Simplicity

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” – John Meada    

Making the decision to simplify our lives is the first cornerstone to actually starting the process. It is definitely a process and not something that we expect to complete as a task in one day. Creating a complicated, even stressful life took probably years to build.  But there is hope. If simplicity is what you desire that is half the battle. It is important to note that in a frenetic state of mind our concentration suffers. We are running around making mistakes, wasting energy and not really thinking clearly. Slowing down your thoughts and actions or simplifying is actually more productive because you will regain composure and be able to prioritize what needs to be done first. When we take time to breathe it replenishes our thoughts, reduces stress, and we see the big picture more clearly. As a result we get more accomplished in less time. If you make the decision to simplify, and commit to it, incredible things will happen.

Explore your possibilities…..

Reflection on 2011

Creativity has certainly been present in my life and my art during the past year. As the year comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities I was able to have. While observing my work I see a lot of feelings and emotions integrated in the colors weaving through the canvas. The hue of my life has been exposed in the temperature and contrast of these paintings.

In reflecting on this year's accomplishments a great thrill was seeing my work exhibited at two notable venues in New York City. This had been a dream-come-true for me and seeing that dream become a reality was truly inspiring. My artistic soul was strengthened - my passion for creation renewed. Several of my works were and continue to be displayed in many beautiful local Southern California art galleries, corporate offices and restaurants.

I share my work with you for the purpose of reflecting on the past and launching ahead into the future...

My artistic intentions for the coming year are:

• To continue to convey life's transformations in my art.
• That my art will inspire others to express their experience.
• That our relationship encourages you to explore your own creativity.
• That your creative spirit is abundant and present.
• That the coming year brings you fulfillment and joy.

I invite you to create your own intentions for the New Year and share them with me as I have shared mine. May the New Year bring you abundance, confidence, power, peace, balance and serenity. May 2012 bring joy to all areas of your life!

One With the Art

We live in a world of busy people. We have so much "to do" and yet we never get it all done. Art gives us the opportunity to step into another world and make a connection with another reality. When I paint, I listen to music and let go of all of the cares and worries of the day. I step into my creative reality. In that reality there is no right or wrong. There is no blueprint for what there is to be done. I don't even have a plan. I am at play. Just in the space between the brush, paint, and the canvas. There is a whole Universe in that space, one of freedom, play, and fun. You are dancing with the moment, one with the source of creativity. I sometimes feel like I'm not really even present. What if the brush and the paint are in fact dancing with the canvas to the music and I am merely the observer? I do not know what the painting is going to look like until it has dried. I am perhaps only the facilitator, the medium through which the creative process has chosen to express itself. When I talk to people who are looking at my work and they tell me all the different things they see in the painting, I am always fascinated by the creative ideas that are invoked by my work. For some reason I still claim it as "My Work" even though I am not really sure that the person I know myself to be is really there.

The Art of the Subconscious

I always think it is so interesting how the subconscious mind will reveal itself through ones creativity. I find what tends to flow out from me will sometimes emulate those artists whose work I have always admired. Although this is not a deliberate attempt to copy, I find that some of my work will in ways resemble or at least have the same feeling as some of the masters that I have been able to see in museums around the world. It might be a color scheme or even just vibe that is coming from the painting that will spark a memory of something else I have seen.

If you are an artist, take a look at your work and see where your subconscious created an evocation of other paintings you love. Perhaps we are somehow all connected in the spirit of creativity that inhabits every artist and art lover.

Creativity is the Access to the Soul

Creativity is the access to the center of the soul. When I paint, I connect with my feelings and let the canvas and the paint interact with them to develop into the creation of expression. I have no idea what is going to be exposed in this process. To get into the space, I set up my canvas and paint. Then I turn on the music and go into meditation.

As I proceed in this process, I see no right or wrong. I have no judgment in what I am doing. It has taken me years of training and releasing to achieve this state of being where I can work with no plan and create with no judgment. I am so grateful for this ability and so blessed to have accessed this gift.

It is as if I am just part of the creative process. I am an instrument that serves this process to unfold its expression. I take no credit. I am as the canvas or the brush - merely part of what is necessary to get the job done. It could not happen without me, but it could not happen without the paint either. Therefore, I am but one of the equal elements used to create the painting.

Art is created to provoke creativity in others. My paintings are designed to provoke the creativity in the viewer. When someone looks at one of my paintings and sees an image, such as a tree, or an angel, or a fire, then I have gotten my job done. I have sparked the light of creativity in another. That flame has jumped from my soul to the canvas through the eye of the viewer to the mind of the viewer and out into the world through their expression. Now there is more creativity expressed in the world. That is what we were put here on earth to do. To create, to recreate, to procreate and expand the human race into a loving caring family.

Art is the access to love and human connection. We have been charged with the duty of transforming the world through our various media. We have the responsibility to express our joy and love thorough our art. Through that expression we grow closer together and we attract the world to our doors. Through that attraction to our doors we bring peace and harmony to the world. That is the duty and responsibility of the artist.