An artist friend of mine, suggested that others might be interested in my process, thoughts on spirituality, creativity and how they all the different elements come together interact and connect into a final piece of art.
My inspiration comes from many places, so here are some examples, which then often has a knock on effect on a different area of life. I hope you might find this encouraging, wherever you are in your creative and/or spiritual journey.
Blessings Katrina
SLOWING
My husband and I were on holiday in a cottage in Lyme Regis overlooking the sea. It was one of those beautiful weeks of Indian summer in the UK. The week before and after had been pouring with rain, but we had timed this just right and it was gorgeous all week.
Sometimes there are those moments in life, where you can experience ‘thin places’ where heaven seems to touch earth, if only for a brief moment.
Sitting out on the balcony, in the silence, listening to the birds and the breeze of the wind in the trees, I was inspired to write the following poem:
SLOWING
Slowing, refocusing my thinking,
my attention
to mindful meditation
on the presence
OF GOD.
The tingle in my fingers
reminding me,
God is in my very DNA.
The warmth of a coffee cup
in my hands
reminds me God can warm
even the coldest parts of my heart.
The simple song of the garden birds
remind me of the singing bird
in my heart,
longing to sing songs of joy,
thanking my creator
for all he has created.
The wind on leaves
reminding me God can move
in my life,
in the gentlest of ways
and in a moment.
Shadows and clouds that obscure the sun.
Life’s problems which can obscure
THE SON,
but with a gentle wind,
a change of focus,
they are gone,
revealing the presence
OF GOD.
Why don’t I do this refocusing,
this mindful meditation
all the time?
– I forget
– I get distracted
– Other things become ‘important’
When truly, the ONLY important
thing is …
Slowing, refocusing my thinking,
my attention
to mindful meditation
on the PRESENCE
OF GOD.
I love visual stimulation and for many years have treated myself to an ‘Art a-Day Calendar’ which allows me to enjoy a different piece of art 365 days a year.
https://amzn.eu/d/e3dWqTP
That particular week I was inspired by the colour scheme on a particular painting in the calendar, which to me was very restful, so on return from our holiday, with the poem fresh in my mind, I set out to do an abstract landscape which evoked the feelings and memory of that ‘thin place’ moment and this was the painting that came into being.
SLOWING
Acrylic on Canvas
25 cm h x 30 cm w
It has proved to be one of my paintings that really evokes a sense of peace in people. It also led onto me doing a short talk at our church pop in cafe on:
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
how to release MORE love, joy and peace into your life.