Tag Archive for: spirit
It’s Elemental My Dear – For the Joy of It
When I moved to the island of Newfoundland from the prairies back in 2011, I was just as delighted by the lighthouses, jelly-bean row houses, Signal Hill, etc. as all the tourists were. I still am!
But since my art is more about what I see and sense with my eyes closed than with my eyes open, my paintings aren’t as easily marketable here.
The local and tourist markets alike really favour Newfoundland-specific art. I’ll admit, I love a lot of it too!
Sure, I tried my hand at a lighthouse that first summer. And although that painting found a good home with one of my best customers in Ontario, I quickly reverted back to my natural style.
A few years later, a gallery invited me to create a series of more tourist-friendly paintings. Since I needed the money, I gave it a go.
It didn’t work.
Within hours of starting the project, I could feel how out of alignment I’d become. I was doing it solely for the money.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with money. I welcome abundance in many forms, including the financial energy exchange that allows me to continue creating and sharing in the many ways I do. Money is a beautiful exchange of energy and appreciation that honours another’s contributions – this is true whether for art, a meal at a restaurant, or an oil change on the car.
But for me to be true to my Self, the work has to align with my purpose and passion for becoming a full-time artist.
That time, the canvases I was working on quickly reminded me, through the feelings I was experiencing, that I was off track.
Without having my heart into it, catering to the preferences of the market just didn’t work…
So I ended up saying “no, thank you” to that gallery owner’s invitation.
I Heard The Call
Then, this June, I read a call for submissions by The Heritage Shop, a social enterprise of the non-profit Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
They wanted Newfoundland-inspired artwork for an exhibition called “Our Elements”.
I got tingles down my spine, an intuitive sign to pay attention.
I LOVE honouring the elements!
Being so connected to the elements on this island is a big part of why I love living here.
So I dove deep into one of my beloved painting marathons and “It’s Elemental” was born.
The title is a play on Sherlock Holmes’ “It’s elementary, my dear Watson” … as I heard “It’s elemental, my dear Dominique” when I recognized the natural fit!
The 5 Elements
So here you have it: a painting that catered to the tourist market this summer and fulfilled me as an artist.
“It’s Elemental” celebrates the strength of our connection to the elemental energies here on The Rock (nickname for the island of Newfoundland).
Using the vivid colours associated with the 4 elements, it features layers of universal symbolism (the triangles and more stylized symbols underneath) as well as local symbolism for the first 4 elements:
- Earth: Cabot Tower on Signal Hill, our most famous landmark built on 550 million-year-old rock overlooking the harbour in St. John’s.
- Fire: beach campfires are such a part of life here
- Water: a Newfoundland dory boat honouring a rich tradition of cod-fishing
- Air: Newfoundland is said to be the foggiest place on earth
The final glass bead layer with carved spirals represent the 5th element – aether / Spirit. As a melding of all 4 elements, glass plays with the light and vibration of the painting’s colours and symbolism to create energy in motion – the Spirit of Newfoundland & Labrador.
It’s Elemental
12″ x 36″
Acrylics & glass bead on canvas.
SOLD
Stop Horsing Around!
“Mindfulness” from the Connection Collection
When preparing my photography choices for my new e-shop print galleries, I was reminded of a wonderful weekend I spent in the Horse, Spirit and Play workshop at the Ravenheart Farms Equine-Assisted Learning Centre and Retreat in Saskatchewan.
I’ll admit, I’m a personal growth workshop junkie. I’ve taken so many and now teach some of my own.
I believe self-awareness is a great tool for navigating through life in a more unconditionally loving way, and I’m open to exploring new ways to achieve that.
Animals are Great Teachers
My training as a professional dog-trainer and behaviour therapist (although I wouldn’t hire me as I’ve yet to share my home with a dog) taught me as much about myself as it did about dogs.
For example, I learned that as a lifetime dog lover, I used to approach them in the park with such overpowering joy mixed with neediness that it was sometimes too much for them. I hate to think that I might have approached dating in the same way at one time…
If you’re not sure what I mean, take a look at this scene from the Celestine Prophecy movie. It has stayed with me for years. I try not to be this way – with people or animals, but the reminders are always good. I may not actually see energy like some folks I know, but I certainly sense it.
If you’re into energy and haven’t seen “The Celestine Prophecy” or read the book, I recommend it.
Horse, Spirit & Play Retreat
Horses have been much less humanized than some of our household pets. They’re more authentic in a way.
During this Horses, Spirit and Play workshop, we never actually got on the horses. We learned to be with them. We learned how our energy impacted them.
This was not about horsing around!
Were we coming on too strong? Were we trying to manipulate them? Were we respectful of their space and subtle communication? Did they mirror our fears? Were we in the present moment authentically?
“Horses help us bring focus and attention to the present moment. Engaging with horses requires clear and consistent communication. Horses pick up on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and they respond to these when we interact with them. Therefore, with the help of an equine assisted learning facilitator, being with horses can help us understand ourselves better and gain valuable insights inspiring change.” Carol Marriot, Ravenheart Farms
Horse Photography
“Miracles” from the Connection Collection
I took a lot of photographs when I wasn’t participating in the Horses, Spirit and Play workshop. These three were part of the Connection Collection no longer available in my shop.
At the top is a layered photograph of Sugar, a Quarter Horse/Paint mare, and her tail. This is Lacey, a Welsh Pony mare, superimposed with a sunset shot also taken on Ravenheart Farms. The wall preview below is of Raven, the namesake for the farm. I photographed this wise Welsh Cob and then the sky above it, combining them in Photoshop.
Your Turn
There are so many ways to connect to our essence – to re-learn to how to be real. In a way, it’s an unlearning of the protective and reactive emotions and behaviours we’ve taken on in our lifetimes.
What kind of workshop do you enjoy? Which images remind you of such experiences? Feel free to comment below.
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