November 24th, 2008The Restorative Power of Art
I am a member of a Ladies Book Club - well, that’s what we call ourselves, but it’s not really what we are. We don’t read books and gather to discuss them like most book clubs. We are actually an art group and we make pass-along books. There are 13 of us and this is how it goes: The first month each artist decorates her own cover of a 12 page water color spiral bound tablet. By the last week of the month we mail it to the next person on the list, and we in turn receive one from someone else. So each month, I have a page (two sided) to do. There aren’t any restrictions; any media and any subject goes. We’re just at month two of our second year. This picture is one I did last year. I can’t show you any current creations as we gather after 13 months for a grand finale where we present our books to one another. It’s all oohs and ahs when we finally get to see what others have created for us.
Yesterday was art day. After a productive and creative time something wonderful happened. I received a phone call from a potential client who I had been waiting to hear from for quite awhile. The red light turned back to green as the conversation reopened. So what does that tell me?
Sometimes I can get my best work done when I step away from my work and nurture my being. Art nurtures me and gets me reconnected to that place of creativity where all things are possible.

November 24th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
FAB!! Love this - and this was one of my most favorite of your art works last year!
xoxo,
Marinda
November 25th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Hi Jody. Thanks for commenting on my blog, and here is my return, as promised. Good Luck!
November 25th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
My oldest is good at art. I’ve heard it said that art is the creative practice of imitating God.
Thanks for your comments on my blog.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
The book club sounds fun. Not exactly a guy thing though. I used to enjoy the book club I was in. We would all read a popular self-help/esoteric book that one of the members suggested and then have a weekly meeting to discuss our thoughts. Some of those conversations got very deep.
November 26th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I like the sound of your book club too. Joining together with like-minded people is usually inspiring and thought provoking. With our group, though, we only meet once a year, so the thought provoking activity takes place while deciding what to put on a blank page!
November 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Great idea. I believe stepping away and doing something creative is necessary for a balanced life. Congratulations on finding such a unique and satisfying vehicle.
December 12th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Wait a minute….I knew you like to paint but you paint that? I am blown away. I want to see more.
December 12th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
It’s actually a collage with paint and fabric added on to a greeting card. Thanks for your kind words.