Olson & Horwitz

Life here has continued its frenetic pace and as often happens for busy people who commence their blogging adventure with unrealistic ideas and high expectations, I have ultimately ended up neglecting mine. It was never meant to be a pressure but I have missed the rare chance that it affords me to stop and ponder!

Last weekend was a particularly stressful one. I felt exhausted and stretched, and unfortunately not in any way creatively. Then I came across this charming video about Nick Olson and Lilah Horwitz, who quit their jobs to build a house in the mountains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWvemw0nj7k)

I felt renewed again and with the benefit of some glorious Spring-type weather this week, I have regained some composure.

Just need to remember to break it down, keep it simple and keep breathing...

Turbulence

In the time since my last post back in February (OMG!), I have been happily preoccupied with my ongoing studies in Visual Arts. I have continued to be challenged by the emotional demands that ‘creating’ requires of me but feel more strongly now than ever, that it is exactly this emotional process that makes it so essential and worthwhile for me.

The following is an excerpt from 'Public Life Private Grief', a memoir by Mary Delahunty who is a former Australian journalist and politician. I was particularly drawn to the section because it so beautifully describes the underlying depth and wisdom of many creative spirits - their insightful contributions to society all too often under-valued.

"There were men and women who led the political life whom I admired for their courage and service, even, in some instances, as I questioned their policies. By far however, the deepest insights came to me from the pen or brush of writers and artists, those mostly modest creatures who pare the human condition like a knife peeling the skin from an apple, removing the exterior to reveal the bittersweet flesh within. Through their work and in interviews I conducted for the ABC TV’s national arts program in the mid ‘90s, they revealed to me layers of understanding rarely afforded in politics... I learned to look at life differently, to begin to understand it as a journey of exploration with a punctuated narrative rather than a straight line..."

What's the point?

Classes recommenced for my visual arts course this week - something that I have been craving and anticipating with excitement for some time now.

I am privileged to be in a situation where I can devote time to study and so I have struggled to comprehend why I would come away from this week feeling so flat and lacking in confidence.

Often I forget that persistence is the key to feeling satisfied with the artwork that I produce. Only by fully committing myself to the work through practice, will it improve and my capabilities expand. I have an abundance to learn and gain here.

As a beginner and amongst a cohort of extraordinarily talented young students in class, I have a tendency to single myself out as the only one who must be doubting themselves.  Yet, if I know anything about the art world it is that many artists suffer the same affliction.

So today, I am picking myself up and dusting myself off and am once again finding solace in the work of John Keats. While out on a walk this morning, I was listening to the soundtrack from the film 'Bright Star'.  In the film, the John Keats character is describing the mystery of poetry to his love, Fanny Brawne, and of the need to understand it through the senses.

The point of diving into a lake

is not immediately to swim to the shore

but to be in the lake

to luxuriate in the sensation of water.

You do not work the lake out,

it is an experience beyond thought.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lysterfield_Lake.JPG

It reminds me that the point of my study is to 'luxuriate in the sensation' of learning... just relax and enjoy the process.

Focus Forward

The winners of the GE Focus Forward Filmmaker Competition were recently announced at the Sundance Film Festival. Over 69 countries submitted films to the competition. It features inspirational people and their remarkable and innovative ideas with world-changing potential.

The films of the five winners and twenty finalists can be viewed here http://www.focusforwardfilms.com/#winners.  Prepare to be amazed!

Pride and Privilege

There are benefits it is said, to learning to deal with disappointment, such as recently when my daughter missed out on a role at school that she was desperate for. It builds character and resilience! At the time however, when you are feeling so enthusiastic and confident, rejection can be heartbreaking.

I am currently reading The Element by Ken Robinson (http://sirkenrobinson.com/) from which I am gaining insight and inspiration. It's about creativity and self-fulfillment, and encourages me to continue to embrace and strive for what really drives me.

By following my passion and being truly satisfied with who I am and what I do, my hope is that my children are inspired to aim high regardless so they too can experience the joy of choosing their own path.

Little Poompkins

Now here is a perfect example of someone who is leading the way in following their bliss.

Little Poompkins has been created by someone very dear to me who loves "sewing, colour and all things creative". She is working to make her own special mark and I invite you to visit her place at www.madeit.com.au/littlepoompkins

Bloomin' marvellous my friend - congratulations and best wishes!!

Holidays

It has been just one day since my family and I arrived home from a holiday in Queensland. It was a much-anticipated trip and one that was relaxing and rejuvenating.

We departed from home on the day following my last in a job that had ultimately required more time and energy than I could afford to give. I was extremely fortunate to have held the position that I did and am grateful for the many positive aspects of the work, such as collaborating with some particularly extraordinary and dedicated women... but life seems to be pulling me in a different direction. I am not sure where to just yet but as usual I am trying to trust in the journey and live in the moment and am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to do just that.

For now however, my focus is firmly set on not losing the 'holiday spirit'. Not too suprisingly I guess but as soon as we hit the freeway to home I felt myself naturally drawn to thinking of all the things that needed to be attended to on our arrival. This morning I seem to be continuing in this vain... arrggghhh!

The sun rises early in Queensland and so did I. I rarely looked at the clock and decisions about meals were joyfully made on a daily not weekly basis. The main determination related blissfully to walking destinations... and there were many of inordinate beauty...

Life

I am currently working on my final TAFE assignment for this year. This semester has been messy, to say the very least and my class attendance has been abysmal. The reasons have been valid but as someone who prides themselves on conscientiousness, it has been difficult to let go when it's been necessary.

What is crucial I have learnt, is to get my priorities sorted... and that starts with identifying just exactly what they are. I have spoken previously about shoulds and musts, yet I am constantly amazed at how quickly they can make their way into my subconscious... if I am not living with awareness...

And that is the key for me; to find the space and time to properly process my thoughts and feelings so that I may act on THAT and not on what I think I think might be the way to proceed!

I have learnt a bucket-load about Photoshop this year, but also fortunately so much more about myself.