This week's art

There is only now
textured acrylic on board
original art by Kel, © 2010

When I am anxious it is because I am living in the future. When I am depressed it is because I am living in the past. ~Author Unknown

The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness. ~Abraham Maslow

count to twelve

Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the earth,
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for a second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines;
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness…

If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves
with death.

Perhaps the earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead in winter
and later proves to be alive.

Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.

~Pablo Neruda, “Extravagaria”
translated by Alastair Reid

Embodying a word

In some circles a new year tradition is to choose a word for the year that will guide, inform, inspire, speak into one's life for the next twelve months. Picking one word for an entire year has always seemed impossible to me. But over the past few weeks, one concept has been re-appearing in my life in various guises. I couldn't actually name it. Until I created this piece of art. And suddenly the word became clear.

This seahorse jumped out at me in the shop. At the time I had no idea what I'd do with it, but simply had to have it. Last week I felt an intense desire to work with natural elements in my art. It continued as I took a walk along the beach to collect driftwood and stone.

Back in the studio I selected a few pieces of driftwood and created a 'seahorse cave' by interlocking the timber, embedding agate stones and wiring the glass seahorse in place.
This photo from the rear shows how the sculpture is held together by connecting each piece through the holes, grooves and hooks, as found naturally in the timber.

Many of my artworks seem to name themselves. And this one clinched my word for the year:

Sanctuary
driftwood, glass, agate and wire
original sculpture by Kel © 2010

Sue, Lucy, and Tess share their words here. Christine shares a background to the idea, her word, and an opportunity to win some really nice prizes if you wanna' play.

Blessing 1:1

As the new year dawns
and you draw the boundary lines
of your destiny,
may it be in such a way
to encourage stretching
but not so far
that things snap apart

For what shall it profit you
if gaining the goal
means losing
essential parts of yourself

~ Kel

Art Attack: as a new year approaches

Summer is here with a vengeance today. Hiding inside to escape the heat. Sitting still. And reading. Rewarded by this:

What
Do Sad people have in
Common?
It seems
They have all built a shrine
To the past
And often go there
And do a strange wail and
Worship.
What is the beginning of
Happiness?
It is to stop being
so religious
Like
That.

~Hafiz, "Stop Being So Religious"

Oh this is so good. It's given me the seeds of a new year ritual which also serves as an art attack.

Create a 'shrine' to symbolise the past. Feature those things you've been wailing about and 'worshipping'. Then smash that shrine to smithereens. Or burn it to bits.

Bury the remains in the ground. And over it plant a seed. Something that will sprout quickly and offer a visual reminder that tomorrow is a good a day as any to step confidently into the future, letting past shadows fall behind.