Happy Easter

daffodills from Joy

       No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. - Hal Borland

Zia and Grandma Ann

    Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. - Rilke

Our niece Zia

Uncle Michael

I had always planned to make a large painting of the early spring, when the first leaves are at the bottom of the trees, and they seem to float in space in a wonderful way. But the arrival of spring can't be done in one picture.

 - David Hockney

 

Uncle Jonathon, Pappa and Zia

I am going to try to pay attention to the spring.
I am going to look around at all the flowers, and            look up at the hectic trees.

I am going to close my eyes and listen.
- Anne Lamott

It is so small a thing to have enjoyed the sun, to have lived light in the spring, to have loved, to have thought, to have done. - Matthew Arnold

Creativity Takes Courage

I just read the most beautiful book called "Swan Thieves" by Elizabeth Kostova. I highly recommend it. The writing is gorgeous and it draws you into a world of art and painting, artists and relationships, mental illness and love.

After I finished reading I went to several websites to look at famous paintings, some of which inspired the book. When was the last time you walked through a museum? Spent some time taking in the magic of art? I know I'm overdue!

This led to looking up quotes on art. I know that for me, when I sit down to write or sketch I have doubts about my abilities which often lead to self judgement and anxiety about even putting the pen or brush to paper. I've read that it is very common to stifle our creativity with fears and doubts, judgements and comparisons. 

We must remember that creative expression in itself is enough! It need not be perfect. It's a beautiful way to channel something inside that wants to come out, whether it be writing, drawing, painting, gardening, building, cooking, dancing and so on.

Here are some quotes that are wonderful reminders. Little messages of encouragement to simply let go and express yourself!

“Every artist was first an amateur” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Creativity takes courage” Henri Matisse
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Thomas Merton

“When I say artist I mean the one who is building things … some with a brush – some with a shovel – some choose a pen.” ~Jackson Pollock

“The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while the art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art.” ~Junot Diaz

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

“To draw, you must close your eyes and sing” ~Pablo Picasso

Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make. Good. Art.” ~Neil Gaiman

“Personality is everything in art and poetry.” ~Goethe

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” ~E.B. White

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. ”
- Camille Pissarro