Wednesday Art Salon

"Delila" - mixed media on canvas paper, 16" x 20"

This past Saturday, I was delighted to have a playdate with a dozen amazing girls.  I am calling them "girls" because they were playful, fun-loving, silly and sweet, all rolled into one.  So what if all of us were a bit over the elementary school age?  Our playground was Ciel Gallery's classroom, our swing-sets were paints and our climbing trees paint brushes.  It was magical.

What is the hardest part about playing for grown-ups?  For some, the absolute lack of purpose and goals.  For others, the ability to let go and have fun.  For me, tuning out my task list and inner critic is the hardest part.  Play is supposed to be, well, FUN!  Not stressful, complicated or challenging.  And yet, when we set out to play, sometimes we struggle to get going.

During the class, we all reminisced about things we did as children...clapping games, climbing trees, using our imaginations in the back yard, riding horses, roller-skating.  Things most of us no longer do.  But it was magical to watch the lightness of being which took over each girl as she talked about her childhood joys.  Merely the memory is enough to begin the fun parade in many of us.

We channeled our inner children as we painted with wild abandon.  No rules, no mistakes, no judgment.  And the results were simply stunning!  The sweetness and innocence and joy in the faces portrayed on the canvas and board were play personified.  For a few hours, we all reveled in the delight of making things just for the fun of it.

This piece, "Delila", was begun during the class and completed in my studio this week.  There is a lingering sense of play and lightheartedness even now which I plan to treasure and nurture.  If you're reading this, go out and play.  No, really!  Just for a little while.  Even now, even at this age, play is pure magic.

This piece is available, ready for framing.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com.