December has been a blur of events small and large, good and challenging, planned and surprising. I try to deal with them when they pop up and feel as if I don’t have enough time to give them the thoughtfulness that they deserve. It’s been hard to keep my head on straight. So here’s a lesson I just re-learned about paying attention and trusting the process.
Yesterday, I was rushing past a little sculptural assemblage sitting on the worktable that was almost ready for the Art League Members Gallery show when it looked at me and stopped me in my tracks. It had been trying to get my attention for a month. It just wasn’t right.
“Yo,” it said. “My head does not belong here. It’s too big, too cramped, too complicated. – look around.” So I did, and right beside it, waiting patiently, was this rather imperfect head.
“Seriously?” I said. “Yep,” they both said. So I got out the strong snips and proceeded to do the deed. Gulp. Yikes.
The new head slipped into easily place. I could hear its sigh of relief. It’s just right – rustic, poignant, plain, endearing.
The other head has not found its place yet, but it’s not worried. It will. It’s happily trying out new bodies.
These small studio stories always cheer me up and remind me how deeply we are connected with the art we make. We do indeed trust the process, but our artwork also trusts us to pay attention to it and do what’s right.
I am so looking forward to 2023 – lots of new things happening, and with any luck, I can keep my head on straight and appreciate it all! See you in the new year!
Such a delicate sweet face. I LOVE the hands too! I can’t wait to see the finished piece!!!
Thank you, Cindy!!
Actually, I like both heads! Each one brings a unique spirit to the art piece.
I know – it’s always a good exercise deciding why one is more “right” – 🙂
This is beautiful, Lyn and such an important reminder to listen to the soul of our art!
Patsy, what a perfect reply – thank you for understanding!
Thank you for the reminder. Your work continues to just simply…make me smile.. and inspires me to dig deeper.
Oh, Sue – we are so simpatico – ♥
I love the way you right- walking through your thoughtful actions.
Thank you, Ilna!!
I love the way you write- walking through your thoughtful actions.
Love it! Love both faces. Happy new year!
Happy new year, Katie – it should be a wonderful new adventure for you!
Surely, Lyn, every piece you’ve ever put your hand to is blessed with its very own personality, voice and mission! Thanks so much for sharing that conversation. We could all benefit by including more pauses and listenings in our lives
Gloria, you are so thoughtful – thanks!!
It is always fun to listen to our art pieces. The do talk to us and if we listen it usually helps solve a problem. I love to listen when I am creating.
I love what you do and I like the new head better also.
May you have a healthy, happy, blessed New Year!
Happy New Year, Ann – grateful for your friendship!
Brilliant explanation of the process!
You do the same thing, Alice – 🙂
Lyn, I so love your posts & often your stories are “just right” for where I am. My December was also a mixed bag & I am working hard to count every blessing & learn every lesson that presents itself. As Dave Berry said about 2022, “It could have been worse”. Hi , we only had 2 days without running water…
Here’s to many good things to come in 2023.
I hope ’23 is a spectacular year for you, Connie!
Your posts inspire me with the Art, honesty & telling of process. Thank you Lyn. All Blessings surround you in 2023.
Mairim – how lovely – thank you. I hope this new year is wonderful for you as well.
Wow! I thought the piece was perfect as it was…and then when you added the new head-OMGosh! Truly it did belong there and I swear it looks so contented and happy!
Thank you for this lesson, I need to walk away more, come back and listen,,,
Many blessing to you in the new year Lyn!
Thanks, Jackie – isn’t it fun working with art and thinking about artful things??
Thank you so much for your blog! I really miss it when you don’t post very often…it really brightens my day! Am taking the Kimono class online and loving every minute of it…I love all your work!!
Deborah, thanks – one of new new year’s resolutions is to try to write more often. It honestly helps me sort out my thoughts. I so appreciate you. So glad you like the kimono class!
♥
Happy New Year Dearest Lyn-
Both heads are wonderful!
Here’s to all of us to live a blessed, inspired, charmed life this year.