These hollyhocks were found growing on a hillside in an older area of the city as I drove by. Hollyhocks do not grow wild to my knowledge. Maybe the seeds were carried by the wind or by birds, or perhaps a house once stood there.
In my own inner garden, I have been stripping away the excess for months now, even years. My intention is to stay in clarity, because that is the only way I can make decisions. The lack of clarity had kept me stuck for a long time. Clarity requires us to stand our ground and to have a voice.
I played jazz on the piano recently for a wedding, and it felt so good. I was really immersed, feeling the rhythm. It took me to that place within myself that is really me. I was out of touch and now that I have found it, I intend to spend stay conscious of this gift. It’s a state of mind really.
Over time it has been increasingly difficult to fit myself into situations which are not me. Many times I have taken jobs, knowing I could do them, partly for the money and partly because of external pressures. At the time I never considered the consequences of going against the grain, not honouring my true self.
“To thine own self be true.” ~Shakespeare
Though I can do many things, I want to focus on that which holds the most meaning for me. For a long time I have been saying I must live my passions. It is the pathway to my authentic self and what I have always known to be true. I set that intention some time ago, and now the universe is conspiring to see that I stay on the path. Following the heart always feels right though I do feel like I am free falling.
Ironically my ability to make my rent this month was supported primarily by my art. And that is the first time it has happened that way, so I think progress is being made.
This is a custom mural panel I just finished. It is acrylic on hardboard, with gold-leaf and mica flakes. The abstract portion is hard to show in a photo, but also has a beautiful smooth textured surface. It felt so good to pass on a commissioned work to its proud new owner.
Art is a language, a form of communication. Without an audience the cycle does not complete and art does not perform its full function, nor does the artist. And it is such a feeling of fulfillment to be able to pass a piece to another. What a feeling of bliss, when one is doing what one is designed to do!