Digital Art Watercolor Image

This image reminds me of a watercolor done by Albrecht Durer.  There is also an oriental feel to this  piece. The simplicity takes my breath away.   

MEDITATION

A Quiet Time

Yesterday morning I began planning an upcoming shoot.  Below are two snapshots (not refined, final images) taken as part of the planning and record-keeping process.    

How serene and refreshing...it was wonderful sitting there doing nothing.

Solitude, Silence and Meditation

There are times when I crave silence and solitude--a time of meditation and contemplation.  Spending time with beauty fills me with peace.

ORCHIDS
(Click on image to enlarge)

Meditation Garden

Am planning a meditation garden under some pine trees. Ordered a bench today and am thinking about what to include: green plants, rocks and stones, a reminder of water and a special piece signifying peace, quiet and solitude.

Meditation Bell

Living alone during holidays can be stressful. One way to cheer up is to find something that brings you joy. Years ago I began this practice and continue it today. What you choose does not have to be expensive. It can be a pine cone, a pebble or some fresh flowers. The important thing is that it lightens your mood.

My "special find" arrived yesterday from the Smithsonian.

Meditation is an important component in my creative process, as it helps me maintain emotional balance. Often I listen to sessions from a Buddhist retreat. The facilitator suggests sitting in a quiet, relaxing place and listening intently to the sound of a gong, or bell. Focus. Stay with the sound as the resonance trails off. The result is peace in the moment. The past is gone, the future is a mystery...all we have is the now...the Present--a time of giving and receiving.

Today, refreshed, I open the holiday box of ornaments and family treasures. A snow globe, the small Christmas tree, Mr. and Mrs. Claus purchased during my parent's first year of marriage (when they had no money), a musical wooden horse barn and my antique decoy ducks (wearing red velvet bows) perk up the decor.

Soon Bob and I will bake cookies. Several tins and a large glass apothecary jar are washed and waiting for sugary treats.

Happy Holidays!

Goddess Images

I am enthralled with the Goddess Watercolors painted by Judith Heartsong. To me, they are reminiscent of archetypes (specifically The Muse) as part of the collective unconscious.

Printed with Permission from Judith Heartsong--©Judith Heartsong--All Rights Reserved

My Muse is an important invisible companion and inspirational partner. Every day I take a quiet time--a time out. Often I think in images during this quiet meditative time. It is my job to make these images real. After "seeing" an image, that image must come into being. It stays with me until I make the photograph. When nothing happens during a time out, I wait. Either now, or at another time, ideas will show up.

My Muse also visits when I am moving interesting objects around and playing with setups. After a few maneuvers, the composition looks "right." Then it is time to shoot. Over time, photographs find you. Your job is to recognize them when they show up.

Suggestion: Take a time out every once in a while and let ideas come to you.

To see more of Judith Heartsong's work click on the Goddess painting above or go to:

Collection: Art & Color.

To see her reference photographs go to Flickr: judith heartsong's Photostream.

Judith Heartsong's journal is at: Judith HeartSong

A draft of this article was written yesterday, edited (after receiving permission to use image) and posted Saturday, October 25, 2008.