Thursday, April 25, 2013

In the Art Studio: The Insides of a Heart

Untitled
heartsong {etsy}

Something strange has been happening at my art table lately.  Strange, but good.

It goes something like this:

I pine for my art-making, miss it deeply.  And then -- surprise!  My sweet son surprises me with the gift of a nap, and I run for the art table.

I sit.  I stand up, procrastinate, sit again.  I shuffle things about.

Untitled
what is this place? {art journal page}

And then -- I begin.  I dip my brush into paint or water and begin.

It feels awkward.  I paint anyway.

All of a sudden, I am overcome by emotion.  I want to lay my head and heart down against the painting and press my skin, my self, against it and into it.  I want to cry.  I do cry.

I keep painting.

in progress
peace {in progress}

Something special is born on the canvas, something unexpected.  The pieces, they feel raw and tender and bittersweet.

They are, I think, a picture of the insides of my heart.

I don't know how this is happening.  But I am so glad that it is.  It is a gift.  Thank you, God.

Untitled
you are not too much {etsy}

I try not to hold this gift too tightly, because won't it stop being a gift if I expect it, demand something of it?  I try and hold it as I would a bird, all earth-colored feathers, light and trembling and soft.

I don't know who I'm becoming.  What my art is becoming.  Everything feels broken today and these days.

What is this new thing?

I have no answers, hear no reply.  So I keep painting, when I can, as I can.

after the storm
after the storm {etsy}

What is this new thing?

linking up with:

* * *

Follow on Bloglovin

28 comments:

  1. I think your painting is so beautiful and sincere. I love it! <3

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your art, Beth, and your heart... all that you are becoming, all that you've been, and who you are today - beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful gift. I absolutely adore your artwork and your blog. Xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous! What a very cool means of expressing yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wonderful and whimsical! I love your backgrounds:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your girls are so lovely and so much emotion from them. Love your work. HPPF!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your paintings are beautiful , so full of heart and soul. Thank you for sharing your gift and your thoughts.Happy PPF!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What beautiful words. It sounds so like you are breaking your heart open and bringing forth what needs to be. Happy PPF

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's absolutely beautiful, is what it is. Don't question it for now.

    -Jenna stopdropandblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. When you figure it out, let me know. I've experienced the same thing since starting back up in 'll.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Keep painting Beth and all answers will come. Beautiful and delicate art. Thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  12. So wonderful, dear Beth!
    It is a joy to read about your artwork and to see this precious results. Be blessed and happe PPF
    Erika

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love this. So happy for you to be living this right now.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like your paintings very much. The wip "Peace" is so ethereal , soft and with feeling,a very beautiful piece.
    In time your questions will be answered, for now like Aga said....paint : )

    ReplyDelete
  15. fabulous post... your words and images come together so perfectly...xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Adorable, heartfelt, tender post of creativity dying to be born as it is, in all it's amazing glory!

    Hugs Giggles

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful art and beautiful words, Beth xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. A wonderful post! thoughtful words and beautiful art...just enjoy it! happy PPF!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the sweetness and the innocents of your girls... you have a very gentle style =D

    ReplyDelete
  20. your son is so sweet to nap for you so you can have time to create all these wonderful paintings! They are lovely!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful post and artwork. :)
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am thinking of buying a baby carrier/backpack (I don't know what they're called!) So that I can go paint with my bub. He sleeps but in tiny snatches during the day - I can't complain as it means he mostly sleeps through the night.

    Beautiful post :)

    Thank you for stopping by mine the other day - you know, you are always more than welcome to come join us in searching out the positives on Rocking Fridays. Virginia's blog is where we all link up x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Aww... these are delightful & sweet paintings! :]

    ReplyDelete
  24. Using your gifts every chance you get makes God smile. Lovely paintings. Blessings, Janet PPF

    ReplyDelete

"I am glad you are here with me."
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King