I really dig into a study that is topical. "Stones" are one of those kinds of things my head likes to swirl and spin. This time however I am letting my heart do the speaking ~ a language that is sometimes hard to hear. (shhh...)
* * * *
I wanted to share a couple more ideas for getting out and learning something new this season.
Art loves art.
When I am in a place creatively where I am afraid/unable/blocked, I do something rather extreme -- I go see what others are creating (and usually get involved). I am still the artist that I am, it just gives me a new layer to explore, and I think it pushes out the boundaries that I didn't know I had.
So my journey this fall took me into the local college's art department (An amazing resource!) I wanted to try a class that was *out of the box* for me, something I could do when my boys were at school and something that I hadn't done before. I chose a 3-Dimensional art class ~
I am immersed in lines, color, and form. The materials are all new to me~ electrical wiring, aluminum conduit, and finding unique ways to connect pvc pipe to create a lamp for my photo studio. The teacher is a brilliant sculptor, so the class is very informative (and silly, too). I am loving it already. Use your local Universities for inspirational classes!
Pinterest. <the link) If you aren't already addicted to this pinning idea, you should be. It is a great way to excite the sleeping artist and get you motivated about hundreds of new ideas. I am in love with it. Make sure to find me and let's be friends? I would love what your eyes see, too.
Sketching. <the link) I am loving this simple, tiny, easy to try book by Alwyn Crawshaw. It is a really little book and it doesn't go into everything, but it has perfect vignettes to try and watercolor helps, too. I am keeping it close.
After my *Holy* post I had a lot of emails/comments about the book I was reading. I love to share good gifts and this definitely is one of them.
The Artist's Rule. <the link) This sweet book is full of creative good. Christine is a brilliant writer and the material is perfectly suited for my journey right now. You know those kinds of reads?
If you are a Christian that hasn't been exposed to much of the Monastic life of Monks/Nuns, this book may be a reach for you. But, If you understand the love language of lectio divina, the prayerful depths of contemplative living, and love the inner workings of a monastic life ~ you would love this book.
I really don't know how better to state it.
For a bit of background, my reading is deeply entwined with experiences of the divine from many places and people, I love to read. I love the deep spiritual depths of St. Teresa of Avilia and the life-in-God-lessons of Brother Lawrence. At the same time, I am also a great devote of Shane Clariborne's writings on The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical, Beth Moore's bible studies, and all of the wonderful books by Julia Cameron (combining a creative life + the Creator). I think reading other's encounters with God opens up all kinds of brilliant connections in your own life~
I am sure for some this is a wild mix of authors. It's okay, I am a wild adventurer ~
Just remember that *art loves art* and your creative life can be enriched and fed through engaging in new things. Don't ever be afraid to try~
new piece of music
a poetry reading
trying a fiber art
visiting a working farm
watercolor
knitting
visiting a quilt shop
jewelry class
making a video clip
collage
laying in the fall sunshine (not creating!)
sketching
a day of quiet prayer
looking into an art class
taking an online art class
...
I am excited to see what you are doing, your art always blesses me.
Love and lambs (and lamps!),
jj
