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Joy Matters

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““We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” ”
— Joseph Campbell

At times like these, it might be easy to tune into the external happenings and lose sight of the power we have to turn up the light we carry within. It is our choice to experience and create joy, even in the face of world events.

We don’t have to wait for joy to find us. Joy is something we can create for ourselves.

Why Joy Matters
Choosing joy has nothing to do with denying the chaos, struggles, and difficulties that fill the news. It is a process for shoring up our mental health, and strengthening our ability to establish greater creativity, resilience, and connection in our lives. Studies have shown that joy can:

Reduce stress and increase overall well-being. A joyful mindset helps to balance our emotions and lighten the pressure we carry.

Spark creativity. The more we engage in joyful activities, the more open we become to new ideas and inspiration.


Deepen our relationships. Joy is contagious. Our joyful demeanor effects those around us, supporting our connections with others.


Improve physical health. It’s likely to be no surprise, that joy has been linked to lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, and even increasing life expectancy.

In essence, joy is a powerful force… a supportive choice.

7 Methods of Creating More Joy in Your Life

Here are just some of the simple ways for infusing your life with more joy:

1. Be Present in the Moment.
Joy isn’t experienced in the past or the future. It is felt in the here and now. Take a deep breath, observe your surroundings, and take in this present moment.

2. Play with Your Creativity.
When was the last time you created something just for the fun of it? Any form of creative expression opens the door to joy… whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or doodling.

3. Cultivate Gratitude.
Grateful people have an overall higher level of happiness and satisfaction with their lives. They are more easily able to keep the “ups and downs” of life in perspective and look at the good, even during difficult times. (shared from 2014 Post)

4. Move Your Body.
Go for a walk. Stretch. Connect with your body through dance or yoga. Movement helps to release any tension you might be holding and brings in a greater lightness of being.

5. Connect with Others.
A shared laugh, a heartfelt conversation, or even a simple smile can not only brighten up your day, but that of others as well.

6. Surround Yourself with Beauty.
What do you find uplifting in your environment? Choose the art, music, colors, and textures that light you up. Tune into the way you feel in your space, and in the beauty of places you choose to spend time.

7. Give Joy to Others.
One of the most joy filled ways of creating joy, for yourself and for others, is to give it. A kind word, a statement of appreciation, a thoughtful gesture, or an unexpected act of kindness creates ripples of happiness.

So, what brings you joy? How might you create more moments of joy in your life?

You may also be interested in:

Creating JOY: a 30 Day Challenge
JOY is Contagious: Some Simple Moments

Joy is Contagious - Some Simple Moments

Our expressions of joy are more powerful than we realize. Joy is expansive and cannot be contained to a single individual. Expressions of joy are shared whether there is direct or indirect connection with others. Joy is carried out into the world as vibrations of positive energy.

Simple moments have the power to touch our lives, for a day or even a lifetime. One of the most common of these is the joy experienced when coming face to face with someone whose warm and genuine smile lights you up. It can happen at any time, anywhere. When your smile meets theirs, there is a genuine connection that may only last for a fleeting moment but you get to carry it with you into your day.

And how often do you find yourself engaged in brief interludes with people you happen to encounter when out and about? Those passing conversations, while waiting on the grocery checkout line, on the treadmill at the gym, or while walking downtown, are simple moments that may impact our lives and lighten our days.

Catching a Tune: One morning, as I walked from the subway to work, on the streets of NYC, I passed a man who was humming a melody. We were both walking quickly, as people do in New York, in the opposite direction from one another. I knew that tune. It was from Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. So I picked up the tune and carried it with me as I continued to the office humming the rest of the way. As I walked, I wondered how many people may have been effected by hearing my humming that morning and how many had picked it up as well, touching others with music before beginning their work day. I may have had many mornings of walking from the E Train to 57th and Madison Avenue but that is the only one that has stayed with me through the years. And I still feel a zing of joy when I am reminded of it. 

Impact of Laughter: Just recently. I was driving home and stopped at a red light. Suddenly I heard a man laughing. I smiled at the sound. Moments later I heard it again. It was coming from a nearby pickup truck with an open window. I smiled again and this time I smiled the rest of the way home… and i am smiling now at the memory of that experience.

So, how might you be impacting others with your expressions of joy? And how are you impacted by the joy of others? I believe that creating more joy in our lives, even when unseen, has a positive impact on a world that could really use it.

You have the power to spread JOY wherever you go.

You may also be interested in:

Creating JOY: a 30 Day Challenge
JOY Matters: 7 Ways to Create More Joy in Your Life

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Creating Joy - a 30 Day Challenge

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Joy is a powerful byproduct of the process of expressing our creativity and also, in creating what we want in our lives. I experience the joy of creating with words, paint, photos, food, and my imagination. I am also aware of the continuous process of creating my life... with life being the greatest canvas I have been given to work with. Each of us have that same invitation... to be an active participant in the creation of our lives.

Lately, it’s become way too easy to get caught up in the heaviness of the outside world. But in times like these, creating joy is something of a necessity for our health and wellbeing. What if, rather than feeling moved by external forces, we made a conscious effort to spend more time doing the things we love and creating opportunities to experience greater joy?

““Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.””
— Henri J.M. Nouwen

30 Days of Joy Challenge

The world can certainly use more joy. And it starts with each of us, creating it in our own lives.

I invite you to infuse your days with joy… for 30 days, one joyful act each day. It can be anything—big or small—something you enjoy, that lights you up, makes you smile, fills you with delight. Maybe even the same thing over multiple days. 

Just a few ideas: You might choose to draw, paint, play an instrument, take a walk, or hike, watch a sunset (or sunrise), dance around the house, run, sing, play a game, play with a dog, create something or anything, spend time with a friend, watch children play, read, or sit down quietly with a cup of tea.

And to get you started I have created two printable sheets… one to jot down some ideas of activities you enjoy, and the other to log your daily joyful experiences.

So… what brings you joy?

 Download the Joy Challenge Sheets
Or... just grab a notebook and start from there.
I’d love to hear if you decide to join in!
And feel free to share your experiences
of daily joy, by commenting on this post. 

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Choosing One Creative Path at a Time

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Singular Vision Fuels Creative Progress.

There is a pattern that’s become part of my creative flow — when a single idea rises above the rest, asking to be played with, explored, and developed. It’s an invitation to say yes, to fully engaging with that one path, and to let it carry me into a world of it’s creation.

For me, the combination of focus and determination assist me in being able to embrace and achieve that creative invitation. When I can hold the vision and a "must do it" attitude, I am able to maintain an interest and enthusiasm for a project from beginning to end.

I love the feeling of becoming immersed in each step of the process without becoming lost in the outcome. In other words, allowing the process to unfold while following its flow without a pre-determined notion on where it must lead. I let go of my expectations while holding the overall vision of what it could be... remaining open to the possibilities.

So as much as I have tried, I am not as successful when holding multiple goals at the same time. I must admit, a single point of focus works better for me…and with that focus I can accomplish more in less time. Trying to achieve two major creative goals has been like adding water to each and diluting both.

Historically, when I have taken on a creative project, that seems to have been asked to be born, I eat, sleep, and move through life with that developing mission. And in the process, I become open to new insights and ideas as I watch the process evolve and unfold. Everything in my internal and external worlds can ignite inspiration. These sparks help drive me forward with renewed enthusiasm as I enjoy every step of the process.

So, trying to work on any painting series along with developing a series of writings has not worked for me at all. This is why I chose to place my artwork on the back burner in order to immerse myself on the writing projects that have been calling to me. And now, with each day, I am so very grateful to have allowed myself this time and attention to the words and ideas that fill me up with joy.

How about you?
Have you ever tried to give equal energy to two diverse creative projects at once?
Did it work for you — or did one naturally take the lead?
I’d love to hear how you manage this focus. Hit reply and share your experience.

You may also be interested in:
Following Life’s Breadcrumbs
Experiencing Joy in the Unknown

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Journaling: A Tool for Transformation and Empowerment

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Do you have a journaling practice? What role does it play in your life? For me, journaling has become a gift I give myself each day, a practice that helps me gain my center, breathe, and process my thoughts and feelings. It may be a simple act of writing, but it supports me in many ways. 

Often, in the morning, I am flooded with ideas… images of paintings appear in my mind, ideas for products, blogposts, and other creative projects. This excitement and inspiration to create can be almost overwhelming at times. It leaves me wanting to take action on every one of them. Journal writing helps to calm my actively creative brain so I can digest all my choices and determine which idea is right for me now.

There is something so healing about the act of writing, whether on paper or in a digital journal. Writing helps me to focus my thoughts and to release the thoughts that serve to clutter up my mind. In addition, I am often surprised with the new ideas and solutions that present themselves during the writing process. It is truly a process of self-discovery.

There are moments when a boost of positivity and a shift in perspective is called for. That’s when journaling becomes an ideal tool for transformation. The pages of a journal can be a positive space with entries that uplift and energize. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, expressions of gratitude, and reflections on the possibilities that lie ahead, written words can fuel an enhanced outlook.

Through journaling, we can become our greatest cheerleaders. This is where writing becomes a self-affirming practice, where we can remind ourselves of our strengths, talents, and capabilities. It is a space where we can develop our belief in ourselves, boost our confidence, and empower ourselves to manage and move past any negative internal dialog.

In addition, when feeling confused or unsure of the path forward, writing has always brought me a sense of clarity and direction. By working things out through writing, solutions are uncovered, which may not have come to light in any other way.

For me, journaling is more than just a daily practice; it is a gift I give myself. I can write anything and everything that comes to mind. I can work things out and process my thoughts, feelings, ideas, and decisions. It is a space in which I empower myself, gain clarity, find the path ahead, and uncover surprising aha’s. I can say, that writing is like spending time with a supportive best friend who is always there for talking things out. 

You too can give yourself this gift and uncover the benefits for yourself. I invite you to share your experiences. I would love to hear about them.

You may also be interested in:

Trusting in Your Creative Voice
Daily Journal: Images and Words

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Beyond Labels: Embracing Your Identity as a Creator

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Have you ever stopped to consider how you define yourself, or how you would describe your identity? I have identified as an artist for more than five decades. However, I’ve been questioning the restrictions we place on ourselves with these self-definitions. Do our adopted labels hinder our progress while keeping us feeling comfortable, safe, and secure? Do they confine us to a past version of who we’ve been, while preventing exploration, growth, and the expansion we might experience?  

In the past year, I have stretched beyond my comfort zone to pursue what is now lighting me up. As a result, I have redefined myself as a creator—a broader term that encompasses a greater aspect of who I am. I have transitioned from solely identifying as an artist to embracing the essence of being a creator (or maybe more specifically, to just BEING). Creating is what I do. I express myself through paint, words, and the formation of images and ideas. And meanwhile, I am creating the life that I want. I see myself as a creative force, and you are too.

We are creative beings. It is our super power and we carry it with us through life. We can journey wherever we allow our imaginations to take us.

By adopting the mindset of a creator, we break free from the confines of labels and embrace our limitless potential. We step out of our comfort zones and explore new territories. We open ourselves up to growth and transformation. The title of creator empowers us to see beyond our perceived limitations and envision a future filled with endless possibilities.

I invite you to let go of the labels that confine you and allow yourself to be the creator that you are. Let your life be fueled by passion, inspiration, and the joy of bringing ideas to life.

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When the Sketchbook Became My Playground

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100 Day Project: Music Writing in Sketchbook

The sketchbook has played various roles in my life over the years. On some days it would hold thumbnail ideas, lists of materials and techniques to explore, or creative brainstorms. On others, it acted more as a journal, holding space for deep emotional sharing. However, it had never played an intricate part in my artistic process… until the day I found myself Music Writing. 

Music Writing on painted sketchbook page

Suddenly, the sketchbook pages became the space for fully immersing myself in the new process. It was on a sketchbook page that I first stumbled upon the Music Writing. After that, I filled page after page with this new manner of mark making.  

I started with Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, repeating it’s musical passages over and over, observing any similarities in the marks created with each repetition. I was enthralled by the process and fell in love with what I saw and experienced on every page. The process of combining art with my most cherished pieces of music, left me entranced.

Music Writing sketchbook page with paint and collage

The Music Writing was primarily developed in my sketchbooks. They became the stage for exploring, experimenting, and playing with different pieces of music, painted backgrounds, and collaged elements. Before filling a canvas with the marks related to any piece of music, I would first create a trial run on a sketchbook page (or pages). This allowed me to view how the marks might appear and the opportunity to experience the movement of my pencil in hand in response to the notes of the music.

For the first time, the sketchbook truly became my creative playground. 

You may also be interested in:

Music Writing: a Process in Progress
Power of Inspiration: How Music Fuels My Art

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Music Writing - A Process in Progress

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“Rhapsody” - the first completed painting on canvas with Music Writing.

One of the great things about being an artist is the ability to experiment with new techniques, tools, and materials. When a spark of an idea lights me up it is easy to go with the flow and play with it. I can dive right in to give it my time and attention. Often, a simple action can lead to a whole new creative direction.

That’s exactly what happened in May of 2023. I stumbled upon a new process leading to a journey of playful experimentation, and filling my heart with delight. It all began while drawing to music, directly onto a blank canvas. The objective was to create pencil marks that would express the energy of the music as a foundation for the layers of paint (with the possibility of some marks showing through).

Then a thought occurred to me… what if I tried drawing to the same music, but this time in a sketchbook instead of on canvas? By following that thread of an idea, a whole new technique presented itself. Day after day, page after page, I filled the studio with music and loaded up the sketchbook with a drawing process I refer to as, Music Writing.

Sketchbook page: Day 1 of Music Writing

So, What is Music Writing?
While listening to a piece of music, I draw marks to just about every note that’s played as if I’m writing down the music… almost like taking dictation. Over time, and a whole lot of practice, I have found that very specific marks show up again and again. It’s my own musical shorthand. This process has taken me on a passionate journey of merging art with the classical music pieces I treasure most.

“Inspired Expression” painting detail with Music Writing.

I have often thought that in a fantasy other life, I would have enjoyed conducting an orchestra. It seems like the ultimate immersive musical experience, to connect with the energy, power, and beauty of every note. Music Writing magically entered my life, providing a similar connection, one more aligned with who I am and what I do.

A Series in Development… Immersed in this exhilarating new direction, I allowed myself to embrace the experience and creative flow. Exploration and experimentation became my primary focus with the sketchbooks as my playground. 

“Fire Dance” painting detail with Music Writing.

As a series began to take shape, Music Writing covered the surface of each canvas for the initial layer, in pencil. This was followed by layers of paint inspired by the same musical composition, and allowing bits of the pencil marks to show through. Once the painting was near completion, a final layer of Music Writing added the finishing touch. 

“Symphony of Soul” painting detail with Music Writing.

After completing several paintings, I became curious about how I might incorporate cloth layers alongside the Music Writing. Since then, I have played with a variety of methods for adding cloth… although, recently I have felt a tug to return to the simplicity of using only paint and pencil on canvas.

In upcoming blogposts, I will share how the sketchbook supported me in developing this process, as well as how Music Writing showed up in my other creative projects. It quickly became clear that when any of my artwork lacked Music Writing, it felt incomplete, as if something vital was missing. 

You may also be interested in:

Power of Inspiration: How Music Fuels My Art

When the Sketchbook Became My Playground

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Power of Inspiration: How Music Fuels My Art

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What inspires you? What zings you?

Inspiration is a powerful force that sparks creativity, ignites ideas, and moves us toward meaningful action. It can lead to moments of clarity, personal growth, and unlimited possibilities. By paying attention to what excites and energizes you, you open the door to self-expression and fulfillment.

For me, inspiration has been a guiding light throughout my life, especially with music. Classical music, in particular, has been deeply intertwined with my creative journey. From childhood, it has moved me, accompanied me in the studio, and influenced multiple painting series. Nearly two years ago, music led me to an unexpected breakthrough—transforming the way I create. While drawing to music, I discovered a new process, a fresh method, and an exhilarating creative flow.

When you follow your inspiration, you tap into your true potential. It encourages you to explore new ideas, step outside your comfort zone, and cultivate a mindset of growth. Each moment of inspiration is an opportunity for self-discovery—uncovering hidden possibilities, sparking passions, and refining skills that propel you forward.

Music continues to shape my artistic expression. It carries me on emotional journeys, inspires movement, and becomes an unseen collaborator in my work. Many of my recent paintings have been directly inspired by the classical pieces that have stirred my heart for years—the ones that move me to tears, stop me in my tracks, and often show up on auto-play in my mind before I even wake up. This deep connection has influenced nearly all of my artwork over the past 21 months.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing images of my paintings, sketches, and process, as well as reflections on how music has shaped my work. In an upcoming blog post, I’ll delve into my music inspired process and more on how this journey began and has developed.


What role does music play in your life? What inspires you to create?

You may also be interested in:

Music Writing: a Process in Progress

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Art Books to Share

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Each year in January, I join the Instagram artist challenge established by Tara Leaver, 21 Days in My Art World. On Day 4 of the challenge, we share some of our favorite Art Books. It’s always a fun day to see the books other artists love and recommend. And, by the end of this day, I usually have a shopping list of books I want to buy. Today, I thought it was about time I shared some of my favorite books here on the blog. These are some of the books I have shared during the challenge in past years.

📚 Calligraphy- A Book of Contemporary Inspiration by Denise Lach. I fell in love with this gorgeous book immediately and still love spending time enjoying the many pages of inspiring images.

📚 How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael Gelb. I’m a big fan of this book and have been recommending it for many years. Besides getting more incite into Da Vinci’s world and how he worked, the book is filled with exercises and in-depth processes that have stayed with me. The book introduced me to mind mapping which I use at the beginning of each year to draw out my intentions, hopes, and focus for the year ahead.

📚 Spirit Taking Form - Making A Spiritual Practice of Making Art by Nancy Azara. Many years ago, I took an impactful workshop with Nancy. This book has some of the meditations and processes that I remember from that in-person experience, along with others that help the participant go on an internal exploration. 

📚 Artist’s Rule - nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom by Christine Valters Paintner. It combines an internal exploration of monastic practices along with art practice. I so enjoyed the experience of going through this book and created a series of paintings, inspired by each chapter.

📚 Perennial Seller, The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts by Ryan Holiday. This is not an art book but it had an impact on my art career. It was not a book I would ever have picked up on my own but when a friend encouraged me to borrow it, I decided to give it a look. As I read the Perennial Seller, it seemed to flip a switch in me and I began to view the idea of marketing my art as another creative outlet or art form.

You may also be interested in:

Promoting Creative Thinking Through Curiosity (references the Michael Gelb book)
Inspiration: Children’s Books

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Gratitude in Advance

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When I work in the studio, gratitude is an integral part of the process. I am grateful for the time and opportunity to create, for the joy and energy that come with the creative process, and for the constant flow of inspiration. You can say that gratitude is deeply rooted in the creative process, beyond the studio to the process of creating my life. 

As my life unfolds, I find myself filled with gratitude. I witness the presence of moments that spark ideas and clarify next steps. I am grateful for the beauty of synchronicities that ignite my sense of wonder and provide me with greater trust and assurance that I’m moving in the right direction on my path.

And there is the power of expressing gratitude in advance for something that does not yet exist. I have discovered that giving thanks beforehand, with energy, enthusiasm, and excitement, becomes an incredible mindset tool. Creating a daily routine of gratitude, infused with the energy of positive emotions, is a highly supportive step towards bringing you closer to what you wish to create in your life. Here are some benefits of taking this step:

  • Increases confidence in the ability to create what you want.

  • Enables a greater sense of positivity throughout the creative process

  • Fosters greater optimism 

  • Helps to override negative self talk

  • Increases a sense of trust that everything will unfold for the best

  • Makes it easier to face and overcome roadblocks

  • Strengthens belief in yourself and in the process

  • Reinforces commitment to your chosen focus

  • Heightens awareness of the many supportive gifts that seem to magically appear along the way.

By expressing gratitude in advance, we tap into the power to shape our mindset. It plays a supportive role in the creation of what our soul desires and can be quite transformational in paving the way for greater fulfillment in life.

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Following Life’s Bread Crumbs

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Our lives are filled with a series of choices. Sometimes the next step appears so very fuzzy and unsure… whether to go this way or that. Then there are those fabulous moments of clarity, when we feel a clear and definitive YES. I like to think of those moments as bread crumbs, specifically placed along our life’s journey. When we follow the nudges of our heart we are opening ourselves up to the gifts that have been placed here for us. They move us forward with experiences, lessons, and often opportunities for personal growth, joy, and delight. When we act upon a “hell yes” feeling, it is like activating a stepping stone that helps carry us more directly down our individualized path.

We take those steps with trust, not knowing where they will lead, as we follow what feels right. A path lined with clear YES’ becomes an adventure having the power to light us up and fill us with exquisite energy. Oh, what a journey it can be when we connect to the longings of our soul and travel the path set before us. It’s like an amazing and scrumptious banquet laid out before us, even if we can only see one delight at a time. And once we have partaken of the dish before us, another one appears, as if we have been gifted with the next course to delight our tastebuds with joy.

There is something magical in living life by following the guidance of our soul. That guidance shows up as longings of the heart and can feel like taps on the shoulder, spirit nudges, and tugs. And little miracles begin to show up in our lives, but the breadcrumbs themselves can be seen as miracles in themselves.

Enjoy the journey of discovery in following the bread crumbs of your own life, one step at a time, one YES at a time.

You may also be interested in:

Pondering Change: in Life and Art

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Inspiration Set in Stone

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I have often said that inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere… but I can now say that some places hold more creative offerings than others. Traveling down the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon, was just that. In every moment, anywhere I looked there were visual WOW’s.

For 16 days, there was a continuous deluge of wonders to take in… of the sights, sounds, and experiences that the river and canyon offered up. It was a journey that can’t be compared to any I have ever experienced. It has been three weeks since returning home but the river and the magnificent rock walls have not left me (and may never leave). I now carry them with me, or maybe a piece of me is still in the Canyon. 

The greatest inspiration came from the massive rock walls. There was a constant and fascinating stream of intricate formations, textures, lines, cracks, and colors to be found in the stone. Their beauty often brought me to tears.

Looking at the rocks up close was mesmerizing… the shapes and details, and how one or more types of stone would be imbedded within another. Stunning!! Everywhere I looked I found inspiration. 

Having seen the Grand Canyon from it’s river view, I don’t know if I can ever return to the rim. It would only make me long to be on the river again.

You may also be interested in:

Finding Inspiration in the Majestic Presence of Trees

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Women's Evolution Retreat Weekend

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This will be my third year at the Women’s Evolution Retreat. The first year I was a participant and last year I became one of the presenters. I’m coming back again this year with a class called, Creative Visioning - Tapping into the Power of Your Intention.

Women coming together,
creating connections,
and building community
in a safe and supportive space.

November 1st - 3rd

Join us for a weekend of play, relaxation, creativity, conversation, reflection and contemplation and leave feeling uplifted, empowered, and inspired.

The weekend includes:

  • 2 nights accommodations.

  • Delicious meals throughout the weekend
    catering to a wide variety of dietary needs.

  • Access to a variety of classes and presentations.

  • Group sharing circles and a sound bath

Click the button below to learn more about the retreat, along with the variety of workshops and presenters.

Friday to Sunday - November 1st - 3rd
in the Santa Cruz Mountains
$799 USD for shared accommodations
$899 USD for single room

Upon registering, you can choose to pay in full or save your spot with a
deposit of $399 and pay the rest later on.

AND… I’m so happy to share the wonderful article, in the Press Banner, about this retreat and a bit about why women attend retreats.

Come connect, be inspired, build new friendships and find your playfulness in the peace and calm of the redwoods!

5 Art Quotes by Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse played an impactful role in the development of art in the 20th century. He is well known for his use of color, form, and shape.

Did you know that Matisse had planned to be a lawyer and even passed the bar? He didn’t become interested in art until he was 21 years old. Using a set of oils he received from his mother, he began painting while recuperating from appendicitis. This changed the trajectory of his life. 

Here are 5 quotes attributed to Matisse:

“I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a light joyousness of springtime which never lets anyone suspect the labors it has cost me.”

“Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.”

“I don’t paint things. I only paint the difference between things.”

“An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success. etc.”

“I would like to recapture that freshness of vision which is characteristic of extreme youth when all the world is new to it.”

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Experiencing Joy in the Unknown

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For the past year, I have been in one of those special places as an artist. I’m referring to the experience of beginning something totally new and not knowing where it will lead. It’s very much like the beginning stages of falling in love and just getting to know one another. Every moment is special and you don’t know how the future will unfold but you are immersed in the delight and energy of what the relationship is right now.  

I have been in a state of wonder as I’ve explored a new process and a new way of working. It’s been exhilarating and something I’ve wanted to keep mostly private, with very little sharing, as I develop and settle into this creative flow without rushing it at all. 

And in the process of discovery, questions arise: Will any of the past creative methods overlap with the new? Is it possible for this joyful flow to end up as a short lived series or something so much more? Will this be shared more widely or will my artistic love affair remain a gift for me alone?

This is what I know: I don’t need to have any of the answers. The joy is in the process of the creative unfolding, and I have no need to rush it. It’s a journey to be present each step along this path of discovery. I’m interested in the process as it develops, not the results. Much of my delight is in the wonder of where it will take me and where I will take it. And most importantly, I’m in love with the exploration of the Creative Adventure I have found myself on.

One of the joys of creating art is to get an idea or concept and to bring it to life… to make something that was just a thought and breathe it into existence.

My Well Loved Easel

While in my studio this past week, I scanned the room, taking in all that surrounded me… paints, brushes, canvases and more. These are the things that not only fill the space but fill me up with such good feelings. Then my eyes fell on the easel, my easel, which has traveled with me through the years. It traveled cross country when I moved from New York to California, and has become a centerpiece in each studio space through the years.

I was young, not long out of college. I walked into a Salvation Army store and there before me sat the easel of my dreams. It was as if there was nothing else in the store. I held my breath when I asked how much it cost. At the time, similar easels could go for a few hundred dollars. The woman answered emphatically, “What is it!? You can have it for 15 dollars if you can get it out of here!” I paid her SO fast and although I don’t remember telling her what it was, I probably did. This was now my easel!! I had just been given an amazing gift from the Universe at a price I could easily afford!

This week was the first time since then that I began to think of the life the easel had before it became mine. It clearly had a well used history. The wood was worn and showed signs of wear. I’d like to believe it was as well loved then as it has been in all these years with me. And now I am asking myself… How and why did it find its way into a used furniture store? What happened to the artist who had it before me?… but wait! Was it even owned by an artist? It’s been so many years that I’m not sure what paint marks are mine and what was here from before me.

Here’s what I can be sure of: This easel has been loved and cherished for well over 40 years now. It is an important part of my art history and I am so very grateful to have it in my life. I am thankful to whomever chose to give it up and to the woman who didn’t know this great piece was an easel.

What has traveled with you for a good part of your life… something that shares a long history with you and is beautifully woven into the tapestry of this lifetime of yours?

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Trusting Your Creative Voice

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What an extraordinary journey it is to develop trust in our own individual creative voice and embrace the power of self expression. It puts us on the path of exploration, where we can connect with our soul to discover unique ideas and perspectives. With every decision we make and every thread of interest we follow, we are paving the way along our creative path.

Trusting in our creative voice requires letting go of self-doubt and embracing any feelings of vulnerability that may arise. It is through this surrender that we find the courage to push boundaries, explore new techniques, and uncover hidden depths within ourselves.

We all have a distinct and very individual creative vision, perspective, and point of view. It has been shaped by life experiences, family and environmental influences, and our particular exposure to people, places, and events. Our artistic expression reflects all of these factors which come together to form a tapestry of our own.

So, let your imagination take you on a journey to greater self awareness and a personal exploration of what lies within. Through the act of playful experimentation and the courage to step into creative adventures, you can build trust in how your vision shows up and where it will lead.

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My Painting Process - Part 4

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Completion Stage: Putting the Pieces Together

This stage of the process is such a delight and so fulfilling. It usually begins by laying out all of the separate elements, together, on the stretched canvas background, finalizing their placement, and sewing the cloth layers in place. Any additional text is now adhered to the painting where ever it seems to fit best.

Once all of the parts are solidly in place, the painting is ready to be made whole. In other words, it’s time to cohesify the painting. Everything has been prepared and painted in parts, and now they need to come together as one cohesive painting, rather than a collection of disjointed elements.

It’s a joyful experience that feels like starting fresh but with a structure already in place. I become lit up with ways to tweak the color here or create a shadow there, determining, “What else is needed?” “What areas to darken or lighten.” and “What alterations to make.“ I am truly in my happy place as I watch the painting transform in bits, as little alterations add to the whole. 

From inception to completion, the process of creating a painting is a joyful experience. Every part of the process has it’s gifts and delights. One of the greatest gifts is being able to be present for each of the stages, moment by moment, along the way.

This was part 4 of a 4 part series. Links to the first 3 are below.

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My Painting Process - Part 3

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The Development Stage…

The middle stages in developing a painting primarily involve adding paint, creating the text to be included, making any revisions in the prepared cloth pieces, and considering any other elements I might want to add to the painting.  

I can get lost in the joy of playing with paint on the stretched canvas… adding colors, lightening areas, darkening others, thinking of how I want the background to show up around the cloth elements. In some paintings I take my time with this painting stage, just to continue enjoying the process.

Once I feel clearer about how the cloth pieces will fit within the whole, I give them their first layer of paint. There are times I prefer the raw look, and will choose to leave them coated but unpainted. 

Although the background of stretched canvas and the layers of cloth develop separately, they keep coming together to help clarify what each one requires in order to fit within the whole. It’s during this stage when it becomes clear if the painting would be better served with a different cloth construction… and a new one is prepared.

Up until this point I’ve considered the words I’d like to include in the painting. The concept and meaning behind the painting has developed within my mind and I am ready to produce the text in different sizes and sometimes in a variety of fonts to be printed. The placement of text on the painting becomes a super enjoyable game. Since I print more text than I will use, I have a multitude of choices as I move the strips of words from place to place. Decisions on the placement of text may lead to adding new layers of cloth to house the text.

More to come. This is part 3 of a 4 part series. Links to the first 2 are below,

Next up… Completion Stage: Putting the Pieces Together - Part 4

You may also be interested in…
Before I Begin - Part 1
The Beginning Stage - Part 2