Saturday, July 21, 2007

IF : Poem...Drink Your Tea


Drink your tea slowly and reverently,

as if it is the axis

on which the world earth revolves-

slowly, evenly, without

rushing toward the future.

Live the actual moment.

Only this moment is life.


~Thich Nhat Hahn~


I searched a million (or so it seemed) poems on the internet to come up with something that sparked a painting. Here it is, a painting I did today just for Illustration Friday. I've titled it "Tea and Ginkos." The cup and saucer are very Wabi-Sabi. Who needs a perfect elipse?


inspiration and acrylic on canvas

40 comments:

  1. Great work! I love the colors and atmosphere!

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  2. It's beautifull really.. the composition and natural elements work just fine!

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  3. Beautiful and restful, captures the poem perfectly.

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  4. very lovely work, well done! i wonder if this poem comes from Japan's tea ceremony...

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  5. A nice reminder to take in all of the senses in life... stop and smell the roses

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  6. Lovely poem, Laurel. I'm fascinated with the soothing quality of the illustration at the same time. The fabric of the tea linen opposed by the flowers, even more by their shadow. Delicious!

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  7. Pure beauty, I can feel the tranquility in the words and the painting! Very alluring, I shall replace my normal cup of coffee with a tea today! Great job!

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  8. this is a truely beautiful work of art ~ such peace, Jx

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  9. The painting and the poem are wonderful - especially since I LOVE tea and all things Japanese! Awesome job. And I loved your "self discovery" posting. That was fab!

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  10. You just did a painting today? Boy, you are fast. I like the peaceful feel. I want to jump into that teacup and rest.

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  11. Lolo, I just awarded you with an Inspiration award. Go to my blog to pick up the award!

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  12. What a pleasant sight and poem--loev the softness and colors. This is an ideal morning for me, if only I could have more of these.

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  13. your illustration is perfect for this poem. it sparked my mind. thank you.

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  14. Truly inspired! I can tell you really enjoyed painting this!!!

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  15. wow. you've knocked my socks off on this one! bravo!

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  16. Laurel, this is a splendid! I love blue, tea, flowers and leaves. The placement of the tea cup and saucer give this substance and everything else brings peace. How appropriate you ended up with a poem by Thich Nhat Hahn ;)

    Be well.

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  17. Beautifully done, lovely warm colors.

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  18. Its so serene and perfect for the tea setting. I need a cup of that!

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  19. Lovely. It truly evokes a feeling of peace.

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  20. oh, this is so peacefull!
    you can smell the tea, and the flowers...

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  21. Oh, my. I love this one, and also the one below for Discovery-- two so different, and both so beautiful!

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  22. laurel, this is so very beautiful!

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  23. Excellent concept!! I love the mood. Keep it up!

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  24. I like to gulp my tea down and burn the roof of my mouth!! Now that's living. ;-)

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  25. whoa- how peaceful- and beautiful!

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  26. I love this poem, and it's not just the poem that's wabi-sabi, your painting is too! So simply beautiful and peaceful.

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  27. I like the mood of this piece you created. Very peaceful and nice.

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  28. Your work is amazing! Thanks for your kind post about my IF:Poem. I expect to visit your blog more often, since I love your style. I've put it on my list of faves -- and hope to see your future IF posts.

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  29. So fine! My husband would love this one since tea is his main food staple. Well, he is from England y'know. I haven't been on the blog too much lately. I thank you for your wee (wine induced) comments a few days ago. :) I finally got around to sending my Motel Stationery to the contributor site. And have you drawn anything in your Moleskine yet?

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  30. Restful lovely.. quiet... I want tea!
    looks like something you would see printed on silk.

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  31. Tea-riffically poetic. Can almost smell the aroma(s)

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  32. Hey Laurel, thanks for making me feel quiet and peaceful with this painting. It's a perfect match for the poem (whose philosophy I totally follow...nothing should screw up tea time). Love the sakura. And thanks so much for your comment on my blog. You made me blush a little.

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  33. Ohhhhhh... oh oh oh. Lovely!

    (wanders off to put the kettle on)

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  34. What a beautiful piece, Laurel, so poetic and dreamy..

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  35. How nice it is to read a poem and see a piece of art. Beautiful. AS a poet I am touched that you find those words inspiring. Isn't that what art is supposed to do? I hope to gain some visibility for my poems and hopefully inspire people too.

    Happy Friday.
    David

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