what is calling you (quiet whispers from the universe)
statements #9 (the last wave)
2019
watercolour on cold pressed cotton paper
Thank you for being here for this week's quiet little conversation...making a space for peace, grace and serenity with words, thoughts and images, turning the volume of the outside world down, letting the universe whisper in your heart.
The universe started calling me in the year I turned 50. From the ether came the Boston Art Library's Sketchbook project - an invitation from the universe to begin the journey to becoming visible. It felt safe - I would fill the sketchbook according to a few specifications and then send it to practically the farthest point from me on the North American continent. It was a step towards freedom, to honouring my self and my voice. I had no idea of the big shifts this first conscious choice in my path as an artist would facilitate.
The sketchbook was meant to have a theme and mine was 'change' (oh sweet universe - you made it delightfully obvious). I found some acrylic paints and began to fill the pages. I showed the images only to my teenage sons and to a few trusted friends. Finally it was finished, and after some more convincing myself that no one I knew would ever travel to Brooklyn and find my sketchbook, I packaged it up and put it in the post.
Since taking that step over a decade ago my life has altered in unimaginable ways. I've emerged from a fear of being visible to embracing the experience of being seen and heard. I began to listen to my artistic voice, leaving a long career as a software engineer to focus on making art to and recovering my health.
As I've created capacity for stillness and grace in my life, my artistic processes softly revealed to me the elements that characterize my own distinctive voice. I believe this path is available to all of us...this journey of releasing ourselves from the external narratives that limit us, of letting ourselves be shown the beautiful intricacies and ways of being in the world that make each of our voices uniquely, spectacularly our own in whatever way calls to our heart.
I encourage you to create a space where you can hear the whispers of the universe calling you onward. Rest in the stillness and calm to hear that call, even if it looks nothing like what you are expecting, and perhaps especially if it looks nothing like you are expecting!
the brilliant blues of a summer day...soft blues meandering quietly...pinks making an exclamation, nestled next to sweet marks in turquoise and deep blue
And as always, I want to express my gratitude to be living and working on the ancestral & unceded territories of the hən̓̓qəmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples.I honour the incredible depths of grace, courage and perseverance of Indigenous Peoples.
until next time,
Mardell