30.7.07

Stretching To Wake Up

Drop the mask - © R. Koleilat, 2007
I've been thinking about things my doppelganger/separated-at-birth-twin Frances has been musing about - mainly how hard it is to reconnect with those parts of ourselves that require us to do the unthinkable: relinquish conscious control over what we want to do. This applies equally to my two intellectual passions: artistic expression and therapeutic exploration, which I believe are two sides of the same coin.

My "thing" has always been what can be generously termed as illustration, my medium of choice pencil and ink. But because these are unforgiving media that require focus, space and time, I've found myself less and less able to indulge... Paralysis and ankylosis ensued.

Wait, there is a happy ending to this sad story!

Now that I've been blogging, instead of worrying about what I cannot or won't do, I find myself enjoying "drawing" again - with, you guessed it, Photoshop. Such a convenient tool - no space or paper or babysitting required. And your point is, Rima? I hear Frances saying - well, if something looks too scary to do... do something else! And my point to all my friends that I've been corresponding with and discussed the "impossibility" of doing something "artistic": let go, let loose - things happen when you stop planning and thinking and measuring and comparing.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Rima, I have been grateful to you for your encouragement to play. I have a chosen passion, but I get bored in it sometimes too, and it's good to try new approaches and "I wonder what would happen ifs..."
Thanks for being here and brightening my reading day with your grand wit and sensitivities
~Sue O'Kieffe

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the challenge. I get so paralyzed by fear--especially in the area of being creative.

Bobbie said...

What a wonderful image, Rima. I love the way the face sort of fades away into... I'm happy that blogging has awakened that sleeping beauty and has given you new encouragement. You certainly deserve it as you encourage us all to stretch and wake up.

Rima said...

I find that talking about what those fears and paralysis are chase away some of the cobwebs.

Bobbie, thanks! I wasn't sure what to make of this image - it started out as a mask, and ended up as a SPLATT! moment for this mask/facade.

ZanBarrage said...

What an inspiring post my dear. And that mask is a haunting work! more more more!!!

dianeclancy said...

I was going to say poignant but maybe haunting is more accurate.

I have so enjoyed your sharing your process ... really helpful!

Blogging has helped me a lot too. It has given me quick concrete reasons to create new work and not worry so much about it ...

~ Diane Clancy
www.dianeclancy.com/blog

Artists With Artitude said...

There is no one happier than me at the moment, Rima. You ALWAYS had such artistic/literary talents and I am in awe of what you are accomplishing.

My problem is the exact opposite: I don't think and I, unfortunately,am fearless (only when it comes to art). Many projects has been totally ruined by my "not thinking" nor planning. YOU are teaching me how to take it slow and be mindful of every step and that's what I really need. Love you, sis :)

lebanesa said...

I am so frustrated not to be able to see the image. I am using my lovely brother out-law's computer in France and all images have that nice little logo I remember from the bad old days - but no picture
I logged in while darling hubby is driving round Rennes looking for somewhere to park - and all this talk of masks is fascinating - Ah me! shall have to wait till next week :-((

dianeclancy said...

Hi Rima,

There is a little present for you over at my blog.

www.dianeclancy.com/blog

Debi said...

I love happy endings. And happy beginnings. And happy middles. Here's wishing you all of that, and more sweet, inspiring, funny Rima.

We love your art work -- draw with whatever works for you, works for you now -- pen, ink, Photoshop, your finger in the sand. We're happy to be a captive audience of such an open, creative heart and mind.

Debi said...

Make that "captivated audience" please.