Colors
A few of you already know this. . .I keep an art journal. It's purpose is the same as a regular writing journal, only I create pictures in it instead of sentences. I also have a writing journal, but I utilize my art journal more often. My art journal helps me work through the feelings and thoughts that I can't express with words. It's not anything fancy. Just a cheap art pad with random drawings and designs, often not even related to the topic or events going on in my mind and in my life at the time at which they were created. More than anything, my art journal allows me to focus and relax. It is often the means through which I think things through until I can reach a point when words become possible. When that happens, I often record my revelations in my writing journal, and sometimes on this blog.
Anyway, I've become aware of a pattern in my art journal. It's relating to colors. I've been using colored pencils instead of regular grey lead ones for almost a year now and have gone through an entire art pad during this time frame. What I've discovered is that when my life is most busy, I typically use many, many colors. When life is calmer, I use only a few colors. At first, I wondered why I would do this. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep my creative process simple during the crazier times. . .to allow my mind to focus and relax more easily with just a few colors to cope with instead of so many? Well, tonight it dawned on me! The colors I use in my art journal represent the different facets of my life and in my mind. When life is stressful and I'm pondering over new ideas or issues, there is more on my mind, more things I'm thinking about and participating in. More facets to who I am at that given time. Therefore, more colors in my art journal. When life is easy and I'm not pondering over any really important issues, there are fewer facets to be represented. Fewer colors.
Right now is a time of fewer colors. Several months ago when we were moving here and getting settled, there were lots more colors. Last year, when Sean was in Iraq and my Dad had open-heart surgery. . .lots of colors. Just before Sean returned home, and during his first week or two back with me, I used the fewest colors ever. After Sean had been home for about a month, as we were having more in-depth discussions and I was also having some thoughtful conversations with my sisters, lots more colors again. Thinking back on all of these times, I realize that I embrace both the color-filled and muted times equally in this tapestry of my life. Both times are necessary. Both are full of feeling and meaning. Both are beautiful.
Anyway, I've become aware of a pattern in my art journal. It's relating to colors. I've been using colored pencils instead of regular grey lead ones for almost a year now and have gone through an entire art pad during this time frame. What I've discovered is that when my life is most busy, I typically use many, many colors. When life is calmer, I use only a few colors. At first, I wondered why I would do this. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep my creative process simple during the crazier times. . .to allow my mind to focus and relax more easily with just a few colors to cope with instead of so many? Well, tonight it dawned on me! The colors I use in my art journal represent the different facets of my life and in my mind. When life is stressful and I'm pondering over new ideas or issues, there is more on my mind, more things I'm thinking about and participating in. More facets to who I am at that given time. Therefore, more colors in my art journal. When life is easy and I'm not pondering over any really important issues, there are fewer facets to be represented. Fewer colors.
Right now is a time of fewer colors. Several months ago when we were moving here and getting settled, there were lots more colors. Last year, when Sean was in Iraq and my Dad had open-heart surgery. . .lots of colors. Just before Sean returned home, and during his first week or two back with me, I used the fewest colors ever. After Sean had been home for about a month, as we were having more in-depth discussions and I was also having some thoughtful conversations with my sisters, lots more colors again. Thinking back on all of these times, I realize that I embrace both the color-filled and muted times equally in this tapestry of my life. Both times are necessary. Both are full of feeling and meaning. Both are beautiful.
posted by Dani | 7:55 PM
4 Comments:
thanks for sharing...it is interesting that you have discovered a pattern. xoMelodie
Whoa! I've heard before that life is a like a tapestry, and this certainly bears out that point! What a way to let all the feelings and frustrations come out--in color, no less! And, very interesting that you noticed the pattern. Is it a right-brained thing you think?? It is also interesting since art is used for therapy sometimes.
There was an interesting piece on 60 Minutes Sunday evening about the youth orchestra from a South American country (I need to go look up which one) and a movement to use music to heal the children from the violent poor areas of the country. Over 300,000 children have now gone through the program, and it IS making a major difference. Sort of related to your colors in that art and music are both so connected with the emotions.
You continue to amaze me when you have such insights. You think very deeply!
Love and hugs, xo
Mom
Interesting observation about yourself. If you hadn't been keeping your journals you wouldn't have seen the link or known how you process stress and calm so differently. Thanks for sharing your insights into how you cope during these times. Very interesting.
Melinda
Dani, this is VERY interesting; and I am VERY impressed with the significance of art, color, and evaluation of why you used the color!
Dani, I am really learning from you. I am learning about you and about different types of personalities through your sharing. For example, I have a very dear friend who KNOWS that bright colors are very important to her life. Her house is the brightest house I have ever seen! She has many, many problems in her life. However, in spite of all of her problems, she is always encouraging and inspirational to be around. Now, I'm beginning to see why those bright colors are so important to her, thanks to you, Dani!
Thank you so much for this important posting, Dani, and for being so open to share about it. You help others when you share!
Thanks again, Dani!
Love,
Aunt Jackie
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