The more I think about my evolving drawing technique, the more I see the correlation between my visual art explorations and my current Jazz Piano studies. I’m letting the energy take my mind and fingers to new heights—to places that were once too scary and intimidating for me to explore but are now becoming a source of inspiration and creative dynamism. Some of my art used to have a finite, constrained feel, much like my piano playing—stiff, stagnate and safe. But I’m learning to let go and enjoy the process more than ever before. If I stumble, oh well. Better to stumble while moving forward than to fall standing still. Am I becoming more comfortable and trusting of myself as I grow older? Is it the years of experience that is allowing intuition to take over the wheel? Hawk is such an awesome reminder of all that I feel about letting go and learning to trust one’s inner power.
Finished drawing of Hawk-Shapeshifter - graphite on watercolor paper.
Vancouver-based author and bird expert, Lesley Morrison: "Learning to respond to your inner visions in the physical world is likewise something you will develop as you grow in hawk/falcon vision, as well as your ability to trust in that which you see."
Hawk-Shapeshifter is another piece that evolved rather spontaneously on the page. I began by drawing the head, using my friend Lesley Morrison as inspiration. Lesley expressed interest in being portrayed as hawk and the more I progressed through the drawing, the more I can see why it’s a good match for this bright, young woman. As I drew (in radiating motions from the face outward), it became apparent that this piece would encompass vistas and layers of landscapes—internal and external. I wanted to capture a sense of adventure, hope, creative thinking and optimism by merging feather, flight and inspiring glimpses through a daydreaming lens. To me, these are fundamental components for writers, artists, musicians and anyone who chooses a creative path.
“Hawk is considered a visionary in many cultural traditions, and is often a totem of those who have bold and original ideas. Those with a hawk totem have sharp minds and keen intellects, and are able to detect the slightest movement of energy around them. Many hawk totem people have acute psychic abilities, and have mastered their inner vision by trusting what they see. Part of the visionary power of the hawk totem is using its power to help the world in some creative way”~Lesley Morrison from her book: The Healing Wisdom of Birds: An Everyday Guide to Their Spiritual Songs & Symbolism (I highly recommend this book!).
Are you a hawk totem person? Are you helping the world in some creative way? Are you learning to let go and trust what you see?
In other Hunt-Kramerville news.
We have given our house a name! For those of you who have ever visited my home or who have glimpsed pictures of “cozy corners”, our home is our fairy tale sanctuary.
Here we believe that creativity is essential for an inspiring life.
We all love toys including Timmy. We encourage imaginative play and enjoy watching kids and cat engage their storytelling senses.
Art follows all of us everywhere, even out on the driveway.
Who need video games and expensive gadgets when you can just give 'em chalk!
Here's Connor drawing one of his amorphous characters.
Some of the kids' chalk drawings
Meanwhile, us parents sit on the sidelines and watch the chalk show!
And what does Connor do to relax and recharge his batteries? Well, draw of course. I truly believe my preteen processes his anxieties through this creative outlet. Anyone who knows Connor says he’s a “great kid” though some might think otherwise if they judged him by his “scary” drawings!
This is Connor's latest artistic direction. He calls this one "Combobulator".
And here’s Kyra with her latest school project. She was required to choose a famous woman in History and decorate a can in the woman’s likeness. Kyra went “overboard” and created an entire scene including a panoramic landscape painting inspired by the art and writings of Beatrix Potter. Kyra had read the entire Beatrix Potter “Little Books” collection in addition to her requisite biographical research.
Kyra's love for Beatrix Potter shined through her creative efforts.
Art is life! Treat everything you do as if it’s a new adventure.
~ Lisa
