Grounded in Hope

Live painting at Current for Women, Visalia CA

When I do a live painting at an event, I find my heart in a state of contemplation and at the same time ablaze with ideas. Practicing creativity to me means tuning my heart and my mind to the inspiration of God, trusting the process to come naturally to my hands. While I have a measure of control, the end product is always a surprise to me.

This painting was one of the most spontaneous and daring I've done live. Attempting to replicate the human form is scary. Our eyes notice every nuance and proportion. I have not until now had the courage to try painting a body in a live setting where, if things go wrong, the disjoint image might be a distraction, but I dove in!

Living Hope has been the Current for Women theme for this year. It is also my prayer.

I will stay open and vulnerable, grounded in KNOWING that God is in and through all.

I will live free, letting go of my ego, allowing the Spirit to flow.

I will live in a lavish garden of kindness and abundance.

Artist's Note:

"Grounded in HOPE"

To be rooted in HOPE means to dance in the waiting; before the sun shines on our circumstances or we accomplish perfect maturity.

The freer the dance, the greater the exchange of our ego for loving kindness.

HOPE stems from joy and trust in God's character.

With HOPE, our trials can burn off the dross of life, producing a flawless gold.

In HOPE, even among the thorns of life, beauty blossoms and life flourishes.