Here we are on March 1st, and winter is still exerting full force here at home. Today, though, my morning was given the gift of the cardinal's cheerful song. What a joyful song bird and how beautiful it is to stop and listen to that sweet song. Glimpses of bright red feathers against the snow have been really scarce this season so it was lovely to savour the moment. As we welcome this March together, I wanted to share some insights into finding joy no matter what is happening around you. I realize that I find incredible satisfaction in study and peaceful pursuits like flourishing, writing, drawing and painting. But I never really understood just how deep the pathway of peace could become. As I work with my hands and concentrate on the emerging art or penmanship, I notice how deeply engrossed I can become in the process.
The outcome of the page is far less important than the process itself. I know that some of you really struggle with wondering if taking classes, study and practice are worthwhile if you are not getting the results on the page that you are hoping for. But I would encourage you to tap into the thought process itself. If possible, turn off the analytical critic and any negative thoughts that come your way try to really be part of the moment that you find yourself in. Totally immerse yourself in the process of the project rather than the final result. There is joy in the journey and I am always so excited to be working, no matter what the outcome is on the page. I sincerely hope this makes sense.
My hope is that you will be able to tap into the joy that can be found in the discovery and learning process rather than an idealized anticipation of a "masterpiece" on the page. I constantly object to the words like master, mastery or masterpiece. Even artists that I admire down through history were constantly discovering and working on their craft rather than putting a final stamp of approval on their skills. If we cultivate this continued inquisitive approach and allow the pages that emerge in front of us to be what they will be, you will find an incredible source of joy. I am continuing to study, read, practice and explore and have found such peace on this journey despite turbulent times around us. I think being able to tap into music, drawing, painting, calligraphy, knitting, embroidery, gardening, walking or anything else you can think of that brings this sense of peace will be so important right now. I have noticed there is an increase in people signing up for classes and requests for me to repeat classes. My March and April classes at Ardington are sold out but there is room in April for Floral Whispers at the Gentle Penman. I will also be giving an encore presentation of my Rinceau Borders in May as I have received some requests.
If you are interested in the encore presentation, I will update my website shortly or you can email me to let me know of your interest. The Floral Whispers class will showcase my approach to very subtle colours in coloured pencil.
I find that I really like to choose light and subdued subjects to enhance my calligraphic work. I like the gentle building up of layers of colour without having to spend multiple hours on a single subject. So if you find that you can distracted or even bored with building up layers of coloured pencil, you will be relieved to know that this particular process can be completed relatively quickly.
Coloured pencil is portable and highly accessible. There is so much to enjoy and explore. And the added benefit of having flowers on your studio desk can contribute to your sense of joy and well being.
As a florist, I know the incredible power that is hidden in the petals of each flower.
They can absolutely change your point of view and give you such a sense of appreciation for beauty. My message for March will be to notice what brings you joy as you work and continue to cultivate that process. Put aside any doubts or sense of inadequacy and celebrate your unique qualities that you have to share on the page. Let's continue to cheer each other on and bring beauty to this world. No matter how dark or cold the winter has been, the Spring is clearly ahead. Hugs all around.
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