Silence gives answers ~ Rumi Reflecting on my 5th annual summer art camp where I had the joy of spending a creative week with a group of young art students. I am thankful for their young energy. They are PRESENT, … Continue reading
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. ~Lao Tzu
Just shy of two years ago, I attended an art workshop hosted by Canadian artist Laura Harris. I first stumbled onto Laura’s work while I was on holidays with my family; I wandered into a gallery on a bright, sunny spring day and was instantly moved by what I saw. It wasn’t so much the subject matter – in fact, I do not remember much of the subject matter of the paintings. There were some paintings of flowers and abstract landscapes. What I do remember is the feeling that overwhelmed me as I viewed the show. Something shifted deep inside me. It made me feel more alive.
When I learned that Laura was going to be giving a workshop in Radium, BC, it took me less than one second to contact my dear friend and creative collaborator Danielle. We signed up immediately. Yoga, art, nature, friends and community = a perfect fit.
The workshop was full of amazing women. We shared a lovely experience at a beautiful location, complete with 360 degrees of stunning views with a mountain backdrop, eating good food, painting, yoga and wine. My ideal getaway with one of my best friends- a perfect gift to myself.
After returning home, I invited some of the local women from the workshop over to my home and studio for an evening of art, wine and appetizers. I always enjoy company of like-minded women, art and good food. With wine flowing, paint flying and ideas brewing, one of the kind women, Maureen, whom I had only met a handful of times, offers her home to me for a future personal art show. Danielle and I, again, take less than a second to look at each other, smile and say “Yes Please”. It was a little impulsive, but with a day to think about it and a confirmation from her husband, Maureen calls and confirms that they would love to host an art show. HUGE- Random Act of Kindness.
I have to confess that I have been offered this gift before. The difference this time is that I have done the work and had built the confidence to say YES. Without hesitation I agree and move forward. I am thrilled to have a goal, a focal point to work towards. What a gift I have been given. I am excited!
My dear friend and angel wing Danielle, who works silently by my side creating her own beauty through her photography and marketing pieces, is always there to guide and support me. We also met through Random Acts of Kindness. I donated an art class that she purchased to raise money for our local school. It is no accident that we met. This woman is beyond amazing. A mother of 3 children, active in every aspect of her kids, friends and families lives. I call her my angel wing, because with out her I would not be where I am today. It is much easier to fly with two wings. 
I am always blown away by the fact that the perfect person comes into your life exactly when you are ready. You must be CLEAR about what you want.
The theme of my Art show 2014 was CLARITY.
“Clarity comes from knowing what you want and from moving in the direction of it. Your soul is guiding and supporting you every step of the way.” ~Sue Krebs
In my confusion of what I want to do with my life….some years ago a dear teacher of mine took the time to sit with me and listen. His advice was to GET CLEAR on what you want and work towards the goal everyday. He sent me home with a copy of Wayne Dyers “Excuses Begone” tucked under my arm and a list of to-do’s. At the bottom of the list there was a note. It said, “I Believe in you”. This Random Act of Kindness was a boost of encouragement that I needed. A small kick in the butt was kindly accepted and was a very monumental moment in my life.
The message:
GET CLEAR, WORK HARD… the rest will take care of itself. Something much bigger is navigating when you’re doing purposeful work. I am clear that my job is to show up and do my work. Practice Gratitude and Serve.
“Your proper concern is alone the ACTION of Duty, not the fruits of the Action. CAST then away all desires and fear for the fruit.” ~The Bhagavad Gita
May 10, 2014 was a monumental day for me. The show was a huge success- but what was the most special about it was that all of this happened due to Random Acts of Kindness from so many people.
When I reflect, I cannot believe my good fortune and luck. I have such gratitude for all who helped, attended and supported me from afar.
I realize that when I am working towards a goal that I am disciplined and dedicated to- amazing stuff unfolds.
The second person that walked into my art show was a yoga teacher from Vancouver Island that I had never previously met. Quickly into the conversation she asks me if I know her artist friend Laura Harris? I smile.
The next day is Mothers Day. I am enjoying dinner at a restaurant with my family, I look up at two Laura Harris original paintings hung in the restaurant.
On the way home, the amazing couple who hosted my art show sent me a picture of my painting newly hung in their home. I am thrilled and honored that it sits in between two Laura Harris paintings.
I smile again. The perfect ending…or just the beginning?
Proof that Random Acts of Kindness always come full circle.
Be Kind,
Be Gracious,
Be LOVE,
In Creative Spirit,
Michelle
Laura Harris lives and works in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. More information about Laura and her artwork can be found at http://www.laura-harris.com
Danielle Paetz lives and works in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. More information about Danielle and her photography can be found at http://www.tinytakesphotography.com.
What would it feel like to be in a space that you felt totally ACCEPTED, VALIDATED and LOVED.
What would it feel like to be able to put yourself in that space, where you take time to LOVE yourself, ACCEPT yourself and JUST BE yourself.
Picture yourself in a place of pure acceptance. Breathe in Possibility, Breathe out excuses.
Hmmm… sounds good…But…”How do I get there?” So glad you asked… Please step into my office. I invite you to PLAY! The kids will lead the way.
The crayons, markers, paint, brushes, paper, canvases are the tools we will be using. Super SWEET and very low calorie Candy for an artist.
Supply list:
8” square of black paper
8-12 pencil crayons (Prismacolor work best) 1 white- the rest a rainbow of color.
CD
Instructions:
Trace a circle using the CD with the white pencil on the square. Then play the CD or music of your choice- Caution** if using a playlist on cell phone – block any distractions- even the zen ringer-turn off. Light a candle and/or make a cup of tea.
Breathe in, Breathe out.
This circle represents a creative free space that is not judged. You can do whatever you want to in this space. Play with lines and color, shade, dots, and circles. Rotate the drawing in any direction to discover interesting compositions. Whatever your heart desires. There is no right or wrong, no grades are given out (you already get an A+)
Let go, Let go, Let go…
Choose Love over fear. Fun over Frustration. Acceptance over Expectations.
Breathe in, Breathe out.
Pick up White pencil and start at the center of the circle. Enter your playground, spend as much time here as you wish. Add color if and when you intuitively feel like it, explore freely. No need for an eraser, as there are no mistakes, only happy accidents. Write yourself a Love Letter, Play in your sandbox for as long as you like. Create until you feel complete.
Breathe in, Breathe out.
Take the time to look at what you created, write any thoughts on back or front of paper.
Save it, Burn it, Frame it or put it under your pillow. Maybe mist it with a favorite scent. I recommend Lavender.
Repeat often.
Happy Valentines Day!
In Creative Spirit,
Michelle
“ Art is always a mirror- It always speaks not just about what is out there, in the subject; it also speaks about what’s in here, in the artist.” —Jean Carbonetti
Michelle Austen 