Noticing small things seems to make the big things make more sense.
I have a real fascination with isolating images in the larger world. This one is a snippet of a trellis that is outside our kitchen window. It is the end of what grew there last year, and for some reason, this morning, it got my attention.
In this new environment, I am seeing small things, focussing in on the minute aspects of the natural world. It is nothing short of incredible.
The fresh moss, with its tiny shoots … the Witches hair moss hanging from the trees. These are things I didn’t observe in our old house/location. But here, they call me to go outside and see them in their full glory.
There has also been the excitement of seeing our belongings with a fresh new mind. We have now unpacked everything and are at the stage of deciding where the art might go on the walls. Since this space is very different from our last home, everything we have looks new, and needs to be considered differently. It is very exciting.
As I settle in to a new space and routine here, I wrote myself a note, which is now posted in the studio. This is helping me to move gently through this stage of things. Every day feels like I am starting fresh, which has its advantages and disadvantages.
I try to approach it with a sense of wonder.
In order to stir things up in my head, I have participated in a few online workshops on a variety of art methods that I do not currently utilize. From surface pattern design to creating in a sketchbook with watercolours, my idea is to gain a new perspective and different ideas by looking in different places. My strolls in the garden also help me to see things in a new way … pattern, texture, relationships, time of the year … how each thing connects to the other.
Looking for ideas in a variety of odd places is a wonderful way to wake up your senses, and offer you a new approach to your work. Never underestimate the power of pen on paper!
photo by Wendy Morisseau
As I write this, my furry friend Squeak, seen in my arms, has yet to return home. He disappeared two days after we moved. We miss him so much!
Everyday I hold space and hope that he will find his way back to us, so that I can share this new and amazing world with him.
May this week offer small wonders that make a big impression!
~sarah
What a lovely picture you sharing with us Sarah. I love the sense of wonder that you talk about. Yes when you enter a new space with that sense of wonder and curiosity it is amazing what comes up. I do hope that squeak finds his way home to you soon. Keep exploring it’s bringing out new talents and creative energies that are wonderful to share.
It is fun to share the unfolding!!
Here’s to waking up our senses in new and wonderful ways.
I hope Squeak is back with you very soon. You might find my Youtube tutorial on minimalism of interest, as it’s really about seeing.
I love seeing what you create!
– Judy Hancock Holland
Thanks Judy! Just took a gander at your new work and you are doing some really fabulous pieces, clearly having a very good time and diving deep! What is the address of your YouTube?
Oh Sarah, I feel the sense of wonder when I read this. I notice details, too. I especially like to imagine small worlds with fairies that live in the little shoots on moss like you photographed. When I was young we went to a store in Polo Park Mall in Winnipeg named “Cricklewood” and it had many teeny tiny objects for sale. For Christmas one year I got a little blue camping teapot with a removable lid and wee cups that I played with a lot. What a treasure trove of memories it invokes! Thanks for lighting up this part of my brain archives.
Squeak, come home your family misses you–adventure time is up… Hug Janis:)
And may the wonder-filled memories continue to trickle in!! Hugs right back to you! ~s