Spirituality, women in art...

It seems that women have been a favorite subject for many painters and sculptors. I have found it to be cathartic in some way. I tend to be very romantic and flowery in my style and technique. Sometimes though, I go for a bit of an ancient, primal and somewhat dark approach. Painting for me is a spiritual experience when I follow my intuition. So, there you go. Women, art spirituality all in one package.

I'm gonna try to go with my intuition with this blog thing. I don't wish to offend anyone, but I gotta be real. I have no current definition for my faith/spirituality. I'm a seeker. I paint. I sing. I write songs. I play guitar (umm..sort of)

Peace,
Susan

The Heart

Music is such a gift. My daughter attends Long Beach City College and she's in the music program. I attended one of the concerts tonight and once again they performed
"Blow ye the Trumpet". This is such a moving piece of music it always brings me to tears. I thought this time I wouldn't be affected. Wrong. The choir comes out into the aisles of the auditorium so that the audience is surrounded by sound. I look at the faces of some in the audience and for whatever reason I feel so connected to them all, though I know none of them. We shared a moment.
There's nothing "cool" about this song. It's just beautiful. I tried to upload a version from youtube but I'm having a hard time. I've pasted the html code for reference if that does any good. I hope you have the opportunity to hear it some time.

The Body

Before I forget, I need to write about my dream last night. I won't go into detail about all the bizarre aspects that are regular features in my dream time. No, I just want to remember the indescribable realism that I experienced physically last night.
When I was young I was extremely limber. I took for granted this natural ability. I never really developed it. I took maybe one ballet class and the instructor was blown away at how "bendable" I was. "Can you do this?" she'd ask. And sure enough I could.
There is a pose that is extremely difficult for most people and it was second nature to me. It's a combination of the 2 pictures shown. The feet come over your head as in the first picture, and the arms are in front with the elbows bent as in the second picture.
Last night, in my dream I did this pose. I can't put into words the exhilarating feeling that filled my body. I could feel the muscles working just as if I was actually in that position. I have sciatica in my left hip area, and I could feel a slight pinch there as my lower body kicked off the floor. I needed a little help, so I asked someone to hold my feet in front of me to keep them from lifting. So extraordinarily real.
My body remembers...

Annie Liebovitz

This is the first time I've ever posted any photos other than my own. Hopefully I won't be sued.
After the big brue-haha a few weeks ago with the Miley Cyrus photo shoot,I decided to google Annie so I could look at more of her work. I loved this series, the whole concept is really cool. I'm sorry I don't remember which site I found these on, bad form I know...sorry.

Enjoy,
Susan

The Madonna

With Mother's Day and all....

Cake, bread and carbs of any kind...

I have this dilemma with body obsession. You know, obsessed about my weight. Just last week I felt ok with my weight. This week, a whole different story. I swear I've gained 5 pounds and I get super aggravated and into self loathing. I wish I could accept myself when I'm not thin. I see women much larger than me happily going about their lives. I'm almost 50 for godsakes, I seem to think I'm supposed to have the body of a 25 year old. I love cake. Bread and pasta are comforting too. As soon as I introduce these back into my diet I'm on a roll....more please.
I'm so influenced by the "thin" look that even when painting this nude, which was based on an ancient Roman painting, I shaved off a few pounds around the middle to make her more...acceptable?
I'm also noticing I mader her breasts bigger than the original. Once more influenced by the modern version of the perfect woman. She's still heavy by todays standards. That's just weird.

anonymous angel

Well, I've just visited a blog where there was quite a bit of dialogue, heated dialogue based on the bloggers critique of a certain interior designer...I wanted to jump in and be the big saviour. You know, say something profound to resolve the whole thing. I love to play the "fixer". I quickly realized it wouldn't be wise to jump in the mix. I would easily get wounded if someone lit into me with harsh words. Then I'd be pissed and have to come back with proof that I can be clever and sarcastic....no good can come of that.
I will, however, comment here on my own blog. My observation....I believe that if someone is going to post an opinion and critique another's work, etc. it's cowardly to remain anonymous.
Anonymity can be a beautiful thing when someone is involved in an act of generosity or some noble deed and they don't want to bring attention to themselves. Otherwise, to rip someone a new one and do so anonymously is, in my opinion, lame.
I'm not sure why people find the need to tear others down anyway. I guess I do know why. Jealousy. I've certainly had my share of being envious of what others have in comparison to what I don't have. There are some extremely talented and wealthy people out there! I see some unbelievable homes on the design blogs, wow! When I get into the place where I'm comparing, that's no good.

Anyhow, this painting is interesting because the angel is below rather than above.

Peace,
Susan