A Creative Pause: Mixed Media Water Spirits Art Series
There’s a natural rhythm to creating that sometimes requires us to step back and pause. I’m currently in that stage with this mixed media series exploring water spirits. The initial layers are down on several canvas and MDF panels, but the work has reached what I’ve come to recognize as a necessary resting point. Here’s a peek at the panels in progress with a layer of my (illegible) handwriting reflecting my intentions.
These pauses in the creative process used to frustrate me. Now I understand them better as times when the work is quietly developing beneath the surface, much like the hidden currents in a deep river. The first layers establish a foundation then I add an intention – in this case, to capture the essence of water spirits in mixed media.
While out on a long walk this past week, I took a creek side trail, still muddy with the recent rain. Watching the water swirl and flow, I had a new perspective on how these water spirits might look in this series. The creek’s swirling patterns, the way light played on its surface, and the sound of water rushing over rocks all contributed to new ideas for the series. Now, it’s time to pick the work back up with this new viewpoint.
I’ve learned to trust these creative ebbs and flows. Sometimes the most important work happens when we’re not actively creating – when we’re observing, reflecting, and allowing creative intentions to ripen. This water spirits series is part of that timing and flow.
I’ll continue to move these pieces forward and enjoy the natural rhythm of creative work. When the time is right, the next layers will come and will be more in tune with my original intention and be informed by these moments of observation and connection with the actual waters. I’ll post more in progress updates on my new Studio Updates Feed page – check it out here!