Sunday, April 12, 2015

the awakening

Hello peeps of the world...
Finally, the snow here is beginning to melt
and i feel an energy within
that i haven't felt in months.
So YAY!
I never found winters difficult
but I must say this one was a little heavy.
I haven't felt like myself in a while
for several reasons - 
let's just say the weather and the job
are 2 of those reasons.
So i'm quite happy to see
that little river of water on the road.
Other than the weather improving,
what's even MORE exciting
is that my 9 to 5 contract ends on May 12th,
so I get to be myself again
and find a way to express this 
compressed creativity
i feel inside.
To all the artists out there
who have full time jobs that are not so creative,
i'm sure you understand.
Working full time
means far less energy for the fun stuff.
It means more frustration.
It means our minds are preoccupied
with something other than art 
for at least 8 hours a day,
and although the idea of making art
after a day at work sounds wonderful...
my mind (and more importantly, my heart!)
are not always in the right place.
I am often just too tired.
But making art to me (and to you?)
is as important as breathing,
so it's not like we can just say,
"oh well. We'll do it in 6 months"...
But as you can see in the above painting -
mama bear is beginning to awaken.
So i'm surrounding myself
with inspiring books and words
and i'm spending as much time
outside as I can.
Being in nature always makes me feel better.
Here are two of the books
I keep near my table
for little snippets of inspiration.

These little books may be small in size,
but don't let that fool you.
So much to offer...

I painted this a few weeks ago
but didn't feel brave enough to share it.
I'm feeling brave enough now. 
...and I can't wait to give this book
the time it deserves.
I've always loved handwritten letters,
and letters written from artists - well,
what's not to love?
The lips of Frida Kahlo.
These books are such gems
because not only is the reader part of the intimacy,
but I feel like we learn so much
about the person writing the letter
and there is always so much to learn
about one another, don't you think?
And it's always so reassuring to me
that I'm not crazy
and that someone in 1875 felt 
exactly the same way I did
about art and life.
Or maybe we're just both crazy?
Either way, I'm not alone.
giggle...
Love this.
I just do.
Hugs to all of you.
Especially those of you who really need it.
xx

8 comments:

  1. I might say something like, "seek the god within you!!" Then again...there it is on the page...in bold print and gorgeous lines and colours!! Just another way of thinking that's all!! Love this genuine post jam packed with everything that is Pauline!! You are always an inspiration... I just added Austin to my instagram last night... I always adore his quotes...I think I will get his books too!! Maybe there is a message for me!! Wishing you wonderful things to believe in, Art, Music, People!

    Hugs Giggles

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  2. May 12... I have a friend who makes a paper chain for countdowns to freedom...the delight of tearing off a day makes her pump happy juice while she walks the journey to the end... hope every day becomes brighter until May 12!:-) Both portraits, so different in technique, are strong and striking. Love the quote about not leaving or longings unattended!!

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  3. Pauline your art and words are always touching, thanks for all you share and happy Spring to you when it does pop in your way, soon now! xx

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  4. Inspired post! I came via Martha's 29 Faces very cool read :) Loved your portrait too!

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  5. Oh Pauline, I'm so happy for you that the end of the 9to5 days is almost near! And even the snow is going (finally!!) Looking forward to your new art pieces. I so understand how you want to make art but don't have the energy after a day's work. Love both paintings you did manage to do, and I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment...

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  6. Yay to the end of 9 to 5:) I am on a 6 month sabbatical these days and oddly enough the list of longings keeps getting longer. In fact, I am busier and happier now than when I went 'out' to work- Ha! ha!
    I LOVE your words Pauline- so so true.
    Thank you for sharing your favourite books- you are becoming my 'Oprah':) Love and hugs. xx

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  7. Dear Pauline, I love your blog for great and inspiring art and honest writing. Thank you for sharing. p.s I am reading 'Lost and found' and I love it!!!! Thank you for recommendation. I completely understand how hard is to find time to paint when body and mind are too tired for that but not much longer for you and creative time and space are coming and snow is melting. Big hugs to you!
    http://agagasiniak.blogspot.co.uk

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