A Bird does not sing because it has an answer — it sings because it has a song. — Proverb

I spent the afternoon in my studio, puttering, trying to find my song. I’ve been quiet artistically for so long, I can’t quite remember where I left it. I started out today with just a little humming…. Nothing impressive. I could not for the life of me get an idea for a painting, try though I might to look through old paintings, sketch books, photos, etc.

I decided to finish up another of my ‘assignments’… this one is an apron that I agreed to decorate. It will be in an auction to benefit Creative Arts Community, the group that sponsors workshops at Menucha retreat each summer. I wanted to do something with a butterfly. I’ve been attracted to that image since seeing ‘Spring Awakening’ this fall. It was one of the set decorations that affected me strongly. Loved the musical, if you ever get a chance to see it….. Such beautiful music! I wasn’t prepared for it to be so beautiful.

Then I worked on some tiny little blocks of wood in acrylic.  I don’t usually paint in acrylic, but this seemed like the thing to do today… start small. They are just little doodles in color really. But it is a start. I’m hoping that tomorrow I will be all warmed up and ready to go after I get done at the physical therapist’s.

If not, I have one more ‘assignment’ to do before I jump into my own work. I agreed to participate in a show called “Perceptions of the Past” in Southern Oregon. I have to read a description of an historic photograph from a collection and make a painting responding to or interpreting it. I don’t get to see the photo. I think my photo must be of a native american child and her family from the description. When painting my wood blocks today I had something emerge that might work. I’m going to let it cook for a while longer, possibly do some sketches, etc.