the quilt he had packed himself, and said "I'll be ok...I've got Nanny's quilt!" Clearly this brought my son great comfort too!
This is a picture of my mom on her 65th birthday. She struggled a bit with this milestone birthday. We planned a party for her where we got her 65 presents---this significantly softened the blow! We also displayed many of the quilts she had made us over the years as a beautiful tribute to her...and hopefully to comfort her on her birthday. It was a very special memory for all!
I've started a new collection of paintings that I affectionately call "Mother's Quilts." My hope is these blocks can be displayed alone or in a collection and bring comfort to all who view. This first painting is called "Four Flags"...obvious how this pattern got it's name! To me, the yellow star in the center is in honor of all those who serve our country in a variety of capacities. I plan to introduce a new block from time to time.
I hope you enjoy this. I also hope you take time to reflect on what brings you comfort. Our lives are very complex--we need to find comfort in simple things and in each other!
Warmly,
Beth
