I Believe In Art By Victoria Lynn Hall: February 2014

Thursday, February 20, 2014

The Rainbow Walls

My Rainbow Walls

My rainbow walls were a spur of the moment creation. I had some old acrylic craft paints taking up too much room on a shelf, the urge to create and very little canvas to spare. So, I turned up the Hendrix song playing on the radio (appropriately enough, Bold As Love), gathered my courage, loaded my brush and flung it onto the wall before I had time to think better of it. It was going to be a disaster, I was sure of it, but soon I was having too much fun to care. By the time I finally ran out of paint and energy I was already in love with the beautiful mess I had created.

After that, whenever I had a little extra paint on my brush or palette I would offer it to the rainbow walls. They became an ever evolving part of my world, a portal to optimism and a constant reminder of the power and joy of color.

Craft Closet Wall

Unfortunately they were also inextricably linked to something that was alternately a blessing and a curse in my life: my oversized, overstuffed, impractical and impossible (no matter how many times I reorganized it) craft closet.

Closet Wall's last stand

One evening not so long ago I was having trouble getting that closet's door to latch when the thought occurred to me that I really didn't need the door at all. Without the door I wouldn't be tempted to just shove anything I wasn't sure what to do with into my craft closet. Without the door I could see all of my supplies and want to keep them organized. And if I didn't need the door, then I didn't need the walls either. That's when my muse appeared and a vision started to form in my mind and a lot sooner than later I found myself standing before my beloved rainbow walls with a sledgehammer in my hand.

The creativity of destruction

I thought I would miss my rainbow walls when they were gone but I don't really. This is partly because I am excited by the space and possibilities that have taken their place but also because the rainbow walls aren't really gone. They were really just a mirror of things that live within me: a spirit of spontaneity, a love of color, an undeniable impulse to create, a willingness to make mistakes and the absolute necessity of looking on the bright side of life. I don't think I need the walls to remind me of those things anymore.

Besides, I can always create more rainbows. It's kind of what I do.

Note: This was my #2 of my Top Ten Posts of 2014. Click here to read more about the destruction of the rainbow walls.

Make Your Own Rainbows Photography Canvas Prints by time2see
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Rainbows In Progress Paint Brush Photography iPhone 5 Case by time2see
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"From Within" Art & Quote Greeting Cards by Victoriart
Check out more Bright Cards at Zazzle

Life Is Better With Art Large Canvas Print by Victoriart
Shop for Life Canvas Prints online at Zazzle.com

True Colors Abstract Art iPad Case by Victoriart
See iPad Cases online at Zazzle

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Winter Weeds and Blooms

It's always spring in my art studio.

Before I had a garden, I wasn't a huge fan of winter. The cold temperatures, the short days and that whole ice falling out of the sky thing just seemed like not very much fun to me. These days, however, that seems like a small price to pay to get a break from battling the evil fairies in my garden.

Candles and flowers can brighten the darkest days.

Still, after three seasons of pulling, pruning, digging and planting, I find that I can't completely stop gardening. Instead I have discovered that the lessons and habits I acquired from my outdoor projects have followed me indoors. I realize that I have been tending to the rooms of The Cabbage like I do my flower beds, removing the weeds of clutter, dust and disorganization so I can give all the things and activities I love the space they need to bloom.

I follow this recipe to cure the winter blues and make art. :)

And just as it is when I garden, when I become overwhelmed by the weeds in my path, it is "the blooms" that motivate me and keep me sane. In fact, when I take the time to notice, I realize there is as much life, blossom and color around me in my home as there is in my garden in springtime. That makes me feel very blessed and grateful.