This piece is a beautiful meditation on your time at the artist residency. Your decision to dismantle your self-portrait at the end reminds me of the tradition of sand mandalas, where the monks who have mindfully created the intricate and beautiful work end with a ceremony returning the sand to the sea. You have always been an artist, and always will be.
Thank you Sis, I so appreciate your reflection and support of me being an artist, you always have. As I was writing this piece I kept thinking to myself, "when did I decide that being a designer and being an artist were mutually exclusive???" The week away gave me time and space to relook at that and finally accept, as you put so graciously, I have always been and artist (And a designer!!) xx
Isn't it funny how we see ourselves? In my mind you've always occupied space as an artist whether or not it's found on your CV. Your willingness to allow the pregnancy of a moment to guide you
instinctually is inspiring. The worlds you create and hold for others to process and to understand their own are always a gentle nudge toward something more rooted, more clear and deeply earthen -- and a nod toward the future you keep creating. Beautiful as always, Wanda.
Oh Alison, it was so interesting to me to reflect on the perception we hold of ourselves and how those ideals can either propel us forward or hold us back. This time I landed somewhere in the middle, but a major shift no doubt occurred for me. And for that I am most grateful. As I am for you dear friend. Always. Thank you for you kindness, your wisdom, your bravery, and of course your own artistic prowess that inspires me.xx
This is like the best thing ever. I too, tell myself, and I’m not an artist, even though I have spent a lifetime in the arts. I too have to separate myself from my self limiting beliefs, so that I can join those expansive personalities that I constantly surround myself with! And you, you and this Substack thread are such a blessing, such a gift, such a source of inspiration! Who needs a therapist but I can come here every week! ❤️🙏🌞
Thank you my friend. Your endless support and reminder that I am an artist and the encouragement you give for my pursuit of the creative work I do means everything to me. Thank you for always, and I mean ALWAYS being there for me. xx
Wanda . . . this share is soul affirming on every level. The layers of inspiration that unearth profound wisdom are endless! I am particularly struck by all the ways I saw you reflected in the landscape, from your astounding self portrait made of found elements in nature, to the reflecting art installation refection, and even the shadow of you on the rock as you admired the stone arch. Each and every reflection was art and remains because now they live here and in the imaginations of all of us who read and are fed by your wandering and your posts.
I head off to Scotland in a few weeks and tremble with anticipation over what the land may have to share with me and how I might join it (every so fleetingly) in the shape of an artistic expression of beauty . . .
Dearest Lori, What a beautiful share. Thank you for such a tender response and observation. It's funny about the reflections - I posted something on FB and someone commented about the photo of my shadow against Arch Rock, calling it an "Old School Selfie" - which I loved because it had nothing really to do with me, more about capturing my experience in that space & time, which is perhaps how we took selfies back in the day : )
I hope you have an amazing time in Scotland and I so look forward to your own reflections from that trip.
This piece is a beautiful meditation on your time at the artist residency. Your decision to dismantle your self-portrait at the end reminds me of the tradition of sand mandalas, where the monks who have mindfully created the intricate and beautiful work end with a ceremony returning the sand to the sea. You have always been an artist, and always will be.
Thank you Sis, I so appreciate your reflection and support of me being an artist, you always have. As I was writing this piece I kept thinking to myself, "when did I decide that being a designer and being an artist were mutually exclusive???" The week away gave me time and space to relook at that and finally accept, as you put so graciously, I have always been and artist (And a designer!!) xx
Isn't it funny how we see ourselves? In my mind you've always occupied space as an artist whether or not it's found on your CV. Your willingness to allow the pregnancy of a moment to guide you
instinctually is inspiring. The worlds you create and hold for others to process and to understand their own are always a gentle nudge toward something more rooted, more clear and deeply earthen -- and a nod toward the future you keep creating. Beautiful as always, Wanda.
Oh Alison, it was so interesting to me to reflect on the perception we hold of ourselves and how those ideals can either propel us forward or hold us back. This time I landed somewhere in the middle, but a major shift no doubt occurred for me. And for that I am most grateful. As I am for you dear friend. Always. Thank you for you kindness, your wisdom, your bravery, and of course your own artistic prowess that inspires me.xx
Love this!!!
Thank you sweet friend. xx
This is like the best thing ever. I too, tell myself, and I’m not an artist, even though I have spent a lifetime in the arts. I too have to separate myself from my self limiting beliefs, so that I can join those expansive personalities that I constantly surround myself with! And you, you and this Substack thread are such a blessing, such a gift, such a source of inspiration! Who needs a therapist but I can come here every week! ❤️🙏🌞
Thank you my friend. Your endless support and reminder that I am an artist and the encouragement you give for my pursuit of the creative work I do means everything to me. Thank you for always, and I mean ALWAYS being there for me. xx
Wanda . . . this share is soul affirming on every level. The layers of inspiration that unearth profound wisdom are endless! I am particularly struck by all the ways I saw you reflected in the landscape, from your astounding self portrait made of found elements in nature, to the reflecting art installation refection, and even the shadow of you on the rock as you admired the stone arch. Each and every reflection was art and remains because now they live here and in the imaginations of all of us who read and are fed by your wandering and your posts.
I head off to Scotland in a few weeks and tremble with anticipation over what the land may have to share with me and how I might join it (every so fleetingly) in the shape of an artistic expression of beauty . . .
Thank you for your wisdom and gifts to us all!
Dearest Lori, What a beautiful share. Thank you for such a tender response and observation. It's funny about the reflections - I posted something on FB and someone commented about the photo of my shadow against Arch Rock, calling it an "Old School Selfie" - which I loved because it had nothing really to do with me, more about capturing my experience in that space & time, which is perhaps how we took selfies back in the day : )
I hope you have an amazing time in Scotland and I so look forward to your own reflections from that trip.
Thank and sending love.
Old school selfie indeed! That’s fantastic!
I’ll see about crafting a self portrait from the craggy grasses and berms!