…and I feel it all around. Anyone remember that song?
Lately I feel open in an I’m-not-really-sure-what’s-on-its-way-to-me-next-but-it-feels-like-a-good-thing kind of way. Love in all forms has been on my mind. Maybe it’s simply the springtime vibe. Whatever this feeling is, It doesn’t matter - I am content to be in this space.
I meditate every morning to set the tone of my day and to allow whatever is percolating to surface if it wants to. Here’s a recent meditation conversation: Idea: “Paint love letters”. Me: “What does that mean? Idea: “More precisely, co-create love letters.” Me: “???”
“Here’s my letter to Mom with it’s first color wash. Spirals are a favorite of mine so that’s how I wrote my letter to her. Also included is a butterfly design and hand-painted paper I’ll use for a stencil to collage over the words.”
I simply waited until it began to take form and I’ll flesh out the idea with you as we continue.
Here’s an example: You write a love letter to whomever or whatever you wish, (yourself, someone you love, even your dreams and desires) with options wide-open, and we talk until we find the first step. Our co-creation continues until we’re both happy. That part just lights me up.
“I thought that symbols in addition to words would supply more personal punch. Stencils layered over the love letter was an easy next step. This design was created with Mom in mind; I knew my first letter would be to her. The colors shown remind me of her. Mom was incredibly loving and supportive, and we were best friends. I still miss her and I wanted to thank her again, to add another layer of gratitude for all she still means to me, as well as producing a painting to visually remind me of all the wonderful moments we shared.”
Continuing with the stencil theme found me wondering how to translate personal symbols into form. Remember the bounces I mentioned in our last conversation? Expanding on the stencils is another one of those. Fun leads to fun leads to fun.
“Here’s my second stencil design, this time thinking of myself. I’ve fancied dragonflies since very young - they’re magical creatures to me, able to change direction in a nano-second with stamina to boot (qualities I admire for sure).”
Here’s our check-list so far: Fun collaboration, a heartfelt letter, color theme, and a personal symbol. That leaves size. Right now, I’m thinking a 12” square. But I don’t really care. It’s the co-creating part that calls.
“Now the stencil has been applied over the love letter and a second, darker wash has been added around the design. While I like this effect, I’m considering adding an even darker wash around the borders. This is a game I play with myself as I’m pretty sure I’ll do it while pretending I can leave a painting left alone.”
As to letter format, you could use crayons, or cut-out magazine letters and words, or write your letter backwards or, or, or… Additional personal elements could include collaging mementos like a piece of clothing, a lock of hair, or photos onto your letter. Nothing is off limits. You tell me what is important to you and I do my best to deliver.
“Personally, I wanted a more dynamic dragonfly design. Here it is in progress: I’m playing with wing placements and the veins within the wings. I’ll show you the finished design in the next letter.”
As to personal symbols, I’ve a few already designed and will create any design that calls to you. Jean chose a lion as a symbol for strength and courage. You’ll get to see more stencils, including Jean’s, next time.
“And this is the final result. Yep, couldn’t help myself; I did add an indigo wash to the outer edges. I will mount this on a 12” x 12” canvas, no frame. I may hang it on a wall or place it in one of those wooden plate-holder stands, most importantly somewhere where I will see it often.”
Afterword: Jean has this great idea about having your future self write the love letter - another bounce to my creative journey. I’m really having fun with this so…
…stay tuned!