Thank Gerard Its Friday!

I didn't know that was going to happen

I didn't know it was going to happen. I was completely preparing the canvas for another technique and image. I just thought I would put some color underneath the black.

"Put a keyhole there"

Thats what happened. So I did.

I have the key too.

And you do too, to your own key holes.

Its interesting, they can be anywhere. Know where you want to go? Just open one up and jump, hop, leap, step, or walk on through. Love those keyholes :-)

Fascinating little creatures.
p.s. its acrylic

This May Be Because I'm an Art Geek

This may be because I'm an art geek. I am utterly fascinated by what medium will do, how the paint will interact with the water and other colors. I think when one allows the paint to simply be and do its work, he/she/it/person/conglomerate of cells/thinking thing/moving thing are getting out of the way of nature.

And if you're going to paint, paint it, don't draw it, as I have learned today. The image above is reminiscent of underwater in the sea. The one below is reminiscent of "oh well". They, together are really about balance, refraining from overworking, finding a natural rhythmic flow, and the freedom of learning through play:-) Cheers to you!

Two Islands of Happenstance

Paint is always the beginning of an adventure, or a happenstance. Today's quest brought a small watercolor titled "Two Islands of Happenstance". The two islands mimic, relate, and/or mirror each other and the viewer spies on them through far away bushes, so as not to be seen.

Its not like anything would happen if he were seen, just an "oh" and the communion between the two islands would stop to allow the passing stranger into their conversation to say "Hello!'.

What's your happenstance?

Enjoying the Subtleties In Life

And the voyage continues in watercolor. E"njoying tHe SubTitles in Life" is the name of today's art adventure.

The slow, quick, and gentle gradations of a soft slight spring snow. Why should we think of spring now? Because everyday is a spring for cells, atoms, thoughts, and life. And everyday is a great day to notice the subtleties, the small differences and similarities. It will brighten your day to notice the small things. A hand shake, a greeter

Mahalo!

Into Your Dreams

In high school, my art teacher had us draw upside down so we would see shapes and shadows instead of objects. It was a fun assignment that made our brains flexible. In regards to abstract art, one often hears "oh that's so cool, it could go any direction". In some instances its true, and other times, a painting just has to go a certain way. I suppose it also depends on the reader. Some people read right to left, and down to up, and here to there, or from over there to over there.

And the point of all this? Stories, puzzles, collages, music, and paintings, can be created in one direction and then one finds it is supposed to go another way. Its like opening a box of cereal and finding the prize in the bottom of the box. Its a discovery, and those are always wicked fun.

This was the case for "It Will Lead You Into Your Dreams", the painting adventure for Sunday. Looking at things in a new way, and angle yet to be tired, can lead you to your dreams. Transformation into a heart of light and gratitude.

P.S. "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly."

The Days of Heaven Transitions

This weekend was travel busy so I am posting Saturday and Sunday's paint adventures along with today's. Let's begin with Saturday.


"Topekana Hana" is the name of this small watercolor. A friend once, walked into one of my solo shows and pointed out that there were not any humans in the images. I had not noticed it until she pointed it out, only because she was both right and not wholly on the mark.

When I think of humans, I think beyond their form. I think about the thoughts, actions, motions, and energies they carry. Most often when I depict a person, it is what is going on inside of them, and this takes the form of color, shape, light, movement, and interactions with the other forms on the page. This view is not a new one. It is even in everyday language, for example "I feel blue", "She has a sharp tongue", "He was a nice as a spring breeze". Also, as we feel compassionate towards other forms of life we relate to their experience and form, and so though we have human looking bodies, we have experiences and relate well beyond that.

Furthermore, I have begun to realize, thought it is not a surprise, that images that have been in the background of my life actually took root and affected the way I think, and express. My mom was awesome, and before I went to preschool took me to see paintings at the Art Institute in Chicago, and brought home lots of art books. Most often, we admired the impressionists and other modern painters. Moreover, my grandfather's house was filled with Native American and African art which is abstract and filled with spiritual symbolism.

Also, recently I received some cachina doll pendants in the mail. So it was no surprise when the painting adventure for Saturday turned out to resemble all of this.

There was a sense of complete calm focus, and listening. So our friend here is a representative of living one's life to the best ability one can. He carries a staff of rainbows, and is a creature of welcome, balance, helpfulness, clarity, and honesty.

Also, when he is upside down he is a portal, much like some friend's hugs are.

A Door for the Goblins

This is a door for the goblins living with you. They can show themselves out, they know the way. You don't need to live with them anymore, they don't even clean the bathroom or help in the yard. So "here's they're sign". The door won't hit them on the way out, you're too friendly for that, which bores the goblins to death so they won't be back. Toodles.

Water

It rained last night, and I was still determined to paint outside. Then, I had to wait awhile before turning on the tap for water because someone was in the shower. In that time, I began thinking about water and its important role in life. Knowing that all water is connected, I always say a blessing before I use any of it. So, I dedicated today's art adventure it water. I allowed the liquid medium to flow where ever it desired, and here it is in mid-wash, not even dry, doing its thing.
I also thought about how the pigments come from stone and the paper from trees, and really, none of that would be possible without water.
Water can grow a tree and grow a soul.

For more water dedicated art check out Adrienne Pike Adelphia at http://adriennepike.com/
Her art is a beautiful tribute to life's sustaining force.

Knowing More Than You See

When a person goes to paint, or looks at anything for that matter, he/she knows more than she sees. From experience, he/she knows there is another side to the house and it's not just a wall, there is space, depth, and form to everything. So this is a call to remember that just because it is unseen, does not mean it is not there, and to know what you know.

Ironically, with art, it is the same way. Yes what a person sees is paint on canvas or paper or board, and the rest of the information that is taken in is the content, everything that went into that painting from what the artist was thinking, the experience of the moment and past, all the way to the current aspects of the society and relations of the world allowed that piece to come into being. The world is experienced as a whole all the time whether or not everything is seen.

Today's daily painting adventure is a watercolor hibiscus (7 1/2in x 5 1/2 in). And in that hibiscus are the layers of the rainbow molded into a different form and unfolding its self as though it was light deciding to take a certain form for a moment and then flowing on to its next dance.

Glass Window Adventure

"I'm pretty sure God/dess wants us to be happy", that was the thought that popped into my mind when doing this daily adventure. It is 7 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in watercolor and gouache on watercolor paper. It reminds me of the stained glass windows in the old churches of Europe. At times, even as they were being built, there was controversy over the ornateness of the cathedrals. Why should there be such grandiose amounts of money put into a building while people were poor and needed food, and was the decoration a distraction from the people's worship and spiritual relationship?

Have you ever stepped into one of those churches when there were not a lot of tourists? They're so quiet and filled with a deep listening patience that today's high speed highways, drive in food and drive out religion, quick to think, quick to speak, and slow to know what just happened, life is missing in daily practice. I imagine that as the artists worked on those cathedrals they had a lot of time to contemplate their own values and relationship with life, the seen and unseen.

When the light comes through stained glass windows there is a rainbow of colors and stories. A great light has always accompanied God/dess and the Heavenly Host. People talk about seeing something through "rose tinted glasses" as if that were a bad thing. Sometimes, it is easier for people to experience a loving connection when there is beauty around them. In the movie "Babbette's Feast", after Babbette has spent all her money on a feast for the townspeople someone commented on her not having anymore money, to which she replied "An artist is never poor". If taking delight in beauty was unlike feeding one's self, God/dess would not have made flowers.

Let the Light in and let the Light out.

Your eyes are your own stained glass windows, let your light shine.

Paint is always the beginning of a great adventure

Paint is always the beginning of a great adventure. This image to the left is the first of a daily adventure. It is called "Walking Out" and is a watercolor and gouache mandala that is just over 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in.

I've read that infinity cannot be comprehended by rational thought, or what is normally considered rational thought. I also think that the usual observance of what consciousness is, the being aware of something and in a linear, cause and effect, fashion is not the same consciousness that holds atoms together or could have made light. The consciousness of living is that of synchronicity and the embrace of unity. It is a harmonious, moving, community, of allowing being to be.

So if infinity, and ultimately reality cannot completely be comprehended through logic and the modern rational mind, art is here to be its mate and continue the quest of bending the mind to be better fit to dance.

Most art history books talk about modern painting as an exploration in materials, and they are right to an extent. The part that is often left out, is the history of these same artists depicting their spiritual and philosophical thoughts as a means of connecting to that which is unseen and very much experienced.

Art, it so happens, is perfect for these illustrations and explorations of living consciousness, because its elements are that which are sought in a happy life: balance, light, harmony, color, value, movement, rhythm, and unity (to name a few). In a paint drip there is an entire world of content.

So in the painting to the right, there is a walking out into the mystery, and away from all that is known and blanketed in a box style living of controlling habit and from here to there styrofoam Mesopotamia. The forest of your imagination waits and at its edges...

Instead of stopping at one, I continued the daily. This is another watercolor and gouache of the same size and is called "Awakening"

And finally, the third of the day, and a place for the story to rest for now. It is of the same materials and size as the other two and called "I wanted to leave white space" (at least for now). I did want to leave white space on the paper, and at first in my mind was only the large blue tear droop shape, and so I began. It is about the search for fire, and for light, as though it were not around you to begin with. Searching for those inner elements that already exist, and not as something that can be picked up and placed on a rack. To discover fire again.
It is a watercolor, so in order to have light, one must allow it to be the naked page.

I've also read, and agree, that painting accompanies thinking. So when the origin of thinking is found so one will also have found the origin of art, creativity, synchronicity and so much more, and most likely, it is ever so kindly staring you in the face.

Happy Fancy :-)

I've taken up jewelry making! I've wanted to do it for a while, and I'm having a blast with it. Check out some of the new bracelets on my website with more uploads to come soon! www.zoerei.com

Foot Hills Organics

Last month I was able to participate in a wonderful festival called the "Green Fete Festival" sponsored by Foot Hills Organics in Utica, IL. It took place in Olgesby, IL and was filled with lively music, dance, art, and a lot of yummy organic food! There were classes, demonstrations, talks, and all about living a better life in collaboration with the Earth. The people there were wonderful and more festivals are to come! Furthermore, my work can be found now at Foot Hills Organics in Utica, IL. so stop by and visit the lively nurturing place in the heart of Illinois!

Propagating Creativity

I was told once that "weeds" simply need attention too, not the "I'm going to rip you out of the Earth if it's the last thing I do" kind of attention, simply being present with it and acknowledging it's being and gently relocating it.

Often times in life we undergo a wide variety of stresses. Sometimes negative emotions are considered the "weeds" in the garden and are either ignored or roughly dealt with. These emotions simply are asking that we tend to ourselves.

At first it may seem like there is not time or energy to take a break, get a massage, journal, exercise, allow the inner kid to play on a swing, or have a gathering of friends. These activities actually will help a person stay balanced and allow for more time and energy.

Weather happens. What can you do with it? Where are the open doors? Can you build your own? What can be grown with the compost of a day you recently had?

When was the last time you made chocolate cupcakes, listened to your favorite song and danced in the mirror, or hiked a new trail?

Love your life, propagate it :-)

One more :-)

This is a beautiful story with pictures! from Elephant Journal

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/06/when-im-walking-under-stars-and-floating-down-a-river-i-am-free-you-can-have-all-thisnot-so-bad/

Link Happy :-)

These are two fabulous links that made my day :-) Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8z7f7a2Pk

http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

Yes and Thank You are pretty interchangable

Yes to houses, and trees, and winter. Yes to howls of dogs in the middle of the night, and cats scratching at the door. Yes to horses, and leaves, and traffic machines. Yes to Canterbury Tales, epson ink cartridges and kleenex. Yes to paint balls and string cheese. Yes to crying and dying and laughing, and being stoic. Yes to fur balls, flat tires, corn, fish, flat screen tvs, religions for each day of the year, rain, fire hazards, meat balls, vegans, baseball, and mopeds. Yes to grumps and chumps, and out o' wack body lumps. Yes to Iceland, and Illinois. Yes to bad movies and good movies, and no movies. Yes to breaks from the computer, and wind blown catastrophe hair. Yes to great grandmothers, yes to holy high holidays, and not so holy or high days, yes to getting jipped by mechanics, and paid bonuses. Thanks to cartoons, paper towels, dictionaries, foreign languages, break ups, and make ups, lolli pops and organic gummi bears. Yes to rain bows, fairy tales, drawing supplies, birthdays, and growing old and fat. Yes to skin, and slime, and saving a dime. Yes to couch potatoes and dip, Yes to microphones, and whispering in your frined's ear late at night as you watch the stars over head and yes to the French guillotine, and fake spiders and women with sauce pans, and stay at home dads. Yes to weddings, and pants that fit someone else. Yes to moths, and stereotypes, and blank faces, and trains on time, and planes that remember luggage most of the time.

Thank you for the world as it is, and friend you and I might as well be sitting right next to each other, not because you're reading these words, but because thats the way unity and life simply is.

And yes to people who get botox, and those who protest, yes to shouting, and giggling, and cow- tipping, and hair elonggating cell by cell, to June, and December, to the 7th, and the pi, and birds who do not fly, to stethascopes, and heart monitors, and purring cats, and water soluble oil paints, and the craters of the moon, to blades of grass growing one by one , walnut trees, and fancy funky lamps, revolving doors, sharks, spiders, snakes, swamps, lava, newspapers, boring people, quirky people, orange bathrooms, too much, too little, just enogh, right in the middle, hail Marys, blessings of star lights galore, messages in breakfast ceral, platoons of ants, and ostriches. Yes to the everyday and the unnecessary, to soul food. Yes to being color blind, having squishy shoes, to contact lenses, retainers, cross word puzzles, love letters, floating clouds, Bhuddas, floppy plants. To spring water drinks, octopus heads, indoor plumbing, and wetting the bed. Yes to slides and swings, bell rings, and across the table pumpkin squash flings. Yes to Dancing, and romancing, free lancing, and Michigan Lansing. To pebbles, and boulders, rough edges, and baby butts. Thank you.

"no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should"

This was given to me by a Ffriend on a small pocket card. It is called Desiderata and was found in Saint Paul's Church in Baltimore and dated 1692.

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle, with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."

Art, Science, and Sociology

Art and science are essentially the same. They both observe life and both ask the question "what happens if I/we do this". Both are sociological and have sway in the direction they lead. Art deals with the internalities of a person by manifesting a representation externally. What and how one does this also has an impact on the individual and society. What is the art supporting? The words "Blissed Out sense of Calm" come to me as I look at the art on my walls, the "Empowerment" spiral, "Particle Breath Energy", and the mandalas.
In a beautiful address to freshman at the Boston conservatory, Karl Paulnack spoke about how artists are more like surgeons and firefighters, and that one night "at 8:00pm someone is going to walk into your concert hall and bring you a mind that is confused, a heart that is overwhelmed, a soul that is weary. Whether they go out whole again will depend partly on how well you do your craft".
The book Free Play, by Stephen Nachmanovitch, sheds light on the beginnings of composition. Originally, the great artists were all improvisors, and a show could never be reproduced. The fact is, artists have not stopped being improvisors. It is the beginning of how anything is created. I can only further explain the “how” of my own experience. I sit down (or sometimes stand or dance) with an intention such as an image of grattitude, I breathe, wait, and listen. Sometimes an image is presented in my mind, and other times I allow it to flow as I manifest. I listen for where certain colors, lines, ect. should be placed. There is not a voice speaking in my head, simply instinct, and self-trust. This experience, again, stems from a similar place as science: ask a question and watch. Await, follow, and observe what manifests. Sometimes it is fabulous and it speaks to me completely, and sometimes I do not understand and/or it may not have been what I was looking for. Also, like scientists (although they may not always wish to admit it) artists have some biases for outcome. The best way to handle it is to allow for what the result is and if it is fab, its fab, and if it’s a plop, well plop happens and that’s okay too. Creativity is abundance. It is an unlimited supply of ingenuity. Actually, all there is is creating. Really, read this type, there isn’t anything except creating, except non-existance, and that does not exist:-) Part of being an artist (and this includes everyone, even if you think you don’t have a creative hair on your body) is realizing this and being empowered by it to be more consciously engaged with life. A conscious exploration and molding of living and being. It is delving into the unseen, the temporarily unconscious world, and having an intention. It is a treasure hunt!
Furthermore, one of the ties of sociology and art is the application of meaning. Everyday, everyone applies meaning to everything (okay maybe not everything). It is one of the mechanisms that develops interactions and culture. And applying meaning to things or refraining from doing so, is an art. And it is one of the reasons why some people become frustrated with modern and post-modern art. Sometimes modern art does not mean anything, it could be about the medium its self, and sometimes it does mean something and requires audience engagment. All arts are the study of “morphology”, what happens when we/I do this and what does this mean on the micro and macro scale.

Hi! I'm Zoe Rei, painter, dancer, adventurer, and gigglemeister. Welcome to my blog! The place where your soul is liberated with freedom to breath, be inspired, and challenged. Feel free to post responses, and if you have any questions such as "Help I don't understand modern art" or anything else, I'm here to help. If you would like to receive the weekly zoe quote and image email me with "weekly hoo ha" in the subject line :-) May your day be... hilarious Cheers! ~Zoe