“What is there to do but strive, and seek, and find, and not to yield.” Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

I was looking for a meaningful quote this morning and came across this one. It spoke to me as I realized that I have been subconsciously living this quote in the last couple of months. We are living in tumultuous times, and it has not gone unnoticed by me that I am spending quite a bit of time pursuing a new hobby that allows me a bit of escape. I am searching out an artistic path even though I do not know where it will take me. And I guess that is the point of searching. The not knowing where you will end up. The possibility of discovering magic you did not know existed.

I have taken up painting after not having picked up a paint brush since elementary school. For some reason in high school the art classes were at the same time as the college prep classes that I needed. For now, I have started with acrylics and will focus on these for a while. I also tried watercolors yesterday and will try oil paints in the near future. Over the weekend I made a sketch with watercolor pencils. I rather liked them because they gave me a sense of control. Giving up control is hard for me. That is why I feel I must try all the mediums. In case I am missing out on something because of my need for control and structure. And what if there’s one thing I don’t try, and it was the thing I would have loved and benefited from most of all?

I tried a totally different art form last month. I went to a local library and took a short class on collage. I didn’t care for the particular project they were working on, but I did like the process. I tend to like the look of multimedia art, so this is something I plan to pursue at home in other forms. It is so versatile. I can make projects as simple as bookmarks or go for more complexity. Art journaling really appeals to me. And you can make quite complex “paintings” by collaging. I think the whole process just screams fun.

I have done embroidery, cross stitch, and needlepoint since I was young. In high school I completed a few latch hook rugs. My brother still has the Cookie Monster rug to this day. I have designed and made felt ornaments and pictures for years. I suspect I will be getting one of my “learn how to knit a scarf” kits out of my large tub of future projects. I want to try it all.

Art is such a unique thing. It allows you to escape from the world and add something to the world at the same time. And hence by making art, we can strive, and seek, and find, without yielding. Our art can make a difference to others, but more importantly, it can make a difference in ourselves.

Peace to you.