recent commission

      

       This is a recent commissioned painting for my friend, Lauren, to go in her office space at a wellness center. The painting is 24" by 24" and is entitled "Enso". It is inspired by the element of water. This is similar to the smaller 13" X 13" version of the "water element" painting that I created for a "Five-Element Series". This original series was inspired by the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water of Five-Element Acupuncture. 

       I am drawn to the "essence", "spirit", and qualities of the specific acupuncture points. In the Five-element acupuncture tradition, water is associated with the season of winter. The color associated with water is blue. The organs associated with the element water are the bladder and kidneys. When we have an abundant reserve of the water element we have strength, confidence, and will power. When we have a lack of reserve of water element within us we tend experience more fear rather than courage. 

      Water and the season of winter brings our energy inward to practices of meditation, stillness, and quietude. It is the most "yin" of all the elements. This storing of our energy throughout the winter months allows us to emerge with productive energy in the coming Spring. 

       In the Zen Buddhist tradition, the word "enso" means circle. It represents strength, elegance, the universe, and enlightenment. Traditionallly, an enso is created in Japanese calligraphy paintings using ink and a brush. It is both a disciplined and meditative practice.

       For "Enso", I gathered organic materials from nature such as: dried pine needles and sticks. I combined them with acrylic and iridescent paints. The sticks resemble a raft floating on calm waters.  

       I am looking forward to the opportunity to research further into the characteristics of the five elements in acupuncture as they have inspired me so in my artwork. (image credit: photo by Lauren Going)

painting the elements

 "In the Unknown", water element

acrylic and twigs on canvas

13" x 13"

"Summer Temple", fire element

acrylic, leaves, and sticks on canvas

13" x 13"

      This Spring I have been inspired to revisit the theme of seasonal cycles and the five elements. These are two paintings from an earlier series of paintings that I created that are inspired by the Five Element acupuncture and the qualities and characteristics of each element: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.....more images to be posted soon.

my newest creation

-a most blessed creation-

      The experience of being pregnant and watching a "seed blooming in the belly" is one of beauty, wonder, and anticipation. I was convinced that having children was not an option in my life. I was so surprised when I found out I was pregnant in December 2011. What a blessing and gift this has been for me! I cherished every moment during my pregnancy even during the hot and humid August days nearing the due date. 

      The experience of giving birth was both challenging and awe inspiring for me. In August I gave birth of my son, Kiran Sage. I consider him to be one of my finest creations. Motherhood has taught me many things including: patience, be present, a bit of selflessness, and a whole new appreciation for my parents, especially my own Mother. It has grounded and centered me in a whole new way. Each day I get to marvel at my child by watching him grow and discover his world. 

     The love for him is a love that is indescribable. 

(image: photo of an invitation I made for dear friends who attended my "Blessingway" ceremony in early August).

Illustrations for "Byron and Mortimer"

      Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to illustrate my first children's book written by my friend, Stephen Intlekofer. The book is called Byron and Mortimer. It is a magical story about a 10 year old boy named Byron and his pet cat named Mortimer. The story depicts Byron's journey into his highly imaginative world amidst his every day life adventures. The images that I came up with are simple and straight forward freehand drawings. This was such a fun project. I'd love to explore the avenue of working on more children's books in the near future. Here are a few illustrations from Stephen Intlekofer's, Byron and Mortimer. 

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171704

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/byron-and-mortimer-stephen-intlekofer/1111939281?ean=2940033296163

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Byron-and-Mortimer/book-hXnSCpKitUeaKN2WMXs8dg/page1.html

http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000171704/Intlekofer-Stephen-Byron-and-Mortimer/1.html

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/byron-and-mortimer/id539094984?mt=11

Emerging Spring

"Spring Dusk"
acrylic & leaf on canvas
9" x 7"

"Egg Study"
acrylic on canvas
13" x 10"

 

      Happy Birth of Springtime!

      This year as brought so many amazing opportunities for creative expression. These blessings have arrived in many forms & with many different art mediums. I am feeling truly in touch with creative energy & connected to Source. This is coinciding with the emerging of the Spring season. I've thoroughly enjoyed being present with nature and watching tiny green leaves unfurling, flowers blooming, and seeds sprouting! Five Element Acupuncture and the qualities that are expressed during each season is something that inspires me. 

      Spring is the season represented by the element of wood. It's about productivity and upward rising energies. It is also about birthing ideas that have been incubating over the long winter season. I've recently been asked by a beautiful friend, Sarah, to be part of an expressive painting collaborative community. It is an evolving project and incorporates live painting to connect with others & inspire spontaneous moments of creative expression.

"Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Bring the Earth your love and happiness.
The Earth will be safe
when we feel safe in ourselves."

Thich Nhat Hanh

autumn musings

"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

"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.