Using Your Wings: May 2016

The Mission of Using Your Wings:

My newest body of work is one that interprets and reflect the repetition of patterns found in nature, with an emphasis on winged creatures, flight, and the element of uplift. By studying these patterns, my goal is to create artwork that require the viewer to take on another perspective. Is it a tulip, or a bird in its nest feeding her young? A point of light in a shadowy cleft, or the stamen of an iris? And how does this relate to the human notion of resilience? What if “okay” is not at all what one imagined it to be? One is never the same person once returned from a difficult journey. What tools are needed, and how does one find them? How do you learn about Using Your Wings?

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Using Your Wings Art Exhibit

Great news! The first exhibit of Using Your Wings will be held at the Mark & Emily Turner Library's Akeley Gallery in Presque Isle! The show runs from June 26th through August 6th, with an artist's reception to be held on Saturday July 16th from 11AM-2PM. More exhibits are planned for central and Southern Maine in the fall of 2016. Hope you can join the fun!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Thirsty

For what are you thirsty? And with what do you quench your thirst?

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Wings

Taking flight involves summoning up all the courage one's heart can contain, breathing deeply, and stepping forth in faith. It is not always pretty. There are bumps and bruises along the way. Like the fledgling bird emerging from her nest, or the weak, damp butterfly freshly bourne from her cocoon. Something Greater than this new creature guides and protects, leads and nourishes. As the infant follows, strength is infused into her soul. The act of flying builds on itself, fuels and delights. The Joy is overwhelming.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Kyrie Eleison

Kyrie Eleison

...translated "God have mercy"...

The wind blows hard against this mountainside
Across the sea into my soul
It reaches in to where I cannot hide
Setting my feet upon the road
My heart is old it holds my memories
This heart it burns a gem like flame
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine
Is where I find myself again

Kyrie Elison down the road that I must travel
Kyrie Elison through the darkness of the night
Kyrie Elison where I go you will follow
Kyrie Elison on a highway in the light

When I was young I dreamed of growing old
Of what my life would mean to me
Would I have traveled down my chosen road
Or only wish that I could be

Partners

The challenges of life seem easier when someone walks them with you. This cardinal pair lives in our woods. One is never seen without the other nearby...often heard but not visible. They look out for each other...they share the tasks of building their home and feeding their young. Our journey here on this earth is made brighter, even lighter, with the presence of someone who "has your back" so to speak. I feel like God sent me my best friend, in the form of my husband, to be the one who travels these roads with me. Who is your partner?

The Mission of Using Your Wings

Who will benefit from this project? Anyone who engages in viewing the paintings! My plan is to donate several paintings to Maine agencies in locations where the painting can be viewed publically, and perhaps, for a few moments, the beholder can consider a different perspective in the midst of troubles. Included, but not limited to, are treatment rooms in cancer wings of hospitals, Hospice houses, community centers involved in healing, and similar locales. Others will be purchased by individuals and corporations who are moved to do so by the concept or the painting itself.

How did Using Your Wings get its start?

Six months prior to being diagnosed with cancer for the 4^th time, I noticed repeating patterns and shapes in the environment before me. Rivulets of water on the beach left imprints in the sand that reminded me of chickadee wings I had just captured with my camera. Clouds behind a sunset, and their reflections on the water, were shaped like a dragonfly. The more I opened my mind to this phenomenon of looking at things from another perspective, the more I saw, and the more inspired I became to build a body of work.

When faced with cancer yet again, I applied this notion to my situation: I had to adopt a different, new perspective or else find myself mired in self-pity and despair. I had to dig deep to see the gift of each day. I had to develop a habit of resilience. Spending time in the outdoors of our most beautiful state of Maine, watching and recording her flora, seasons, and beings, helped to foster fortitude in my heart and soul. From new patterns emerged new truths and choices. And if this pattern of human nature repeats, what does it accomplish? Is it not our duty to help others who are traveling just a few steps behind us on the same path?

Using Your Wings