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Don't Shoot the Messenger!


When I started learning to paint, I spent a lot of time and energy analyzing what I was doing wrong. I continually focused on what was missing, how the painting wasn’t good enough. Fortunately I had mentors who encouraged me to break free of these negative thoughts and judgments. My work flourished and so did my enjoyment of the process.

Over time I have noticed that when I paint, I am completely free. As an artist, I do not ask myself: Why? When? What? Where? How?The reason I don't ask these questions is because I know the answer is always "It is perfect the way it is." That is what I love about art. No matter what it is, or where it is in the process, it is always perfect. Art is about the process every bit as much as it is about the product.

This photo is a perfect example. I could not figure out what to paint so I painted the canvas black. Before I finished I stopped, and it was perfect the way it was. With art, you never make a mistake because it is always perfect. You can do no wrong. You scratch the work and the scratch is supposed to be there. Art is always growing and changing. It has no right or wrong. No good or bad. No up or down. I love that. It gives me such freedom. I paint something, and if I don't like it, (which is not wrong because everything is perfect) I just paint over it. To live in a world where you can make no mistakes is nirvana.

I once did a painting, and while it was still wet I took it to the car to take it home. I stood it up by the car and while I was not looking, the Universe caused the paint to slide down the canvas. Upon my return my first reaction was upset (this was in my early days before wisdom set in.) Then I realized that it was perfect the way it was. That painting has become one of my most admired paintings. You never know how the masterpiece is going to emerge. You are the vehicle for the canvas to expose the painting that already exists. You are merely the messenger that facilitates the process.

So go out today and liberate your art from all right and wrong. Allow the Universe to create through you. Think of yourself as the messenger for your creative expression. And don’t shoot the messenger!

The Everywhereness of Art



Yesterday I was in the kitchen making a berry smoothie. As usual, I was on the phone, multitasking through my workday. You guessed it – I left the lid off the blender in my haste to do three things at once. Purple goo flew everywhere, including all over me. My first reaction was irritation at my own mistake. Quickly, the artist within me began to transform my interpretation of the situation, and I started admiring the colors and patterns that now adorned every surface in my kitchen.

Art is everywhere and art is anything. A canvas can appear when you least expect it. The artist must then decide to paint or not to paint.

Before I embraced the power of art, I would see a tree and think “Green Tree.” Now I look closely and marvel at the hundreds of greens that shift and change in the breeze. I see the shapes of leaves and the movement of branches. Everything is more alive now that I can appreciate the world through the context of art. A “Blue Sky” is now imbued with shades of gray, white, rose, and copper. A flower garden? Unlimited possibilities and passion. I see so many colors and I yearn to understand them. How would I re-create that red? What is that exact shade of yellow? The universe around us is the original artist, and she holds the ultimate paint box with the most diverse palette.

As I mopped up blueberry smoothie, I became uplifted instead of annoyed. The colors were inspiring, and I figured the blender was simply trying to express itself!

Allow yourself to be inspired by the everywhereness of art. In a dropped pile of papers see a collage. Celebrate the sculpture in that broken lamp. Savor the colors of your garden. You may not want to willingly remove the lid from your blender, but even when calamity happens, let your relationship with art transform each moment into personal inspiration.

Has serendipity had an impact on your art? I’d love to hear your story.

Ralph White

From the Easel of Ralph White

We all know that life has its complexities. We constantly sort through the world’s demands and possibilities, making choices as to where to focus our attention and ability. At times, the abundance of options can overwhelm us, causing us to retreat from life’s playing field.

In Maelstrom, I strive to deconstruct these challenges, to gain perspective on them as individual threads in life’s vast fabric. It is in these moments of choice that we discover possibilities. If we identify the obstacle, we can understand its purpose as part of our personal journey. For it is when we embrace the maelstrom, the perceived darker moments, that we can emerge strengthened and enlightened. Use this painting as your encouragement for jumping in, for shouldering the burden and through your soul’s perseverance finding meaning in each experience. Therein lies the victory and ultimately our reason to celebrate. Take a look at your circumstances. Now re-envision them as possibilities – let their light illuminate your path.

Want more?

Current & Upcoming Events

One-day Painting Retreat
July 12, 2008
10 am to 10 pm
Instructor: Rassouli
Mayfair Hotel, Los Angeles

Painting retreats offer the unique opportunity to gather for a extended time and not only learn about Fusionart, but share the energy of creating as a group. Join us for our inaugural one-day painting retreat at the Mayfair Hotel in Los Angeles. This unique event will combine instructor-led discussions about the creative process, Fusionart and how to open up to your inner creator. The class will include specific exercises to assist you in opening up to the creative flow. The day-long retreat includes lunch and dinner and a space to paint. Students should bring their own painting supplies.

For more info about me, my collection of work, where you can see it displayed at a gallery near you, or how you can get an original painting or limited edition print, please visit:
http://www.ralphwhite.com/
http://www.soulpossibilities.com/

To reach me:
Ralph@ralphwhite.com

To learn morn about Fusionart International, please visit:
http://www.fusionartinternational.com/

Symbolic: The Union of Creativity

Each of us has an identity, a collection of unique qualities that embodies who we are. As we go through life, we strive not only to define our own identity, but to connect with others who share our perspective. We search for moments that feel authentic and real, that speak to who we are and what we believe. We gravitate toward images and symbols that resonate with our spirit.

A symbol is a common expression of a heartfelt belief. Symbols have been passed through the ages as a way for us to impart emotions and ideas. Symbols of bravery, love, belonging, danger and passion exist all around us. They remind us of feelings, we identify with them, they center us.

In Symbolic, I speak to our recognition of ourselves as part of a greater whole. Symbolic is a reminder that our identity exists not only as uniquely ours, but as part of a shared celebration of creativity. Collective imagery is both powerful and comforting. Use this painting as a catalyst for the expression of your ideals and beliefs, and be open to the world’s affirmation of your soul.