Artists spend a good deal of time looking, observing, noticing patterns, tuning into nature's rhythm and investigating mysteries fueled by their insatiable curiosity. Essentially, this is highly developed child's play.  I wish everyone granted themselves more time to play and really enjoy the world. Life would be a lot less stressful for all of us.


Inspiration, or a muse, is generally easy to come by.  I love looking at tree tops and examining them leaf by leaf until my attention turns to the squirrels scattering up and down the trunks after one another.  Then, getting lost in the intricate pattern of the tree trunk, wondering how many rings may be below the craggy outer surface.  Who else sat under this tree and what was their life like? All while enjoying the feeling of sitting still and absorbing the warmth of the sun.  This is my meditation.  Allowing myself to be entertained by nature.  How great is that?


But the actual making of the artwork that follows takes much more energy.  That information needs to simmer and shift and find its settling place in my brain until the image comes into focus in my head.  Once settled, its time to sketch.  I draw out the image in my head, marking where important elements of the image will be  placed.  I must do this hurriedly because as soon as I focus on the details, the image in my head dissipates. Then I'm left alone with just the scratchy drawing on paper.  


Now I have to interpret what I think I saw and react to the marks I already made on the paper surface.  The image on the surface must take on its own form. Shapes must engage with the edges of the paper and color placement needs to force the eyes to bounce around the surface, in and out of spaces.  In order to be a successful artwork, you must understand why this preserved moment is important and deserving of your attention.  I want you to see and feel each leaf and blade of grass with the same focus and meditation.


I hope you make time to play today. 

Teachers are so incredibly important to our society. I would gladly pay more taxes if it meant that teachers got the pay and hours they deserve. I spent 14 years on the sidelines watching what teachers have to deal with daily. They sacrifice so much of themselves, their salary, and time with their family. We are truly blessed that there are people on this earth that care that deeply about children and education.