feed your soul

*funny birds say: what's up?

after many months of not completing a painting

worth framing, i was happy to take home these

funny birds chillin' under a riot of blossoms. i

personally think that a person's art is a little glimpse

into her soul, and for me, my brush art definitely

caters to the charming whimsical side. i'm drawn

to cute creatures and bright colors when i paint–

it's simply what i love and lifts my spirits.

when writing, i reveal much more darkness and

angst. my writing is more grown up than my

paintings. 8) even then, i have very little interest

in writing from an adult's perspective: marriage,

children, grown up responsibilities and worries. why?

i live this! and all my artistic endeavors are about

escapism, catering to the sides of me that aren't

expressed so often in day to day life.

i honestly believe that art and fostering your

creative side is so good for the soul. i actually call

it art therapy. this is my tenth year as a brush painting

student, and it's been a wonderful journey for me.

it's amazing how that decade flew by. i never considered

myself artistic when i was younger. i remember drawing

"still lifes" in pencil of my mini schnauzer, my stuffed

animals, and even one of my walkman (haha!) but that

was the extent of my interest. it wasn't really encouraged

by my parents. writing wasn't, either. they were just

hobbies that i did on my own.

this year, i'm volunteering for the bubs' art class.

their new school has a dedicated art teacher (so

wonderful) who has her own studio. she asked me

yesterday to help with the annual student art show.

each student chooses one project they are most proud

of to display, and the show is on for two days, catered

with coffee and pastries–all fancy and a big deal.

i think this is wonderful! a show really lets the children

understand what it feels like to display your work, to

feel accomplished and acknowledged, and also to place

importance on art. because i think it truly is important

to a child's growth and development, to encourage that

creativity.

it's when the magic happens.