It's been months since I have painted -- my creative energy redirected to new care giving responsibilities. In the midst of continuing challenges, I took it on faith that all I was experiencing would become part of my landscape and deepen my artistic expression in time. I scanned my everyday routine seeking a moment of inspiration.
One day it came in the form of an invitation to a friend's Summer of Love party - theme attire required. I set out to recreate an outfit I wore to a Grateful Dead concert in Lindley Meadow - a long time ago. The creative juices began to flow as I tie-dyed a peasant blouse, sewed a jean skirt, knotted a macrame belt, and wove a flower head wreath.
But the best inspiration came when I visited Berkeley to buy incense at the Annapurna head shop on Telegraph Avenue. I captured an image of two older hippies sitting on a bench with a younger man, who appeared to be their son. It was the living extension of the Summer of Love - present past. I'm now using this image, coupled with other images from People's Park, to create a composite drawing and painting. How uplifting it is to spend time focused on the ideals of that time while I create!
