The Upside of Potholes

 

Spirit Birds

Birds appear in much of my work.  As I ponder the unconscious appearance of them, I realize that they represent something very personal in relation to  the association of spirit found in Jungian thought.  If you have ever held a bird in your hands, then you've had an intimate experience of how very fragile they are.  At a time in human history when our basic daily needs are taken care of, the bird is a symbol of daily survival and struggle.  Their quick movements and instant flight provide them with the evolutionary tools needed for making it another day.  Like our human spirits that are met each day with a multiplicity of threats which must be transcended, the bird rests lightly, highly alert in the moment ready to carry on with it's task at hand if the situation allows.  If not, then it flies away, as quickly and as certain as time moves forward.  

Leading with the Heart

My yoga practice informs my work and during some practices in my home studio I get a clear message. This morning it was about leading with the heart in the postures and how when you do this, your head is always in the right place. It's not an over-exaggerated opening but a subtle outward lift. This translates into life off the mat in many ways. Often times we are in polar places, either closed off to what is happening or overly empathetic to the point where we can't see clearly. There is a middle way, a way of clarity with the heart leading openly and the head in perfect position. This is where the left brain and the right brain meet to solve problems and create solutions whether we are making art or writing a brief or balancing our checkbooks.

holding your own heart

The work I posted is a piece called "My bright shiny new striped heart". Making things started as a way to connect with myself when I was beginning an inward journey a few years back. Over time, I begin to share and sell my work which has opened up a new adventure, one that is now filled with connecting with people and connecting people with each other. Many of my mixed media pieces are bought and given as gifts which feels so amazing to me....that something I made with my hands and heart exists as a form of communication between two others. When I create something, my hope is that there is something deeply authentic about the result. It is important to me to make things that have a particular feeling about them...something that the world didn't know it was missing.