Joyous Moments of Cosmic Recognition

I can almost hear the question being asked.  What are joyous moments of cosmic recognition?  It is that amazing day or time where everything goes your way.  It can also be an experience that even when things are not quite going your way, everything works out and often leaves you in a better place than where you were before.

In the sixth book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there is a potion called “Felix Felicis” or  “Liquid Luck.”  Harry has been given a task by Dumbledore, to get a memory from Professor Horace Slughorn.  Harry had been trying for weeks to get alone with Professor Slughorn to ask him for this memory to no avail.  He had won a vial of the potion “Felix Felicis” in a competition during potions class.  One day in desperation, Harry drinks the potion.  Ron and Hermione urge Harry to go see Professor Slughorn.  Harry, under the influence of the potion, decides that he needs to go see Hagrid.  It is through his visit to Hagrid that he is able to talk to Professor Slughorn and convince him that this particular memory is necessary in the fight against Lord Voldemort.  Professor Slughorn gives this memory to Harry and in turn, Harry gives it to Dumbledore completing his task.

In my creativity classes we call this synchronicity.  The definition of synchronicity is the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.  When connecting with your creativity, you may notice that there are things that you need to continue your creative work.  You may need a teacher or individuals to collaborate with.  You may need a new job or a space for a studio.  Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.

One of my first experiences with synchronicity had to do with a search for a very specific type of paper for a series of collage pieces I was trying to complete.  I needed a very specific red hue of paper that had poppies on it.  I have a lot of paper in my studio and I went through every single piece looking for the right poppy paper.  But I didn’t find anything even remotely close.  This was at a time in my life when I didn’t have a lot of extra money.  And as you may know, art supplies are not cheap.  I went through and collected the change at the bottom of my purse and found a forgotten five dollar bill.  With luck may be I would find a sheet or two of poppy paper.  I left my studio and went to Michaels.  I thought to myself, “why not check out the clearance section?”  In the clearance section was 2 pads of poppy paper that was the exact colour I needed.  And I had enough money to purchase them both.  Which I did and I finished the series of collages.  Synchronicity!

Art series featuring the poppy paper

These moments can also manifest themselves in what I would consider to be a perfect day.  The featured image for this blog post is a leaf on the window of my car.  I captured this photo on what I would call a day as close to perfection as possible.  It was in October 2022.  I had contacted my friend, Faith and we were meeting at a spot along the Flathead river to do a bit of plein air painting.  We had mango smoothies from City Brew.  (Mango smoothies are like drinking liquid sunshine, in my humble opinion.)  The colours were changing and the river bank was a riot of every fall hue.  It was warm but not hot.  I finished one canvas and got a good start on a second one.  I enjoyed the time spent with my friend, sunlight on my face, time doing something I love and being out in nature.  It was the perfect day.

When you trust the creative process and are open to positive possibilities, no matter where they take you, anything can happen.  You may be surprised at all of the amazing opportunities that open up before you.

Starting Something New

In the movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” there is a scene where Harry is teaching other witches and wizards about defense against the dark arts.  He tells them that every great witch and wizard started where they were, that they had been students.  Every great witch and wizard had to learn.  It is only through practice and mistakes that the students will become great too.

Think about this concept for a minute.  Do you remember when you were learning to walk?  Toddlers are called toddlers for a reason.  They don’t have the best balance and often toddle over.  They are learning how to keep their balance and put one foot in front of the other.

Think about how you learn new things.  Where do you start?  Some things are easier to learn with a group or in a class.  Sometimes it is easier to learn things on our own through trial and error.  Some skills are best learned from one-on-one instruction by an individual who has mastered a particular art.  Sometimes you can read a book and figure out how to do something.  Another way to learn may be by watching a video.  What I am trying to say is that there are lots of ways to learn things and we all have unique learning styles.

I have been teaching art and creativity classes for almost 20 years now.  Every couple years, I encounter an individual who after their very first experience painting, drawing, etc. give up because whatever they were working on did not turn out like what they had pictured in their mind.

As an artist who has worked on her art for over 20 years, I can tell you that the finished artwork rarely looks like the image you first had in your head.  Usually, the finished piece is way BETTER!  Better than you could have possibly imagined.

That kind of better doesn’t happen with your first canvas, watercolour or drawing.  It takes time and practice.  I have entire sketch books of awful, marginal and just okay.  I didn’t think of them as awful, marginal or just okay at the time I made them.  I thought they were pretty good or at the very least a start of something that could be good.  But when I compare them to what I can do now after years and years of practice, the improvement is quite noticeable.

“Have no fear of perfection – You’ll never reach it.” -Salvador Dali

Go ahead and imagine.  But be prepared that things may not turn out the way you imagined.  There is a distinct possibility that things will be different.  An even better possibility that you will do even better than you imagined.  Have faith and let the creative process work its magic.

Featured image courtesy of pixiby.com.

Joy of Reading

I Opened a Book by Julia Donaldson

“I opened a book and in I strode.

Now nobody can find me.

I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,

My town and my world behind me.

I’m wearing the cloak,

I’ve slipped on the ring,

I’ve swallowed the magic potion.

I’ve fought the dragon, dined with a King

And lived in a bottomless ocean.

I opened a book and made some friends.

I shared their tears and laughter

And followed their road with its bumps and bends

To the happily ever after.

I finished my book and out I came.

The cloak can no longer hide me.

My chair and my house are just the same,

But I have a book inside me.”

The previous poem “I Opened a Book” by Julia Donaldson captures the joys and delights of reading.

A friend and I were talking about reading the book “Alice in Wonderland.”  Although it had been at least fifteen years since I had read it and longer than that for my friend, we both were struck by the story.  Despite the years since we had read the book, it remained memorable to both of us.

Take a moment to think back to a book that you have read that captured your imagination.  How long has it been since you read it?  Was it fiction?  Non-fiction?  Do you read lots of books or once in awhile?

I have many favorite books by many favorite authors.  Some books I have read multiple times.  Some only once.  Many are fiction.  But I enjoy non-fiction books about adventure, travel and certain historic time periods. 

Do you prefer cozy murder mysteries? Maybe you enjoy fantastic adventures with hobbits, dwarves and elves? Reading about robots and all other future possibilities found in Science Fiction. Do romances make your heart go pitter-pat? Or is it horrific monsters, ghosts and terrifying tales? You may prefer Historic novels about people and places from the past. Whatever types of book you like to read, be sure to make time for reading.

There are some serious benefits of reading for pleasure:

• Stress management by increasing enjoyment and relaxation.
• Good for your brain and cognitive development.
• Improves concentration.
• Enhances vocabulary.
• Increases reading and writing skills.
• and, improves memory.

I hope that you have time today to read something you like, at least for a little while. Enjoy a creative escape.

Blank Canvas

“It is so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas.”  Paul Cezanne

Every artist and creative person understands Paul Cezanne’s quote about the blank canvas.  What can I paint?  What does my artwork say?  How can I explore this subject in a way that feels new and fresh to me?  These questions can be asked by any creative person: writer, dancer, poet, chef, musician, weaver, photographer, etc.

The creative block in the quote does not necessarily relate only to canvas.  The month of January has been a challenging blank canvas for me.  The art classes I am teaching start in a couple weeks and I did not want my classes to be the same as they were before.  All month I poured over previous lessons, new art books and supplies in fierce determination to make my classes even better.

Last night at 8:30 p.m., I felt like I accomplished my goal for all of the classes.  I think my students will learn new and interesting techniques, try new art supplies, and learn fun facts.  But I couldn’t have gotten to that point without facing my blank canvas. 

To all artists and creatives feeling the challenge of the blank canvas, you will make it through.  It is only through facing our blank canvas moments that we become stronger, better artists.

Between the Folds

I recently watched the documentary “Between the Folds” from filmmaker Vanessa Gould.  When I reserved the film I knew it was about Origami.  What I was not prepared for was how much more than just Origami this film is about.

The documentary was released in 2008 and runs for 55 minutes.  Less than an hour long, this film is full of interesting information and beautiful images.  Like the origami polar bear above.  

Archival footage of Akira Yoshizawa shows the grandmaster of origami working on his art.  He is credited with the elevation of origami from a craft to a living art.  Akira estimated in 1989, that he had created more than 50,000 models of which only a few hundred designs were presented as diagrams in his 18 books.

The film talks to artists about the fine art of origami.  One of the artists makes the paper that he uses for his origami creations.  Others talk about the evolution of the art over time and their inspiration.  This documentary features the following notable origami artists: Erik Demaine, Martin Demaine, Tom Hull, Eric Jeisel, Satoshi Kamiya and Robert J. Long.

“Between the Folds” talks about how the art of origami inspires teachers and helps their students with mathematical challenges and creative solutions.  Several very cool math teachers, who use origami in their class rooms were featured in the documentary as well. 

One portion of the film that I found incredible and fascinating, was how the art of origami enabled scientists to solve problems not only in mathematics but other areas of science like physics and medicine. 

Between the Folds was given the Peabody Award in 2010.  An award that I feel it greatly deserved.

An amazing illustration of creativity over vast areas of the human experience, I highly recommend the documentary “Between the Folds.” 

4 Seasons of Haikus for Poetry Month

mountains silent, still

what was white is now pale pink

the winter sunset

the earth awakens

gentle rains, warm spring sunshine

flowers are blooming

summer at the lake

endless blue – sky and water

mountains peeking through

silently dancing,

whirling, twirling all around

leaves fall to the ground

2020 – Haiku May #7

Inside the sculpture

Circle of shadow and light

Framing the blue sky

 

*Artwork in featured image is from the Sculpture titled Vascular form V, “Orientation” by Foon Sham at the Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer, Minnesota.

2020 – Haiku March #9

A face peers at me

Carved on a wooden staircase

Ancient ancestor?

Cake Box Books

I got the idea to try making Cake Box Books from Esther K. Smith in her delightful and informative book, How to Make Books.  If you are interested in the art of book making, I highly recommend this book.  The instructions are laid out logically and come with illustrated diagrams.  There are a wide range of books to try for every book making skill and interest level.

Another delightful aspect to this book is the commentary and stories included with the  description and instructions for each book.  The following is from the section on the Cake Box Book:

“I began seeing box covers sewn into books in 2000.  At a time when high craft and the preciousness of artist books seemed like the macramé of the nineties, these frank, simple, funny books were fresh and unpretentious.  I have not thrown a box away since, and they are piling up.  I like cake-mix boxes especially, with their tempting serving suggestions and glistening frosted cake slices, but you can use any box that is about the size of a hardcover book.”  -Esther K. Smith

   

The first Cake Box Book I made was not neat and elegant.  I was so worried that if I didn’t have lots of holes for sewing the spine into the cover that the book would fall apart.  I didn’t trust the instructions or my abilities.  I ended up making a lot more work for myself.  It turns out that four holes recommended by Esther K. Smith are the perfect amount and will align and hold the codexes (groups of pages) firmly in place.  Each Cake Box Book I made, the process became easier.  It was through trial and error that I got to a point where I began to trust my abilities.

In fact the process has become fun for me.  I have learned to relax and enjoy the creative process that it takes to make a Cake Box Book.

There are many creative processes.  It doesn’t matter what you are trying to learn: creating a Cake Box Book, painting with acrylic paint, sewing an apron, baking a cake, riding a bike, knitting a sweater, making paper, playing the piano….  We all start as beginners.  We learn through trying things.  Some of it works.  Sometimes it doesn’t.  It is only through practice and experimentation that we become comfortable with the process.  Once we become comfortable, we can have fun with the process.

I challenge you to learn something that you have wanted to do.  It may require taking a class, doing research, reading a book, finding someone to teach you.  Whatever it is, take the time to learn and become comfortable with the creative process.

Risk = Growth = Rewards

All of the artwork featured in this blog post was created by students of the Art Sampler class that I taught in the fall of 2019 at Flathead Valley Community College.  The paintings are pallet knife paintings.  Two of the students had previous painting experience but not painting with acrylic paint.  None of the students had painted using a palette knife before.

Painted by Amy Kanewischer

In college, I took a class on American women’s history.  The class started with the  colonization of the original 13 colonies.  It focused on women who settled in the north (the area of what is now Massachusetts) and women in the southern colonies. 

The women who settled in the north were primarily wives and daughters.  They arrived with their husbands and fathers.  As long as they stayed within the confines of society and family these women had comfortable lives and very little risk.  

The women who settled in the south were wives and daughters also.  But most of the women who settled in the south went as indentured servants (their voyage is paid for by a third party [usually farmer or landowner in the southern colonies] and then they had to work for a certain amount of time to pay off the debt).  Once the debt was released, they were free.  They could buy land, start businesses, etc.  These women faced huge risks but if they survived the rewards were big and they had the opportunity to make choices for themselves.

One could argue that settling in the original thirteen colonies was a huge risk in and of itself.  And they would be right.  Some parts of those colonies were wilder and riskier than others.

The bonus question on the exam for this portion of the class asked where we would live if given a choice?  Would we live in relative safety of the civilized north?  Or would we live in the wild south?  We had to explain our reasons for why we made our choice.  I chose the south because if I could survive, I would earn my freedom and the ability to make decisions for myself.  There were only two of us in a class of 20 who chose settling in the south or greater risk for greater rewards.

“If you risk nothing, then you risk everything.” -Geena Davis

Where is all this talk of risk going?  Creativity is about risk.  I was talking to a friend recently about how the images in the sketchbooks doesn’t always turn out like the finished piece of artwork.  That the artwork is often better than expected.  Creating a piece of artwork, writing a poem or a novel, acting in a play, taking a photo, any and all creative pursuits are about risk.

Think about it like this, if everyone only listened to the music of Mozart it would get pretty boring after awhile.  But there is a lot more than the music of Mozart to listen to.  There is rap, jazz, blues, polkas, chants, rock, pop, etc.  You get the idea.  Here is the important part to remember the next time a song that you like comes on, the artist who wrote that song and the artist who is singing it (it may be the same person) had to take risks to get that music on the radio.  They had to have faith in their creative choices.  They had to be willing to grow creatively to reach the rewards.

Painted by Judy Territo

Speaking of creative choices.  My friend Samantha was at a point where she needed more business cards.  When she went to reorder ones like she already had, they didn’t have that design any more.  Samantha felt that she was at a crossroads.  She had branded herself with the old design.  Did she want to keep the old images?  Could she still keep her brand and create new and exciting business cards?

Samantha chose to take a risk.  She created new business cards, using new images and her original business name.  And the new business cards turned out beautiful.  So beautiful that Samantha ordered a banner with the same design.

Painted by Diane Whited

Teaching art classes can be a challenge.  Teaching often forces me to grow as an artist and an individual.  As an art teacher, I take risks in teaching my students.  There is standard techniques that one can teach over and over to each class.  And teachers often do this to make sure that their students learn the basics.  But teachers can take the time to really get to know their students and tailor the class around the skills and abilities of the students.  It is these subtle additions that really makes the difference from an okay class to an amazing one.  I decided to teach the acrylic technique of palette knife painting with this group of students because I knew it would be a positive challenge for them.  My taking a risk, helped my students grow and the reward was to see the amazing artwork they produced. 

Painted by Arnold Kanewischer

Just because you take a creative risk does not mean that you will not have anxiety and fear.  Part of taking a risk is learning how to manage the fear and anxiety that comes with it.  Not every risk you take will produce a reward.  Some risks will turn into creative disasters.  That is okay.  There is opportunity to learn from failure and that is one of the ways in which we grow.  That growth helps us reach future rewards.

What do you need to do today to take that next creative step?  What risk will help you grow regardless of success or failure?  How can going further with your art and creativity provide you with an opportunity to learn and challenge yourself?  What reward are you seeking? 

Remember risk causes growth.  Growth helps one reach rewards.  Risk = Growth = Rewards