Just Paint
by Sarah
When I was in my early twenties I got really excited about the idea of painting watercolour covers for all my cassette tapes. Dozens of tape cases and a few paintings in my journals later, I set the paints aside recognizing that i had no great talent or skill in this particular art form.
Here’s the catch: I really enjoyed it.
And yet I set it aside. I allowed my thinking brain, my inner judge, to bring an end to an activity that had brought me great delight.
Now, almost twenty years later, I am painting again. This time on canvas with acrylics. While dancing. Yes, I am dancing and painting! My dear friend Sybille offers a Dance Your Painting workshop. Once a week we gather in circle and she shares our theme for the morning, exploring the energy of each of the 7 chakras. She guides us into movement and so it begins.
There is no need to stand puzzled before a blank canvas or to come with a brilliant artistic inspiration. My thinking brain is set aside and as I dance, the images come to me. When I am ready I pick up the brush and begin. My paintings are filled with strong colours, swirls and curves. Each time I feel stuck or begin to Think, Analyze or Judge, my hips begin to sway to the music and I set down the brushes to allow myself to simply feel the painting.
“Don’t try to paint what you feel. Feel and paint.”
- Michelle Cassou
My days are full and the to do list is long. Once a week all this is set aside. The movement, the colour, the unknown of what each dance and canvas will bring. I am enchanted.
Now for the truly brave moment – here are a few of my works of art for your viewing pleasure! Grab some wine, crackers and cheese and enjoy my very first gallery opening…
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Thanks so much for sharing this Sarah. Very brave of you! I started painting this past November when I went to Ghost Ranch; it was all that I wanted to do in my spare time besides walk in the stunning landscape. When everyone else was taking off to the nearest spa for some “me” time I was thrilled to find that when I tuned into my belly it was roaring for more painting!
Since then I’ve been trying to do it daily, but that has not been quite the reality. Nevertheless, it is something that I keep coming back to. I’ve tried different approaches and the thing that seems to best awaken in me the pure pleasure that you talk about is when I just splash the paint on and make the act of painting itself a dance. In this mode I feel most free, most surprised by what emerges.
Next on my list of things to try is to make a huge canvas the size of a whole wall. Can’t wait!
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Those are very pretty. Glad your passion outweighed your inner critic. I am still learning to give myself permission to ski or dance or do any of the many things that I’m not good at and to trust that it’s enough to do what I like.
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Beautiful!
I just picked up watercolour supplies from Natural Pod for my daughter for Christmas. I must admit I can’t wait for the day to come so that I can have my own turn!
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you’re kidding right? this sounds like some sort of hilarious saturday night live skit. please tell me this isn’t for real.
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Sarah Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Yep, this is for real. Your comment of course sent my husband into a full reenactment of what that SNL skit might look like. You’re right, it would be hilarious. For now, however, it’s just a group of us painting and dancing for real.
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I agree with Vicki!
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Ok, now I am blushing! Thank you Vicki. It is a good reminder as well that our creativity as women takes many forms, from the meals that we weave together, the art of conversation, a handmade card for a friend, or an extraordinary outfit we create out of random somethings.
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Sarah! Beautiful, just beautiful! I am so NOT surprised however….from the outside, it seems as though you paint your way through life. Nurturing, positive, gentle and encouraging words are your medium as you paint the beauty that is your life. Thank you for sharing your ‘formal works of art’, as well as your more subtle (or not so subtle) works of art….YOU! It is an honour to know you and be a part of what you give the world!
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