We seem to be on a slight roller-coaster this year - I have changed the name of the blog yet again. While I've gone back to an art theme, this time the theme is more encompassing. It still does not solely involve painting, or spreading love. It involves my life - which under that umbrella is art, painting, love, and anything else I may come across! To my own self be true.
Last Thursday, I was attending my Zumba class, where we welcomed a new instructor who also brought her own music for us to dance to. One of the songs she had was "Flash Dance" sung by Irene Cara way back in 1983. I hadn't heard the song in like 15 years, but some of the lyrics moved me -
- First when there's nothing, but a slow glowing dream, that your fear seems to hide, deep inside your mind. All alone, I have cried, silent tears full of pride, in a world made of steel, made of stone.
- Well, I hear the music, close my eyes, feel the rhythm, wrap around, take a hold of my heart.
- What a feeling; Being's believing; I can have it all; Now I'm dancing for my life.
- Take your passion; Make it happen; Pictures come alive; You can dance right through your life.
I followed the movements of the dance while singing (not too loudly) to myself, and thoughts came to me with the lyrics. A slow glowing dream (a new painting), deep inside my mind (most definitely). I see colors - colors dancing in my life. It's my passion - pictures coming alive. It takes hold of my heart, and I'm painting for my life. Take my passion and make it happen... what a feeling!
The problem was, after the song was finished, I wanted to go straight to my studio and paint! One problem - the new gouache paints I had ordered had not arrived yet. I wouldn't have them in my possession until Friday (the next day). Later on that morning, after I arrived back home, I got into my head and started thinking, "What should I paint? How creative process should I use? What colors should I select? When would I have time to paint?" I tried with due diligence to visualize what the finished product would look like, but to no avail. Desire, need, blockage, and excuses... I was full of all of them.
Painting, or any type of art for that matter, cannot be forced. No drill instructor method for me. I have set a goal - practice painting daily on a 7"x10" sketchbook. Let the journey begin. Experts have said that in order to create a habit, you need 21 days. So, here goes nothing - creativity unleashed.
Believe it or not, painting small frees my mind. I don't have to set aside a specific time block, be it eight, six, four, or even a two hour span. The painting I did this afternoon was done in an hour. I feel exhilarated. I've begun on yet another new path. It seems like in a flash, I feel alive. Do what you love, follow your bliss, because this is what makes life worth living.
Until next time,
Jill
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