As we begin the new year, I find myself sorting, organizing and cleaning my studio. This process allows me to put in order, make sense, review, envision, compile, release and play with what is available to me creatively. I have such abundance available to my creative self, as an art facilitator I have an abundance of supplies, gadgets, art materials, papers and paints for people to experiment, explore and play with creatively. So this is my legacy for others and my inner child.
Yesterday I dropped a box of wonderful collage images, and since they were all disheveled and bent after falling and being picked up, I began to sort them according to color themes. Several years ago I was gifted by an ex student, who was a collage artist, Gloria Zuppa, of all her collage materials, since she was experiencing health difficulties that made her decide to let go of her collage supplies. She thought that I would be the one person who could share these wonderful images with many other people. Whenever I go through the images I am dumbfounded, struck by the wealth of imagery she gifted me, and hence others with. The patience, time and care that went into cutting and choosing them, is mind boggling. So this is a heartfelt thanks to Gloria, and her creative gift.
“I will not be just a tourist in the world of images, just watching images passing by which I cannot live in, make love to, possess as permanent sources of joy and ecstasy.”
Anais Nin
My inner child delights in the gift as well, as I continue to use many of the images in my own artmaking. What a delight.
So today, I have invited a few of my women friends over to spend the afternoon making art around the new year...to play, experiment, setting intentions, work on something in process or just visit. I get to share my art supplies, spend time with my friends, as well as do art in community. All of these things delight and nurture my inner child, which is one of my intentions for the new year.
May all your days be filled with joy and nurturance!
Happy New Year!
Buon Anno!
"The source and center
of all man's creative power. .
. is his power of making images,
or the power of imagination.”
Albert Camus
