This was challenging! I’ve haven’t drawn a lot of water, let alone an entire insanely detailed landscape. Well. Happy with the outcome. It’s the center of a larger poster I’m working on. Have more pictures on my Instagram. Marker paper with prismacolor pencils and markers. 11 x 14. Oh, and the unicorn – like magic of a white gel pen…
When my student is beyond excited. When they have that look in their eyes. When I know that something clicked, an alignment occurred with their soul. We are together for an instant in this blissed out moment that feels like the entire universe exhaled an immense and satisfied ‘YES!’
Last week, Jim asked if he could take his picture home to work on. He was so excited to show his parents his work in progress. He’s been in class close to 16 weeks, developing his style; drawing, painting, penciling what he loves- reptiles, lizards and snakes. He is a walking encyclopedia on everything reptile. He is also a connoisseur of morning glories. His enthusiasm is contagious.
Recently, he’s adopted a new tool- Derwent Inktense Ink pencils. He uses an easel, inventing his style of working as he goes- experimenting with different papers, pencils, techniques…and last Thursday- BOOM! Lightning struck and he was hooked. The muse had him by the tail and it was just the coolest thing to witness. He grew exponentially, expanded beyond his old story of his ability and I was able to see THAT MOMENT.
‘Oh wow’ he said to himself, looking at his picture, his hands full of pencils and paintbrushes, ‘I love this. I love this.’
When class was over, as he’s walking out the door, I saw that he also had the case of the studio’s Derwent pencils. Around $150 worth of these amazing things, cradled to his chest.
So I’m like, ‘Er…you’re taking the pencils too?’ A bit hesitant to let these things walk out the door.
His face was absolutely shining, as he said so seriously – “Yes! I promise I’ll be careful with them. I promise! Is it ok if I borrow them, since no one else is using them?’
In that moment, I could see the monetary value of those pencils was absolutely nothing compared to the value that they had to him, this gifted 13-year-old artist who had just discovered an entire world of wonder and awe in a case of pencils. We had discussed the price of him buying the exact set earlier in class that day, so he knew what he was asking.
‘Yes.’ I said.
He didn’t even say thank you or goodbye, (which he does every time, because he’s a polite and gracious kid) he instead just turned and floated toward his mom, clutching the pencils and his drawing.
Is that not connection we’re all longing for? A direct pipeline to joy? This is what is sustainable. Find the things that expand you, that inspire you to become more of who you are. It’s not about ‘Am I ‘good’ at this or any other external marker. It’s about what fulfills you. And that is always an inside job. How do you find a way to let the radiance out? What is it that tickles your fancy, that you do just for the sheer delight of exploration and creativity?
‘Oh wow’ (you overhear your soul say), ‘I love this. I love this.’
And honestly, it feels exactly like the entire universe is exhaling an immense and satisfied ‘YES!’ -through you.
One of the images for my Ho’popnopono deck. Prismacolor marker and prismacolor pencil…
Child of the Universe This image marks the re-visiting of a Ho‘oponopono deck I’m creating — a visual and spiritual journey into forgiveness, love, and remembrance of our divine wholeness.
Ho‘oponopono is the ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and healing, centered around four simple yet profound phrases: I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
The card, Child of the Universe, captures that essence of pure innocence — the part of us that remembers who we truly are before the world taught us otherwise. In the youngster’s bright, wondering eyes and the vast cosmic background, I see that infinite connection between human vulnerability and divine light — the heart of what this deck hopes to awaken in all of us.
I think she’s here. Have another layer of white pencil to do- that’s it for her face, I think. It for now anyway.
Excited for background- purples, fuschias, lime greens…
Have these gorgeous tapestry scarves- I photographed them in the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. So some inspiration for the foliage on black background.
The second card in my Ho’oponopono Deck. Work in progress!
Representing, resonating with the Mother Aspect of us that nourishes, protects and looks after us with tenderness and love.
The part that provides a resting place; a safe haven.
For me, ‘she’ isn’t representing my actual mom, or myself as a mother, but that universal force which for me, most often shows up as the feeling state of flow, gratitude, timelessness, spaciousness, boundlessness. A place for me to be.
Space.
To me this is the most female of expressions- space.
We all have it, have access to it. It is the untended, overflowing, crazy loveliness of a garden springing into life. It is life, Eve, The Empress, Brigid, Isis, Mary, Shakti – and all the multitude of images, stories and poetry that have tried to convey the inexpressible aliveness you feel when you are in this very feminine feeling presence.
Space that is full and empty at the same time. Pure potential. The pregnant virgin. Possibilities. Never been seen before’s. Excitement. Danger. Adventure. Life.
The Ho’oponopono is about this alignment, us with ourselves, in the way of a mother in alignment with her child. The conscious part of us taking full responsibility for our inner childs well being.
It starts here, this kindness to ourself. This sanctuary already exists for us, as a haven, a space for ourself in the midst our world.
It is, as John O’Donohue said, a land out beyond the house which is fluent unto itself. Or like Tír na nÓg, the Welshland of eternal youth, it is here, but you have to look for it. It takes some effort to create a moment in your perception, when the light is just right, in which you can see it.
The Journey 