Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Finding the "Flow"

What is that? What is the "flow"?? When you are no place but in the moment of creating?? And just how do you find it? Not just once in a while, but on a very regular basis. I had a friend ask me today what was it like. At the time, I don't think I gave an articulate answer. I don't think I'd rather be doing ANYTHING else than painting when I'm in that moment. I'm very hungry for these spaces and wish I could find them every day; two or three times a day if I could.  I'm my most perfect self when I'm painting. They are moments of self discovery, humility, lucidity, pain, passion, wonder....

How do I get there? I put myself in a position to receive it as frequently as I can. I paint a lot. I stand there and try to make magic, but more often than not, I take what comes, hope it's good. I try receive it.





Here are a couple pieces that I think have a little magic....

So more on how I try to get to that space. I try to be an open slate. I step up to my easel with my experience and knowledge, but I try to be a open and sort of naive soul. Being a women helps with this!! I listen to music that I know will wash over me an not take my attention,(not too interesting), but will stir my being. I try very hard not to think about the laundry or the dishes, or that I need to pay that 38.00 dollar bill online. I try to put aside the machinations of my mind. Those things that I obsess about, like my health,(I do this), or my childrens' health. I  keep my studio as warm as I want it, and try not to worry about the bill that's coming in December. Damn those rates. I need not to be physically uncomfortable. Then I let myself be moved by each drip of paint and each stroke of color as they are intoxicating. So I follow this....to find my flow.....I try to find this once or twice or three times a day. Some people pursue this. We are called artists. I'm glad to follow this........ Follow along?? Ha, Ha......

5 comments:

Alejandra Gos said...

Marla,
I read your posts and I really enjoy your pastel work. The colors and the landscapes are just amazing.

Cynthia Schelzig said...

Yes, I´ll say they have a "little" magic alright.....just beautiful work you do!!!

Caroline Simmill said...

Your work is really breath takingly beautiful. With your talent you shouldn't have to worry about paying a heating bill. Good luck with the ebay sales.

Caroline Peña Bray said...

These all have a lot of magic, and it's all in the colour I think. For me, anyway. All the best with sales! I'm sure you'll do well.

Anonymous said...

These are so beautiful. I am looking forward to your May workshop.