Where the Heart Beats

Where The Heart Beats“So it is with the places preparing to teach us. It’s only when the heart begins to beat wildly and without pattern—when it begins to realize its boundlessness—that its newly adamant pulse bangs on the walls of its cage and is bruised by its enclosure… To feel the heart pound is only the beginning. Next is to feel the hurt—the tearing of the psyche—the prelude of entry into the place one has always feared. One fears that place because of being drawn to it, loving it, and wanting to be taught by it. Without the need to be taught, who would feel the psyche rip? Without the bruise, who would know where the walls are?” — Kay Larson, Where the Heart Beats: John Cage, Zen Buddhism, and the Inner Life of Artists

Retro Reflections

I have recently discovered the pleasures of Pinterest, and have been busy creating boards with all kinds of designs and designers that inspire me — especially pattern and textile design. I also keep old school scrapbooks that I call “inspiration books” where I paste colors, quotes and images that make my creative juices flow. One day… Continue reading Retro Reflections

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

I write. I design. I sing. I create art. I also cook, clean, hold a job, go to yoga, maintain relationships, and attend cultural events. Oh, and sleep. I try to get eight hours. And what about time to meditate and daydream? What about time to read and take walks? How can I fit it… Continue reading Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

A Lost Art?

I still write letters. I don’t do it as often as I wish I did, but when I do write, I try not to skimp. For instance, when I write out my holiday cards, I include a hand-written letter to each person. I send a lot of cards, so this can take me a very… Continue reading A Lost Art?

Best gift ever

  In 1978 one of my favorite aunts gave me a faux-denim journal with blank pages. Blank pages! And hardcover like a real book, to boot! My teenaged imagination was stoked and I promptly began to fill the journal with art and writing and quotes I loved. I have been an avid journal-keeper ever since.… Continue reading Best gift ever