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Learning to slow down, because life's too short ~ ~ ~

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Perfect Connection for Now

10.10.2020 by Barbara Grant //

By now most people have figured out ways to stay safe and get through the current pandemic without going crazy. I’m grateful for all the guidance and helpful strategies I’ve found on various media. I miss my extended family, but we’re all pretty much in the same boat as we approach the holidays. I’ve been watching my younger grandchildren grow on Facebook and Zoom since February – not happy about that.

Regarding my work, I consider myself fortunate because not much has changed. As an artist with a studio in the lower level of our home and an on-line shop to sell what I create, I’ve not had to make many adjustments. The main difference was the halt to monthly meetings with my Circle art group, which has provided trusted, critical feedback to me for many years. So when the idea to meet virtually was presented, I was all in. 

And here’s the bonus: my previous art group (before I moved too far north) invited me to their Zoom meetings. The Oddball Artists – friends and colleagues who’d been so important to me while attending art school – are now within reach again! We share ideas, expertise, opportunities, creative energy and — best of all — memories.

For some, virtual is not enough; they need to meet in person. But for me, for now, it is the perfect connection. Checking in with these two groups on a weekly basis has been a lifeline that has helped me be content to work alone in the studio, walk my sweet pups around the neighborhood, and relax and enjoy free time with my husband*.

Photos by Bob Grant*

Categories // Limelights on my friends Tags // art community, artist friends, artwork feedback, creative energy, idea and information sharing

This much Sorrow

08.04.2020 by Barbara Grant //

Every Day is for the Thief by Teju Cole

Earlier this week I finished a beautifully written novel. The final chapter left me stunned. I asked my husband to stay awake so I could read it to him. He yawned through the first paragraph, again at the second. But as I moved through the poetic text his eyelids opened with interest as the author led us gently toward a solemn truth. 

Labyrinth - by Barbara Grant (from Alphabet Book https://bit.ly/2C0Z77u)

Along the way we learned the difference between a labyrinth and a maze – a subject dear to me. I walk labyrinths as a meditative prayer. I also draw and paint them. The author explains that a maze has “dead ends and false signals” while a “labyrinth’s winding paths lead, finally, to the meaningful center.”

Boating and Bob

When the image of boats entered the storyline, my husband’s interest peaked; Bob loves boating. Wherever we go he figures out a way to be near water and boats. Long ago he told me of his aversion to being placed in a nursing home in his old age. He would prefer to be placed in a boat and shoved out to sea… Which brings me back to that final chapter of Every Day is for The Thief by Teju Cole.

With closer scrutiny the narrator of the story realizes that the shapes originally seen as boats are actually coffins, “dozens of them, in different sizes and various states of completion, presented in sober and matter-of-fact array.” He quietly points to the fact that we eventually all die, but there is a truth even more difficult. It is that sometimes the old must bury their young.

I’ve read many articles about how people are coping with Covid19. One article that caught my attention was “We Can’t Comprehend This Much Sorrow” written by Teju Cole. He articulated what I was feeling – what I couldn’t form into thought.

I cannot comprehend this much sorrow.

References: “We Can’t Comprehend This Much Sorrow” by Teju Cole for The New York Times (5-18-20). It is this article that alerted me to the author’s thoughtful writing. I have begun to read more of his work, the first being the novelette referred to in my blog: Every Day is for The Thief.

Categories // Reading Tags // boating, coffin, covid19, labyrinth, novel

Creative Energy from a Visiting Artist

07.20.2020 by Barbara Grant //

Roxy & Ringo

A lot is being accomplished in my studio these last few months. Roxy & Ringo hang out with me all day, and I lose track of time as I become engrossed in various projects. My sweet husband pops in now and then to see what we’re up to. It’s not a lonely environment…

…but it’s been a while since any new energy has been injected into my work space. A recent FaceTime with friends reminded me of their son’s visit to my studio last summer and the zesty vibes he cooked up during some painting fun. I’m so glad I thought to record this episode!

View this video to watch the creation of Goddess of the Sun and to witness the joy of expressive painting!

Young artist
Young artist

Categories // Creative Process, Limelights on my friends Tags // expressive artmaking, fun in the studio, joy of painting, watercolor, young artist energy

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