Most recently I have been encouraged by friends and family to get back to painting, which I have kind of let slide lately. You may have seen some of my tree series in my "my work" section of this site. I have been working on developing a technique for painting trees, trying to make them look and feel a bit more organic. And was really feeling like I was making progress and as so frequently happens, work and life kind of got in the way.
As I wander back into the world of acrylics with a little boot in the butt via my friend Laura, I am feeling that spark of creative inspiration creeping back into my world. I was nervous after not having painted for a while and yet, I fired up the "mighty brush" and brushed the remnants of chalk pastels dusting my easel and went to town as I dove in on a 30"x40" canvas and cut loose. Adding a little metallic and some muted tones, I felt like I was getting back in the groove again, and felt, once again, at home with a paintbrush within my grip. Today, I finished the work, perhaps only to dabble back at it, as I find little nooks that need a bit extra finesse.
Creating this piece was instrumental for me to getting back to more artistic endeavors. In the industry of creating artwork for others, it becomes more and more difficult to create for the sake of wanting something completely original, something that you have complete creative freedom. And while that kind of freedom has the outward appeal of being ideal, sometimes it is a bit overwhelming. Going back to my love of trees, and this new technique, was a bit like coming home.
Lately, I have been struggling with a few things, trying to find focus and direction. And through examining the things that drive me; design, writing, painting, photography, sculpting, baking, etc. I think I have come to a greater appreciation that, like the tree in my works, I am complex. With branches intertwining, reaching in many directions, some with many facets and others more strong and true. Perhaps, that breadth is a natural organic thing. Reaching out in new directions, to new heights, covering more ground, growing and becoming a stronger and creating a more creative and fulfilling life.
While many of my favorite trees are asymmetrical, and perhaps a bit weathered by the wind, they still must embody a certain balance, a perception of interest with that underlying sense of stability. How is this different from your life? I think it very much mirrors what many of us have been searching for. Balance between work, family, interests, love, community. This has been the struggle of many families around the world, how to live a fulfilling life, while creating that delicate balance with obligation. Obligation to family, employers, and to yourself.
That balance won't come without cost. As much as we would like to "do it all" sometimes that just isn't possible, but perhaps you can still branch out in different directions, but doing so with caution to not over-commit. Attempt to be honest with yourself and others as to what is possible. First and foremost nourish your core, your trunk and your roots, that which create that stability in your life. From there, let your branches stretch outward and upward, not focusing too much energy in any one direction, but allow yourself to branch out in several directions with balance. Allowing yourself to flourish and to grow.
What can you do today to spread your branches, and to grow?