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Potential 10x20in. acrylic on wrapped canvas Potential is about a moment. It's about a moment of disconnect due to frustration, disappointment, discomfort, indifference, judgement, hurt, misunderstanding, impatience or anger. (All too easy to make that list!) What will happen next? It's about that very same moment and it's potential for grace. What will happen next? There is potential in each human interaction and the relationship that exists after that. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, verbally, financially - we can keep our backs to each other. OR we can turn toward one another. There is the opportunity to connect, disconnect, or to re-connect. At the risk of sounding cliche: I can extend myself or walk on by. I can build a bridge or a wall. From the not-so-helpful cashier at the store, to the homeless person I pass on the street, to my husband and children, to my community, country, world - the opportunities to respond are endless...and sometimes overwhelming! The Bible exhorts us to: "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." (Ephesians 4:2) We are reminded to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and to "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) Failure, fatigue, risk and vulnerability come to mind as I count the cost of relationship. So I invite God into the process. (The glow and the circle in the background of the painting represent the Holy Spirit's Presence and Power.) "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 When I choose to invite God into the process, something changes. I lay down my agenda to enjoy connecting. I step out of my comfort zone to introduce myself. I step forward into the relationship instead of retreating. I give the benefit of the doubt. I extend the invitation. I speak words of encouragement instead of criticism. I apologize. I give without passing judgment. I wait without anxiety. I offer a smile instead of a heavy brow. I decide to try again. I step out of my norm, and benefit from connecting with someone who is different than me. I risk. I try to understand instead of holding my hurt. I let go and forgive. I think of a new way to handle a situation. I speak up instead of choosing quiet resentment. I decide not to accept feelings of rejection. I zip my lips. I see things from a different perspective. I experience freedom. I cannot control what happens next. There is Potential. * I started writing this post over a week ago - and I just couldn't press the 'Publish' button. It seems that many 'Potential' kinds of moments have come my way. Or could it be that my focus on 'Potential', and the musings surrounding my painting of it, have highlighted the kinds of relational opportunities that are always present? I would love to read your thoughts and comments. Click here for purchasing information.
Friends 18x24in. acrylic on wrapped canvas This was painted with deep gratitude for treasured friends! I am convinced that we were not meant to "bloom" alone. Like water, light and rich soil, God uses authentic, life-giving relationships to enable us to bloom as He created us. I can relate to Verse 7 in the book of Philemon: "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Click here for purchasing information.
The Bouquet 20"x20" acrylic on canvas Beth waited a long time to meet Mr. Right-For-Her. This spring, I had the sweet privilege of being part of a bridal shower! In preparation, I drew a vase and stems on a canvas. As a part of the festivities, each of the ladies drew a flower connected to one of the stems. Using her dishes and a favorite fabric for color inspiration, I painted "The Bouquet"
- representing a beautiful group of women who treasure Miss (now Mrs.) Beth. You get the idea. :)
Since it's the beginning of the Sweet n' Tart series, please brainstorm with me: What comes to mind when you think "Sweet n' Tart"? Click on the name of the fruit for the size and purchasing information. Grapefruit Raspberry Granny Smith The Lifter of My Head 18x36in acrylic on wrapped canvas Inspired by a sweet little blue woodland flower (transplanted from the woods in Iowa) blooming in the early spring - just outside my studio window. I finished the painting just in time (2 1/2 hours of sleep the 'night' before) to deliver it to the Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst, IL this past Sunday. It was on display for the Elmhurst Garden Club's Afternoon in the Garden luncheon. Click here for purchasing information. Close-ups of the painting. I started this painting during a week I was teaching art classes. The 4 year old sibling of one of my students walked into my studio and exclaimed, "WOW!". I turned to catch his wide-eyed expression framed by his little hands up to his cheeks. I could use that kind of encouragement on a regular basis!! I've got ideas for a 'Lifter of My Head' series.
I'll write more about it in a future post - hopefully with another painting to show. A friend and former colleague recently asked me where I get my inspiration for my paintings. I gave a rather unsatisfying answer about having lots of ideas, taking photographs, blah, blah, blah. (sorry A.R.!) Here's a more in depth look at where my inspiration came from on a recently completed painting. 'Drink', 36x48in., acrylic on 1 1/2in. wrapped canvas 'Drink' This image was planted in my mind while I slept! I was even able to make a sketch of it a few days later. For shapes and values, I referred to photographs I had taken from a bouquet of daisies my Sweetheart had previously given me. Sketch for 'Drink' With the image, All Who Are Thirsty, by Kutless, was running through my head. All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy As deep cries out to deep Come Lord Jesus, Come. Come Lord Jesus, Come. My impression was a gentle, refreshing rain. You may see bubbles. The concept still works for me either way - Coming to the Fountain of Life, being filled and refreshed - hope restored. |
Dawn Eaton
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