Creating Art
It’s a week ago since I returned from my abstract mixed media art course down in Norfolk The course was held in a converted old school house in a cutesy little village called Castle Rising. I was in heaven!
It was the first time I had spent a solid day, never mind three whole days, solely painting, drawing and creating art. I did very little other than art, for three days solid, and I loved every moment. When I walked into the Old School House art studio raw emotions hit me, I actually had to choke back the tears. It felt right. I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be, it kind of felt like like coming home, if that makes sense?
The course was delivered by Laura Reifer, a well known abstract and mixed media artist who has published a couple of books on the subject. The course was entitled, “Moving Towards Abstraction with Mixed Media.” www.laurareiter.com
I arrived the night before the course started, having drove three hours down in the car, straight after finishing work. Keepers Cottage were I stayed was exactly what I had hoped for, my own private little hide away. It was a converted stable with an earthy rustic charm, wooden beams and a lovely cottage feel. I couldn’t believe my luck when I walked through the stable doors (don’t you just love stable doors!). I had the little place all to myself, totally home from home, with my own living room, kitchen and bathroom. Bliss. There was a TV, which was also bit of a treat, as I have finally got rid of mine, after much thought, struggle and contemplation!
For three days I painted, drew, experimented with paints, colours and basically anything I could really lay my hands on. Not once did I get restless or bored. I was totally immersed and absorbed in what I was doing. Totally in the present, my mind was quietened, it was a great feeling. This for me, was a revelation.
I did not expect to love it so much, although I did have a feeling that I needed to go and that it was important that I went. I allowed myself to follow the signs. Serendipity. I followed my nose, and I do actually believe someone or something was showing me the path. It would have been very easy to have ignored the signs and not have followed my gut feelings. I could have easily have chosen not to go. I mean lets face it, it wasn’t cheap and there were many reasons why I could have decided to simply stay at home. I believe I was meant to go.
So what now? I need to keep exploring and experimenting, without judgement or comparisons being made. I am not competing against anyone. I need to continue for the love of it and nothing more….& remember it’s about the process and the journey not the destination!
I’ve now created the space in my living room. There should be no excuses, I can find the time and give myself permission to create…can’t I?
