We are all artists in our own way.

Not that everyone will necessarily be painting or become a sculptor or dancer, or a queen of crochet, but we are all constantly creating with whatever palette life offers.  Whether we make lemonade from the lemons or complain that oranges were wanted is a decision about how to respond, and these daily decisions are our creative process in action!  When we allow our inner guidance system to reveal creative solutions, we are functioning at a level far more satisfying than the downward spiral of thinking that could be chosen. 

It’s often been noted that adversity of some sort will turn on the creative juices in another way – that demand we DO something, anything…..  It could be to transform a piece of waste land into a bee and butterfly haven, or to experiment in the kitchen with tasty results to enjoy.  It can also compel our hands towards a pot of paint and brushes until we can teeter no longer on the precipice of ‘can’t do’ and leap into the new zone of ‘painting a picture’.  It could also be to sketch, knit, or get a lump of clay and make something out of it; just think how many hobby artists emerged during the time of covid lockdowns.

Any early on misapprehensions I had regarding artistic ability were duly scuppered by schoolteacher disdain and I thought they had to be right.  Consequently a desire, that never left, to paint was left ignored, dismissed as crazy fantasy.  Years went by and the admonishments were further reinforced, after all I had no art school training, no natural talent, couldn’t paint a landscape or portrait – as far as I knew. But here’s the beauty when we listen to the inner voice: an art class was offered in our small town and I signed up.  At first, my lack of natural talent was evident.  Shame and frustration were equally shared by classmates as we all sought to find our way, each of us following a desire that couldn’t readily be explained, until we started to create pieces to be proud of!

After a while I decided to go my own way, to leave still life, portraits and landscapes behind, which is where I am today – following the ideas, shapes, textures and colours that urge me onwards.  Sometimes I may aim for oranges and lemons appear on the canvas….so I continue and see what can be done with it.  Much of my way is to intuitively create something pleasant out of what may begin as chaos.

Just like life : it’s what we make of it!

It’s also how I am with a client: I recognise that within the presented chaos and the not knowing lies a beautiful knowing just waiting to be revealed……and to trust in the process.