I am a Seeker of Magic. This is not your rabbit-in-the-hat kind of magic. This is the magic that is found in seeing the inspiration and joy in otherwise ‘normal’ things and events. It’s that winged dragon sitting upon the fluff of the white clouds; It’s that ancient trolls face peeking out from the crickety-crookedy-crockity burls of a wise old tree stump; It’s the fluid beauty that rain drops paint as you watch them trickling down the windshield from your car cocoon.
To Seek the magic is the attempt to SEE with Intention in hopes to find these hidden treasures that many times escape us as we get caught up in the routines of dealing with the daily chores of our lives. Many times it will only be a glimpse from the corner of our eye and can easily be missed. If, however, the eye can catch it, for that moment, no matter how short, there is a special joy that fills ones soul. ArtistaMama, my mother and my soul-mate in art, was a self-proclaimed Seeker of Magic and made it her goal to instill the art of ’Seeing’ in her children and grandchildren.
Growing up under the wings of ArtistaMama, I learned quickly that the magic of the gifts that nature gives us are meant to be an experienced and deeply felt part of the journey of our life… they were not intended to be skimmed over. I learned that when the rain falls and the wind blows, you sit quietly and listen with your heart instead of complain loudly with your mouth. This perspective has become a great part of the process involved in creating my art. Creating is a meditating and healing experience for me and subsequently THE process is the most fulfilling.
I am not a ‘schooled’ artist as one might call it. I have not studied the great masters to any extent although I certainly appreciate them, especially Rodin and Dali. I have not learned the ‘rules’ on colors, form, and light as defined by a classroom. I’ve been exposed to them but maybe it is the rebel in me, but I do not care for predefined rules on what makes ‘good art’. If I like it, I like it! I know when a piece makes me happy and that is when I deem it successful in my world. I appreciate the work of all artists because even if it’s not my flavor, I know that it comes from a very special place within their soul.
I have no desire to attempt to please the world of ’professionals’ or self-professed art critics. I do, however, find myself hoping to inspire something greater in the souls that connect with my work. I am filled with great joy when I accomplish a piece to my satisfaction but when it finds its way into the heart of another and does something for them, I feel like I’ve not just gained something for myself but I’ve given something back to the Universe.
My work is always evolving. Every day I find something new I’d like to try. I usually start with a plan as to where I’m going with a piece but that is generally very short-lived as the colors, materials and brush strokes seem to have a life of their own and show ME the way rather than me showing them the way. Mistakes are often my most welcome gifts as they give me a view into ‘things’ that I could not see before. Challenges from others are another treasure because they take me outside of my box. They open up doors to skills that I did not know that I had. This at times can be daunting as I find my way through a place I haven’t yet been, but once I push myself through, I am thrilled by the evolution that has occurred in my art…in ME!
As one seeks the magic, they enter into a world of imagination and creativity where the fears and burdens of this world can be put on a shelf…even if only for a moment. For me, this world is a place where the colors are vibrant, music dances on the breeze, and gracious winged creatures live amongst us. The experience of seeking the magic is kind of like a really good buzz without the hangover. You should try it!
