Friday, December 28, 2007

IF : Soar


As I look back on 2007, I realize there's baggage I need to leave behind. It's filled mostly with broken promises to myself. As I went about my hurried life I was forgetting to take care of my main goal, to replenish my spirit. Some of you remember that from last year. I got caught up in my wonderful new studio until opening after opening consumed me. I became part of the downtown artwalks, which are wonderful, but

I was forgetting the real reason I needed to be there. I needed it to be my sacred space where I made art, period. No agenda other than to fulfill my need to paint from my heart. In all of this racing to be part of something, I lost a part of myself. It wasn't all bad, believe me! I sold a lot of paintings and made a ton of new friends who love art. But still, in the end I feel empty.

So, what I've decided I need to do as I soar into the new year is leave a lot of bad habits and distractions behind. I'll keep the stuff that was working for me and leave the other stuff. And yes, Illustration Friday is a keeper, so you can bet you'll see me here each week. I'm looking forward to it!

New Year's blessings to all of my friends who have supported me each week. May we all soar into 2008 with good health, an abundance of friends, and gratitude for even the smallest things.


acrylic on canvas done for Illustration Friday, "soar."

52 comments:

  1. I love your post and your painting.
    Great stuff.
    love

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  2. Wonderful post, thoughtful illustration!

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  3. Your illustration is beautiful--caught at the tender moment just before 'soaring'. I loved reading your post too. Wishing you an inspired year!

    cheers,
    Dave

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  4. love the picture and the meaning behind it- very thoughful and heartfelt.
    eBeth

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  5. Dare I say it but the hand bag is particularly impressive, hopefully the new year brings creativity.

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  6. What a gorgeous painting Laurel--perfect for this topic and your words, which I too can very much relate to. This is so funny, because just a couple of nights ago I got into a deep and spirited discussion about this very thing with several good friends back into Pittsburgh, all of whom are artists or are very much into art. One friend talked about the NYC scene, how he spent a month or so immersed in it and how it's just a bunch of parties and cliques, akin to artschool highschool. he appreciated the small, Pittsburgh scene and how artists make art because it is, in a way, spiritually fulfilling. Needles to say, he was glad to be back. I too have been tempted to get more involved with the scene in my neighboring city, but to be honest, I'm not much of a scenester who could really give a care. Yes, it is good to make new friends and try and be somewhat active in the arts scene, however big or small it is, but i think there is a time when people need to stop, and like you, evaluate why is it they make art and what is it that they can cut back on and pursue further. I applaud you on your thinking and wish you all the best this upcoming new year!!

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  7. Beautiful and meaningful painting.

    Here's wishing you good luck and more blessings in 2008- and thank you for all the wonderful paintings you shared with us.

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  8. Laurel, I think all who dare to care about their place in this world struggle with these same issues. I love that you have expressed it here so well for so many of us. Your art and your words are very inspiring.

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  9. I love your work, but this one especially! And I agree entirely with Steve's comment, and also wish you a very happy and productive New Year!

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  10. just beautiful...the sky is amazing....

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  11. Your painting and your words resonate with me. The little bird looks ready to let go of the baggage and take flight. What a lovely combination of words and artwork you've put together.

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  12. Don't be so hard to yourself, Laurel. I bet you did much more than you realize. Next year will be even better, you'll see :)

    Happy New Year!

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  13. I love the painting... it speaks even without your post! I think your resolution to replenish your soul is worthy. It is so difficult to find a balance between creativity and marketing... so my new year's wish for you is that you find that balance and feel happily in touch with your creative self:>

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  14. Very powerful and full of power. The painting is beautiful, and the thoughts you provided give us all something to ponder as well. May your year be blessed.

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  15. Amazingly beautiful! And great post too! Happy New Year, Laurel!

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  16. MMMMWAAAAHH!!! that was SO nice to read and for you to express. you go get em, ms. 2008! get em right with your heart! :)))

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  17. Laurel, I wish you the very best for this new upcoming year, may it be your most courageous and creative!

    [I also agree with you and Steve about taking the time to do the very thing we wanted to do in the first place, art and creating and drawing that fine line of balance between networking and creating.]

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  18. Beeeaaatiful work!!!!

    The best pieces always seem to have a deeper meaning than just that first glance. Thanks for filling us in.

    Awesome sunset! I like seeing the canvas come through in the close up.

    Thanks for all of your encouragement.

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  19. What a wonderful sentiment! I hope the new year brings you an abundance of joy and fullness.

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  20. lovely painting; like you, looking for a change of focus this year on many things

    http://ascenderrisesabove.com/wordpress/

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  21. i miss painting using acrylic on canvas. it's inspiring to see people doing it. keep up the good work. and don't worry, we all have baggages we wanna leave behind ;oP

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  22. Great concept and painting. The idea of the bird with 2007 baggage is great, and the sky is beautiful.

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  23. You have put your finger on the problem. There is always the danger that the temptations of flogging ones art are not entirely consistent with the kind of playful risk taking that was the chief pleasure that git you into making art in the first place.

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  24. Oh and I forgot to wish you the happiest and healthiest of New years.
    regards, neil

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  25. Lovely!! Good luck on your very worthy goals!!

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  26. This is fantastic! Have a 2008 just like you dream to be!

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  27. Thanks for a wonderful illu and words of meaning. Thanks for comment on my blog. Have a happy new year and make spirit soar.

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  28. great piece of work.. best wishes for 2008..

    thanks for dropping by the blog.

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  29. Laurel, your paintings and words are always so inspiring...i'm so glad IF is a keeper...i'd love to visit your blog every week!

    Hope in 2008 you realize all your goals! good luck and Happy New Year!

    hugs!

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  30. Insightful post and wonderful symbolic painting! Sounds like you are getting to the layers and that is great! Soar and be free my friend! Your talent speaks for itself! Happy 2008 to you!!!

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  31. Cute pic, sweet story. Have a merry new year & good luck soaring.

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  32. As always, great work...leave the baggage of 2007 behind but take with you the positive accomplishments of the old year into the new one. Keep up the consistent posts and best wishes for 2008...cheers!

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  33. YES!! You touch on a very good point - something we all can take heed to in our busy lives. I'm am very happy to hear you express this. I really love this painting - it vibrates with such energy and the color in the horizon is so hopeful. I support you in your need to keep going to your sacred place and nourish YOU.

    Peace, love and joy ~Michelle

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  34. Wow! Great take on the "soar". Again, your words and artwork are wonderful by themselves but together they are so much more. Full of good advice and inspiration. Thank you!

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  35. beautiful painting, I wish you all the best and all that you want for 2008!

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  36. This is a wonderful image and a thoughtful inspiration for the year ahead. Best wishes to you!

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  37. Lovely painting and beautiful thoughts. Internal/external -- a constant balancing act. I hope 2008 brings you all you aspire to.

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  38. What a beautiful, thought-provoking image, Laurel. YOu've done it again!

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  39. This is so beautiful!... Both the illustration and the post :)

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  40. it is a difficult thing to balance at times, because you immerse yourself so much in every aspect of creating - art by others is inspiring, and it can be easiy to get distracted or lost, I hope you can find that balance again, and keep painting - his is a gorgeous piece.

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  41. Very nice, and an awesome big preview to fully enjoy!

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  42. Beautiful illustration! I feel as you do. . .I need to stop and smell the roses more.

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  43. wonderful painting Laurel!
    Thanks for the comment on my piece :)

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  44. hellloooo from oz and new years wishes to you and yours too. knowing what we did wrong is one thing, fixing it is quite another, maybe 2008 can be just a 'ME' year for you! bless you.

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  45. I know what you're talking about!

    It's so easy to get caught up in all the trappings and forget the real reason you are an artist. Not that you can't enjoy all the rest, but I guess balance is the best way to go. Not always the easiest thing to attain, but it is possible.

    Thanks for reminding me of the real reason for art. Self expression and nourishment for the soul.

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  46. Always great to visit your blog.

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  47. Beautiful painting love the colors & design and how it says visually what you wrote about and more- can feel the bird is just about to soar into the brand new '08. You are wise and kind. It's all good! Thanks.

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  48. Great color and super post!!! Funny how life works out sometimes ;)

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  49. Happy New Year, Miss L. Wishing the best of everything!

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  50. Yes. You get it perfectly.

    The Middle Place -- I just looked at it and it looks interesting. I will have to see if she has stage 4 because I feel if they don't I can't relate because they have what I wish I had. Do you kno what I mean. I know that is horrible because cancer is horrible no matter what. But when it is late stage it is different. Having rambled about all that I think I might pick it up or suggest it for my book club.

    By the way Colette is one of my 8 sisters. xoxo

    Love Renee

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