Monday, March 12, 2012

Wishful Painting Series

This year I decided, through much self reflection, to create a new series of art with words and I am calling it my Wishful Painting Series. I had this idea years ago when I learned about the concept of positive affirmations through listening to Hay House Radio, but I never had the confidence to go for it. My inner critic was telling me I have nothing worth saying, and using words in my art was cheating. I now believe that I can do both. I can keep making art that communicates with color and texture alone, but I can also create art with literal messages that I want to share.

For the last two years, I have had this very simple list of positive thoughts that I printed out from an e-mail that I had received. Every morning I read these messages and they have been, one by one, day by day, changing my life. The list says things like, "what people think of you is none of your business" and "you are in charge of your own happiness". Reading these each day must have helped because now I move in this world with these thoughts in my head instead of the negative things that used to paralyze me (at least most of the time).

So now I am doing this for the world. I have some positive thoughts of my own that I would like to share with the world through my art. It is an amazing concept to think that, if you think something enough that it can become a reality. And what if many people are thinking these affirmating thoughts every day? Think of the power that has. I have finally figured out how I can do my part to make the world a better place. Simply by providing a pretty and soulful reminder to people to think a good thought every day. Yay! How exciting!

So here is my first one:
Art and Love Make the World Go Around 8"x8"

Right now I am not selling this one. I feel the need to keep the original in my life for now, but I have made some reproductions and they are available on my etsy shop. They are mounted on wood, edges painted black and they have a hole drilled into the back at a slant so they can hang on any nail easily or sit on a shelf.

4"x4" and 6"x6" Reproductions on Wood
I have more paintings I am dying to show you, but for now I am only talking about this one. I had a revelation when I started creating this painting. I realized that I wanted these paintings to hang in my bathroom so I could be reminded of these messages every morning when I get ready. So this first painting was of course about how important I feel art is in this world. Art made with love can make a big difference. I truly believe that.

8 comments:

  1. You go girl! The power of the mind is an amazing thing and our words do make a difference. Can't think of a better combination than words and paint, wishing you much success with this new series

    ReplyDelete
  2. The you Bren for the words of encouragement!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Heather,
    So excited about your new series. I love and admire your artwork very much. But I have to admit it is very wonderful to see a different side of you emerge. I think it is fantastic that you are able to keep all of you there in your work but add a bit more of what is in your heart. I really am so happy for you and I cannot wait to see all of the pieces together!! xo kp

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kristen for being such a supportive friend and encouraging me to explore this new road of creativity.

      Delete
  4. This one is really beautiful!! I love that you got over your inner critic, because really, what he/she is thinking shouldn't be of consequence either (yup. Very easily said ;)) - good for you! I love the colours and the feel of texture, and I think it's really beautiful that you're keeping this one for yourself, at least for the time being. Sometimes we need our OWN words hardest!

    (I made a pen and watercolour illustration with the exact same words - art before love & all ;) - about 6 months ago, and I have a print of it hanging in our toilet! So I really dig your bathroom idea!!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Yvonne! Isn't it funny, but I never really made art for the expressed purpose of hanging it in my own home. I love your words too AND the fact that they are hangning in your bathroom also! That just confirms my strong belief in an artistic collective consciousness for sure!

      Delete
  5. I think this is a wonderful idea Heather, as I really enjoy paintings with written affirmations - Great luck in your new series!

    Geri Lynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Geri Lynn for visiting my blog and reading about my new series. I really apprciate you taking the time to comment.

      Delete

Thank you for reading my blog and for taking the time to comment!