Soul Food: Nourishing the Soul Through the Arts
For most of my life I have been involved in the arts. It all began with scribbling on the walls. I remember well the colored pencils being removed from my possession because of the flower on the wall, but I suffered the consequences because I knew I had created a masterpiece! Before I hit my teens, I would sit at the movies on a Sunday afternoon and sketch the clothing of the beautiful women on the screen. Later I would design and constructed my own clothing . In puberty , as a mournful teenager ------ full of pain and suffering , I took to writing. Using paper and pencil, and a heart full of drama, I spent many hours in my room writing and sketching.
Each of these incidences, loosing myself in an art form, has fed my soul, seeded ideas and nourished me. The arts have provided a vehicle for moving through some of life's greatest joys and sorrows. I often find myself lost in a painting, a book, or a sunset and come out the other end a better person.
Several years ago I lived abroad . Even though the three years in England were an amazing gift, it was a difficult move away from family, friends and my businesses. Remembering my past I took to paper and pencil and moved through the tough times by writing and painting. I had lost this love of art in my everyday life, but discovered it again as I pursued a certificate in watercolor to teach others this old English art form. I spent much time searching out galleries and show openings to hone my new love. Looking at art with a fresh eye , I found peace and reconciliation with my new life, but mostly I found my love of the arts had grown. I found inspiration in the painting of a great master, in a child's first attempt to draw or in any student realizing they had just created their own masterpiece. I was fortunate to have an amazing teacher and I will never forget the day that I said....."I get it". As time past. I found myself healing through the arts and found my soul nourished . Little did I know that these lessons would help me get through a future tragedy.
Today I walked through the town of Chelan and felt the quietness, but I also saw the color of the leaves, the sculptures that make us think and laugh, and the murals that share the past of our ancestors. I felt privileged to be living in this community, but I also felt a hunger to know more. We are fortunate to live in a place that treasures art. What can we reap from the art and events that celebrate the soul of this community? I want to share that love of this town with you and , also, my adventures on the road.
As I pack my bags to hit the road for sun and adventure, I will keep in touch with the arts in Chelan, but I will also hit art shows, gallery walks, music venues, craft shows and maybe a roadside attraction or two and share all my experiences with you.
I hope that I can feed and nourish YOUR soul during the long winter months ahead.
Here's to a hearty appetite of art coming your way.
Cheers,
Ronna
Really like your post. Travel can be so invigorating to the creative spirit
ReplyDeleteThank you Glenda. I miss my community when traveling, but feel that I absorb so much inspiration. You are correct....it is "invigorating"!
DeleteCongrats on your new blog. I look forward to following your journey!
ReplyDeleteJamie.....Life is an adventure...right? Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. Look forward to sharing the next four months of art and life!
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