- Published on
Let Me Keep My Distance
Let Me Keep My Distance
oil on paper
13.5 x 19 inches
This item is unframed.
(click on the image to purchase)
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
"Look!" and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads. - MARY OLIVER
oil on paper
13.5 x 19 inches
This item is unframed.
(click on the image to purchase)
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
"Look!" and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads. - MARY OLIVER
It is becoming a habit to mindfully curate whose voices (actual voices, words, images, songs) I allow into my little world.
Somehow it feels extra critical right now to keep tabs on what gets in, then sniff out and banish what isn't helpful.
Somehow it feels extra critical right now to keep tabs on what gets in, then sniff out and banish what isn't helpful.
I like to think there is an ejector seat button right here at my fingertips - and I use it liberally. Mute? Yep. Block? No problem. Delete? Yes please. Invite? Carefully. Accept? With caution. The rain barrel of my psyche is close to full with all the things it can handle with grace. And I know all too well what happens when that barrel overflows - it ain't pretty.
I've noticed many of us asking "how do I?" with respect to the world situation (and how that situation trickles or pours or floods into our towns and neighborhoods). Perhaps it is different for each of us, what works and what does not. Here is one article I found helpful: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260312-nine-tips-to-help-you-cope-during-turbulent-times .
I'd love to know what is working (and what isn't) in your world, dear readers - maybe our combined compassion and kindness can come up with a plan?
I've noticed many of us asking "how do I?" with respect to the world situation (and how that situation trickles or pours or floods into our towns and neighborhoods). Perhaps it is different for each of us, what works and what does not. Here is one article I found helpful: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260312-nine-tips-to-help-you-cope-during-turbulent-times .
I'd love to know what is working (and what isn't) in your world, dear readers - maybe our combined compassion and kindness can come up with a plan?
About the art: beginning with a gesso'd sheet of printer paper (the kind used by artists, not copier paper) I roughed in a basic composition with a brush laden with thinned oil paint. Darks added next to refine the composition (ourside-in) and then the colors on the inner sections (inside-out). Lots of drying time. Then layers (and layers and layers) of progressively thicker oil paint. I used a palette knife to add texture to the rocks, the water, and the sky, and a rounded stiff-bristled brush to define the clouds. A mysterious landscape from a place I've never been, but might want to hide in from the wild, wild world.
For those who prefer to listen and watch the weekly blog, here is a YouTube video just for you! :)
The key here for me is to figure out what MY distance is in real time throughout each day. Might be I need to create a significant distance, might be I need to close a distance. I've become much more mindful in recent months after recognizing I needed to STOP and pull WAY back from SO MANY things so I could get my bearings again. Once I did that, I reduced what I'll call interference or noise enough to be able to pay attention in a useful way, to recognize the information my body was signaling me and then respond to my needs. MUCH better.
I like the mysterious-landscape-from-a-place-I've-never-been feel to this piece. It keeps pulling me in to "figure out the mystery" and then releasing me into a yummy space of not needing to know!
Thank you for your feedback on the painting - it is yummy indeed to not need to know exactly where or what something is!
The painting is magical. Thanks as always for the peak into your process!
Carl
Thanks so much for your feedbacl on the art! Yahoo! xo
For me I try and find ways to help my community. I think it gives me a sense of clarity. I need frequent reminders to be grateful for what is good in my world. Others are struggling with so much for the things we take for granted everyday. Is the world harsh and terrible right now- sure is! But many folks don’t have a roof over their heads or food. Our basics. It helps with perspective. 💕
Grace is hard for me to come by these days. I breathe and listen to the birds.
Grace is indeed a rare commodity right now! Breathing and birds (those spring bird songs! OMG! Squeeeeeee!) is a lovely recipe for soothing. oxoxoxo
Have you ever been to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas?
It's a corker. Thanks for your posts.
Love your piece! Brooding on the bottom but full of light at the top!
Thanks for loving the art and seeing both the brooding and the light! xoxo