seedlings aglow

autumn musings

2011-11-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

"Love Sun"
acrylic on canvas
8 1/4" x 10 1/4"

"along the shore"
acrylic on canvas
8 1/4" x 8 1/4"

These are some recent experimental paintings that I consider both minimal and simplistic in terms of technique. They both started out as drop cloths which evolved into little landscape meditations. I enjoy playing with paint in a more subtle way in terms of color & texture. The process is an improvisational dance that keeps me in the present moment.

expressions of Spring

2011-03-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

"In Flight"
mixed media-acrylic & paper collage on canvas
10" x 10"

"Rainbirds"
mixed media-acrylic & paper collage on canvas
9" x 12"

"Spring Moon"
mixed media-acrylic & paper collage on canvas
9" x 12"

It has been a quite a while since I have posted on this blog. After a long winter of "hibernation" and "incubation", I am feeling inspired to find creative expression. Springtime has inspired me to begin painting again. Currently, I am experimenting with various materials & with using a brighter color palette.
Enjoy.

Mindfulness Meditation Retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh

2009-10-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

As I write this blog entry it happens to be the eve of Thich Nhat Hahn's 83rd birthday. My first exposure to the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh was in college around 1992. I had read his book "The Miracle of Mindfulness" which resonated and still resonates with me to this day. Last week, it was such a gift to be in the presence of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh at a five-day mindfulness meditation retreat in upstate New York near the Catskill Mountains. The October leaves were turning bright colors of red, green, and yellow. The retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery consisted of 1,100 retreatants. The conscious collective energy of 1,100 people practicing mindful meditation had a profound effect on me. All of our meals occurred in silence. I particularly loved the practice of walking meditation through the woods along with a group of 50 others. We practiced synching our breaths with our steps: "I have arrived" on the inbreath & "I am home" on the outbreath. Aaaahhh...Peace & Inner Space which then created a similar Peace and Space externally when interacting with others.
Life at the retreat was slowed down to a very slow pace that created a sense of calm, peace, and deep space from within and without each of us. The Monastics of the monastery would strike a large bell hanging on a tree at random intervals throughout the day. It was the resonant sound of the Mindfulness Bell. The bell was a reminder to stop whatever we were doing to take deep breaths in and out...to focus on our breath. I came to really enjoy the chime of the Mindfulness Bell and in seeing everyone around me stop what they were doing to practice deep breathing & briefly pausing from life's activities. In the afternoons, we would have Dharma discussions in small groups of twenty people. We also participated in working meditations by pot washing after the dinner meals. Who knew that I could feel a sense of being alive through the simple act of washing a bowl? I discovered that by practicing mindfulness & focusing on being in the Present Moment that everything began to come to life more fully. The grass became alive with its' greeness and in its' textures. The tiny red leaf that fallen to the ground was so bold in its' color. The wind through the trees became such a beautiful movement of swaying and the sound was the wind whispering truth to me. I felt my heart opening up and truth shining forth. I found myself smiling at everyone & making eye contact with everyone that I passed walking around the monastery grounds. I felt a connection and Oneness as a result of practicing our mindfulness together as a Collective community.
Being in the presence of Thich Nhat Hanh (also known as "Thay") was a great honor. He spoke to us about impermanence, compassion, the phenomenon of mental formations, and the importance of "watering" seed-thoughts of loving kindness instead of "watering" seed-thoughts of doubt and fear. Thay says that "our minds can become clear as still water through the practice of meditation" and through this "we reflect like a mirror the things as they are just like the still water reflects the sky & clouds overhead". Throughout the retreat week, I realized that our joy & happiness resides from within all of us. It is not something that we can find outside of ourselves. I have found great joy, happiness, calm, and peace in my mind & body. I look forward to maintaining a mindfulness practice through daily meditation and always remembering to come back to the breath in the present moment.

summer inspirations

2009-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

"Lovescape" by Jannon Baer
acrylic/mixed media on canvas with flower petals & handmade paper
12" X 10"

"Summer Love Song" by Jannon Baer
acrylic/mixed media on canvas with flower petals, fabric, and handmade paper
14" X 12"

"Along the Sacred River" by Jannon Baer
acrylic and mixed media on canvas with leaf & handmade paper
13" X 10"

colors and patterns of India

2009-03-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to visit Tamil Nadu, India in February 2009. I stayed in Pondicherry with a friend. Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a former French colony. The history of the French influence is evident through the architecture and culture of the city. I encountered so many amazing experiences during my short stay in "Pondy". Our flat was located in walking distance from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. I was in Pondicherry during the auspicious time of The Mother's Birthday (Mirra Alfassa), born on February 21, 1878. She was Sri Aurobindo's spiritual collaborator who helped to start a school at the ashram. She also created the universal town called Auroville, a short distance from the outskirts of Pondicherry. On The Mother's birthday this year, my friend and I participated in a collective meditation of hundreds of people early in the morning around 6 am inside the courtyard of the ashram around a large service tree and the samadhi (a place for offering prayers and flowers). In the afternoon, we went for a darshan which brought thousands of people from all parts of India. Everyone was sitting cross-legged in rows & it took up an entire street block of people. We were able to tour through the ashram to see The Mother's room and Sri Aurobindo's room. The line moved in a slow meditative pace. I remember vividly the sight of yellow marigolds in a towering pyramid as we ascended the stairs of the ashram. It was quite an experience that is etched in my mind.

My love and study of Bharathanatyam, one of many forms of classical Indian dance, was another reason that I came to visit Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram is a small city which is located about 3 hours south of Pondicherry. On February 23, the first day of Shivratri, I visited Chidambaram, the temple dedicated to the Nataraja "The Dancing Shiva". There are five temples in South India that represent each of the five elements: wind, water, fire, ether, and earth. The presiding deity of the Chidambaram temple is the element "Ether" or space. It is the only Shiva temple that does not worship the Shiva Lingam. Inside the temple, there is a golden inner sanctum called the "Chit Sabha", also known as the Hall of Consciousness. The Dikshithars, temple priests, perform duties inside the Chit Sabha by chanting Vedas, lighting lamps and ringing bells. I was able to witness some of these activites while inside the temple.

I was captivated by all of the colors, sounds, and patterns that I found in daily walks throughout the city: the bright colors of the saris worn by the local Tamil women, the sounds of continuous beeping of horns from motor scooters, buses, taxis, etc....it became the music of the streets, and the intricate patterns of kolams drawn as a daily prayer.

There were so many rich experiences that at times brought me to tears. I will hold the experiences close to my heart.

kolam-a beautiful art form

2009-03-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

kolam-a traditional art form

Kolam is a Tamil word refering to beauty, form, and play. This intricate art form is a traditional custom of the women of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. These designs are considered to be an important artistic expression and part of ancient Tamil culture. The art form is passed down from generation to generation by mother to daughter. Women draw kolams as a daily morning ritual.

In the early mornings, women sweep and wash the pavement in front of the entrance to their homes. They create beautiful designs called kolams that are made with bare hands using rice flour or chalk. The creation of a kolam is a spiritual practice that is a form of meditation and is done with complete concentration. Kolams are considered thresholds between the inner world of the home and the outside world. The designs remain on the pavement and eventually wash away with the activities of the day. The temporary nature of kolams symbolize the impermanence of all life. There are kolam designs for bringing prosperity to the home, for welcoming visitors, and for spiritual purification. Also, there are kolams for each day of the week. A kolam is a painted prayer.

I did not get a chance to capture a kolam with my camera. I thought I'd share this beautiful art form with this video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbQcGdyT86M

recent works

2008-11-09T16:11:00.001-08:00

"In the Unknown"-water element-"13 x 13"

"Summer Temple"-fire element-13"x 13"

Sun Heart Project

2008-11-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

-A collective project inspired by the season of summer-

I asked the viewer/participant to leave comments regarding their thoughts on Joy! Questions like: What are some ways to bring more joy into your life? What makes you laugh? Or share a funny thought! I loved what came of this community creation.

poetry in motion

2008-09-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Bharathanatyam is a 3,000 year old classical dance originating from the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It is one of the oldest of the many forms of classical Indian dances. I have fallen in love with this dance. I began taking dance classes in 2004. After 5 years, I feel as though I am just skimming the surface of the ocean of this ancient art form. It is a dance of fire where the dancer resembles that of a flickering flame. It is a poetry in motion. The melody of the song is made visible by the movement of the dancer. Through hasta mudras (hand gestures) and nritta (pure dance & rhythmic footwork) the dancer conveys stories based around Hindu mythology. The pantheon of Gods and Goddesses include Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, Krishna, and many more. This dance has become a sacred practice for me. I have a great desire to share the knowledge of this ancient art form with others.

Peace Project Painting

2008-07-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

In April, The Well, a wellness center in Historic Ellicott City, MD had a benefit concert to raise money for Frisky's Wildlife Sanctuary in Woodstock, MD. There was live music and vendors for the event. As a vendor, I set up a 40" X 40" inch canvas and asked people to write their intentions on a piece of fabric to add to the painting. It is a community message board and a "universal brainstorming" activity. I asked people to write down their intentions for creating a healthier future. Also, I asked what they would like to see happen in their lives to create a positive shift. In creating this experimental project, my intention is to instigate a new way of thinking in which we embrace the concept of "Oneness" and team together to raise our level of consciousness. Also, it's a way to affirm our intentions by visually seeing the written words by many people. I was touched to see all the beautiful messages that people wrote and it is a joy to visit it at The Well. This painting belongs to everyone. And we are all creators in it.

Little Flames

2008-05-29T17:12:00.001-07:00

"Little Flames"
10 3/4" X 9 1/4"
acrylic & leaves on canvas

Sun King

2008-05-15T17:03:00.001-07:00

"Sun King" (Fire Element)
-mixed-media collage with paper and acrylic paint on canvas-

This painting is also called "Burning Mound" which is influenced by the element of fire and the season of summer.

stream of consciousness

2008-05-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

I want to be more grounded & centered from within
Like a flame flickering but yet grounded by a sturdy spine wick & with a strong core

I want to flow like a river continuously with courage instead of fear
Losing fear to live life more fully

To live with Intention-to be living from the Heart of Intention
And to be guided forward on a path to knowing a higher self

To have compassion, community, love & to be filled with radiant energy
To stop the mind-chatter & to quiet the mind in order to hear the stillness with clarity

To not be lazy but instead to be productive
Intentional Productivity in order to serve others in the best possible way

And to nourish the body and spirit & to find joy in the present moment.

mottled bark

2008-04-29T07:23:00.001-07:00

I love finding the textures in nature. The sycamore trees are quite beautiful when they are in the process of shedding their bark. This process is due to the rigid texture in the bark tissue. The bark does not have the stretchy ability to accommodate the new growth of the wood underneath. Therefore, it peels away from the new growth and creates the mottled appearance.

Earth Day

2008-04-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

current work in progress

2008-04-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

My newest work in progress is inspired by a photo of river rocks that I took out west while at Zion National Park last July. The painting above the photo is in the early stages. I tend to use white gesso paint mixed with pure colors to find the right shade. However, sometimes the work appears "muddy". I studied painting in school but it's been such a long time since college that I feel as though I am re-learning painting all over again. It is the process that I enjoy far more than the finished work. I'd love to hear some feedback and your thoughts...anytime. I guess, in the meantime, it's best to go with the flow of the current.

2008-04-12T08:05:00.001-07:00

This is my most recent work in progress entitled "Sun City". A hazy sun is baking the cityscape.
Hopefully, we, as global citizens, can move in the direction of harnessing solar energy soon. It is
time for a transformation in order to advance into a Solar Age. Restoring and revitalizing the
planet through the creation of more "green" jobs is definitely called for at this time.

Signs of Spring

2008-04-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is my tulip and hyacinth bed.

Spirit House

2008-04-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

"Spirit House Harbors my Jeweled Eggs" by Jannon Baer

I completed this painting while back in college many years ago. This series centered around the motif of eggs and houses. The eggs represented the new life or new beginning while the house represents the physical body that "houses" the spirit or soul.

Portal to Spring

2008-04-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is a painting that I created a few years ago called "Portal to Spring". It is from a series of paintings that are based on the five elements of Chinese tradition. Spring energy is one that is lively and very productive. The color that represents Spring is green. The Wood element represents the Spring season. In this painting, the golden door represents the gateway into this sacred time of rebirth, regeneration, and productivity.

Little Green-Joni as Springtime Inspiration

2008-04-04T11:28:00.001-07:00

Joni Mitchell is a creative inspiration to me. I love the fact that she is both a musician and painter. These two creative modalities have played off one another throughout her life. Her work inspires me to burst forth like the little green petals showing themselves on the branches and in the fertile ground. Thanks, Joni, for being a true creative inspiration.

Springtime Energy

2008-04-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air. The air smells very clean and sweet. I am feeling the inspiration to paint with abundance. It is time for fresh starts and new births of many kinds.