Let It Be

Ever since I started this Living Daringly blog back in 2013, a big part of it has been me trying to keep it real in my posts. Out in social media land, there have been more and more “influencers” that are exposed taking vacation pictures in their living rooms with a variety of backdrops they’ve purchased. They are trying to convince everyone they are living their best life instead of actually living it: the good and the bad.

I’ve recently written about being in a funk, struggling with “stuckness,” and moving out of the “stuckness.”

Well, I’m not out of it yet. Though I do feel like I’m at a pivot point or a fork in the road. Like the wind is blowing me somewhere different. And art has been a big part of what’s helped me keep moving, even if it feels slow sometimes. My life’s path may not be the most exotic, but here I am, living the best life I know how.

Let It Be

As I’ve found myself in a time of trouble, (<<see what I did there? 😁) I’ve been working towards turning more towards creating than scrolling. So I started another artwork a few days back to help work out some of that funk-like energy.

I like to experiment in my art. I usually like playing with bright colors, so sometimes I like to challenge myself by using more neutral colors. That’s where I started with this piece. I knew I wanted yellows, but I also used different browns too. I tried a new technique of smearing white paint across a stencil, which gives these flowers a satisfying texture. I’ve been using watercolor paper instead of canvases too, so figuring out how the inks I was using worked best was an experiment.

I was reminded of a mixed-media journal entry I did a long while back, and some bee collage material came my way. So the direction of the piece formulated a bit more in my mind.

I often put written word into my artwork, whether it be through ink stamping, hand lettering, stencils, dip-pen calligraphy, or faux calligraphy. Often that written word is song lyrics, because music is something that can move my soul nearly effortlessly. I connect strongly to song lyrics, and “Let It Be” felt perfect both for my funk and my bee them. The lyrics I included are the ones that strike me most deeply from the song.

In this series of pieces, I felt the call to use some ink stamping and some dip-pen calligraphy to lend visual art to The Beatles’ words of wisdom. (I’m loving all of the puns I’m getting out of this!!)

Closing Out

After finishing the piece, I let it set overnight to see if I really felt like it was done. It occurred to me to maybe work the flowers a bit more, but I like the simplicity of the white. There’s a balance between the words, the white flower silhouettes, and the bee motif.

I’m still in a “times of trouble” mindset. And I’m balancing it with connecting with joy and creation.

There’s a lot of joy in the world. I love that bumbly butt bee in the center panel of this piece so much. She makes me smile. And the lyrics remind me that there are others who feel the heaviness during times of trouble.

I’d love to know how you are connecting with this piece. What draws you in? How do you feel when you look at it and let yourself explore the different panels of the piece?

Here’s hoping that you’re connecting with joy in your way, and managing the times of trouble.

May we share:
kind thoughts
kind words
and kind actions, intentions,
and love.

Thank you for joining me on my journey.