February's Asylum

A Very Real Place to Stay


Here in the deepest length of Winter, I find myself in an asylum.  My mind pounds, my bones ache, and I cannot sleep the way I should.  Light barely trickles in and the sounds of life outside these walls are scarce.  There has to be a way out.  A way for me to channel this loudness in my head.  

Thank goodness we have these hibernating months to rely on.  I use the word 'rely' very heavily here.  For it is within these 90 days I muster up the strength and willingness inside to explore pieces of my creative self that might otherwise wither up in the dusty corner of my mind.  These are the days of rejuvenation!  These are my days.  And on these days, my best work will be created.

My mind wants to go from this...

To this.  Overnight...

  
But we all know that is not possible.  The sheer hope of bringing 'life' back into our souls is the same hope I experience when looking forward to the creating I will be able to do as the seasons change.  For me, it is more about the state of being I am in when creating; rather than the final outcome.  I need to be able to grasp the internal feelings I experience while working on Beauty, as to not wash over them or hurry past them in hopes of reaching the 'end result' sooner.  Half of the Story-to-Tell with my work is in the emotions and feelings I remembered while working.

These dark months can truly teach me to grow as an artist from within.  I find strength to wake, to eat, to have a conversation, to go to work everyday, to smile...even when I don't want to.  It is the same strength from within that leads me to create...even when I may not want to. 

Summoned creativity manifested this Decoupage Display Head last week.

Staring Beauty directly in the face last week with a project that was very tedious and precise was the best way to expend energy my head was putting forth.  I fell calm while this work came together.  The countless hours of ripping paper, gluing, and setting each piece gave my thoughts a place to wander even if in circles.  Her name is Annabelle and she is made of styrofoam which has been decoupaged to look like vintage fabric tightly formed to her contours.  I then glued dried Hydrangea blooms to the right side of her face and head (as in a classic hat) and cut out a very intricate design which embellishes her left forehead and cheek.  She has satin and lace bouncing throughout her headpiece and a final touch at her neckline.  Various jewels were set to bring a sparkle to her eyes...almost as if showing a glimpse of true life from within.  She is set atop a Mercury glass candlestick and overlooks my living room.  Annabelle was a wonderful tool for me to express my February blues and restlessness.  She put my racing mind at task and now I have a beautiful figure watching over the room.  Thank you Annabelle!

Summon the creative Muse.  Find something new of something old.  Let Winter's biting hand guide you into a place of focus and drive.  For me, I need this season.  It brings me closer to myself and to my work.  Thank you February!  Your asylum isn't so bad after all.