We've begun to draw imagery on our canvases - and though they may or may not remain, I have to admit that this is definitely my 'comfort zone'.  I began this journey as an artist by drawing incessantly when I was a very little girl.  I was accepted into art school because of my realistic drawings but when I learned to stretch canvas, to paint large and loose I felt such absolute joy and excitement that I didn't really go back.  Yes, I do sketch, but prefer to work directly on canvas, letting my brush do most of the work.  One of the interesting things about this entire process is that it is a  definite way to become comfortable with using colour.  When I headed into college many years ago, my main goal was to learn about colour - the most intimidating aspect of artwork to me and yet, once I arrived there, I felt that we were basically left on our own to experiment - which really isn't a terrible thing but I would have loved to be given a process like this to begin. 

I've also made a few changes in my life during this class.  Some have been difficult but I know they were necessary.  It was time to let go of some things to embrace what I need for my heart.  Last year was very interesting for me - many doctor's appointments and tests and physical pain, and yet I now see that as a door.  I don't know why it takes me so long to listen to my soul, but it seems to take a physical push for me to allow myself to do what I need.  And though a change I made last week wasn't easy for me, I have already experienced so many wonderful and encouraging signs to continue on this new path - one is the interview with AIR 106.1, another is the exhibit with the Women's Art Museum, and yet another is an acceptance I received to further my education (Yes!).

And at the same time I've been indulging myself in fabulous literature.  My recent read:

The Cat's Table
by Michael Ondaatje

I am a huge fan of Michael Ondaatje - I think his writing is so poetic.  And though The English Patient was definitely one of the best books I've ever read and probably won't be topped, I still gravitate towards everything he writes.  This story takes place in the 1950's on a ship that is travelling from Ceylon to England across the Indian Ocean and through the Suez Canal.  The story is told by an 11-year-old boy and continuously moves back and forth in time sharing how the past shapes the present and also how the forbidden incidents of a child form their adulthood.  And as I read I was transported to my own childhood memories, some not so pleasant, but I think they helped form the core of who I am none-the-less.