Richard Stine ‘A Romantic Enters the World’
I am naively optimistic. I usually jump into situations without a lot a data or research or even thought. I’d much rather start adventures on a hunch, gut feel, intuition. I believe in myself. I believe there is always a path to success with creativity, hard work and hopefully some intelligence! Also, I’m willing to experience the infrequent lows that accompany failure. When I do fail, I look for the lessons and silver lining. I realize in reading the introduction to art history, that my relationship to art is based in this same naiveté. Our home is very colorful with visual art and textures that appeal to my intuitive desire to create a backdrop for a joyful family dynamic. It all seems to work although I lack the technical reasons why.
Painting In Grandmother's Time 1876 by Thomas Eakins (1844-1916)
I am part of my past and my past is part of me; both generationally and individualistically. I know my ancestors by the journals they wrote. As such, I have learned that I persevere the same way my great-great-great-grandmother did. I desire the same things my great-great-grandmother did. I cook using the same family recipes my great-grandmother used. I love the same way my Grandmother loved. I have the same insecurities my mother has. And even though I tried not to, I made many of the same mistakes my “mothers” before me made. Several traits connect us, especially our desire and/or need to make things from scratch. If I had the time, I'd love to make my own yarn. But then I have to learn how to raise the sheep, sheer and spin the wool. Come to think of it, maybe I'll put that on my list right after building a chicken coup!
Mosaic Heart – Artist: Laurel True
The corners of my heart carry traces of the sorrows that come from losses and regrets. The fullness of my heart is filled with the joy that comes from finding and honoring my divine nature as a creator and nurturer. The language of my heart is found in its silence and stillness. Like the countless experiences that have contributed to who I am, the Mosaic Heart is made is made of countless little pieces. Each mosaic piece has corners, some with rough edges. Individually the tiles are less meaningful than the collection, the order, the combination. Together in its whole I see whimsey and fun. But there are shadows and a dark corner . . . where the stillness lays.
Photograph
Artist Unknown
I love being outside. I enjoy hiking and backpacking through nature. This photo reminds me of hiking in the Sierra when I pause at to take it all in. It is like having your eyes tickled. In each backpacking trip, I encounter a point wherein I am faced with the decision to turn back or go forward. My fears cause me to contemplate a return without finishing the loop. My insecurities and my confidences combined cause me to keep moving forward. And I always learn something!
The Angel Fairy by Tom Sullivan
I like the symbol of angels. My angels are whimsical and playful. This is a picture of 'Angel Fairy' I commissioned for my 40th birthday. She presides over my garden and wards off all evil. Unfortunately, she is powerless over deer, rabbits and squirrels which often reap the bounty of my efforts. I like the idea of repurposing old stuff, finding new ways to use old things. I relate quite personally to that concept. I find myself evolving and repurposing as I transition into life’s phases.
