Epiphany
Updated: Sep 1, 2022
The Cambridge dictionary defines epiphany as a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.
When I tested positive for COVID shortly after my open studio tour in May, I immediately grabbed my smartphone, journal, and pencil box and kept them next to my bed. I enjoyed my temporary solitude, which was quite different from the isolation I experienced in my art studio. Fortunately, my health wasn't severely affected except for some uneasiness and discomfort. Even though I could not produce art physically, I had undivided time with my inspiration, and she gave me the gift of a magical experience. With my eyes closed tight, I was mesmerized by the colorful images and symbolism swiftly moving past. I pushed myself to sit up, hurriedly reached out to my journal, and scribbled those abstract images before they faded. Stream of ideas began to flow, and I could not stop myself from doodling and writing down my thoughts. It felt amazing!
I replayed the images I saw in my head, prompting me to email one of my artist friends, Lee Muslin, whose abstract work I genuinely admire. I knew she didn’t teach; however, I thought of asking her. Lee shared the name of artists she had taken classes from in-person and online. In her perspective, the in-person classes focused on critiquing work, whereas the online courses provided more direction on techniques. She sent me YouTube links of a few artists and works she admired, and voila! I found the artist who resonated with me.
I spent hours watching YouTube videos of Louise Fletcher, an artist from England. She truly inspired me. In her videos, Louise openly shares her thoughts and feelings about her sketchbook exercises, how her ideas develop, what she notices, parts of her work that are interesting to her, and why she paints over sections that do not inspire her. It was about responding to the moment, with no attachment to the goal of trying to get the painting right. Her videos are not about tutorials on how to paint abstract art. It was about how we can tap into the deeper part of ourselves, let go, explore, and see what happens. That's what drew me in. According to her, the best things happen when we are not trying to get a good result.
The timing was perfect. Taking this10-week Find Your Joy course has been enriching. It's about to end, and I can't wait to share what I have discovered with you. Keep an eye out for my next blog post, My Revelations, with lots of colors, play, mark-making exercises, and my thoughts on what they mean to me.
Peace & Namaste!
Vidya
P.S. Don’t worry. Mandalas are still my thing😉