In an effort to describe your reason to attend this event...
The Zen of art (this is a letter from Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letters of the "Painter's Keys")
July 4, 2008
Dear Kate,
Recent activities have helped with an understanding of what goes
on in the art-making brain. The encouragement of Zen-like lapses can be useful
both in the studio and the great outdoors. We start with the understanding that
a relaxed brain more easily accesses natural creative tendencies.
In the preparation phase, minimal anxieties, few regrets and a
state of well-being preheat the oven. Shuffling of the recipe cards is also
valuable. Here are a few ideas:
Have an attitude of low expectations and nothing to lose.
Try to make deliberate, thoughtful, rhythmic movements.
While not necessarily alone, be solitary.
Allow yourself to dream, flow and indulge your fancies.
Be philosophic about your weaknesses and creative faults.
Let your tools and your media do the talking.
Let your work tell you what it needs.
Let yourself yin and yang between thought and no thought.
Accept imperfection. Try for the spirit of attaining.
Teach yourself to teach yourself as you go.
Be in the now, but look gently ahead.
Be not lazy in your relaxation.
In the mystery we call life, certain work can be certain joy, and
it has something to do with surrender to the more primitive, playful and
automatic parts of our brain.
It's like the convention of retirement, only in shorter and more
frequent increments. The idea is to calculate and bend a sense of leisure into
specific creative times. Like retirement activities such as golf, boating or
woodworking, work is required. In the Zen-like mode, work is not so onerous,
but it is still work. Persons of any age with a desire for independence, who
are disposed to squeeze and produce, can access this mode.
I'm not trying to be funny here, but artists need to develop a
feeling of privilege and a sense of good fortune, even if the feeling has to be
artificially induced. This self-foolery, a sort of mental levitation, brings on
a state of mind that facilitates easy-going exploration. The active seduction
of one's own mind is a significant key to creative progress.
Best regards,
Robert
PS: "We must take situations as they are. We must only change
our mental attitudes towards them." (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi)
Esoterica: I'm painting on the forward deck of M.V. Mareva on the
west coast of British Columbia. This morning's bay was full of eagles. Laboured
flyers, they fly in a "flap, flap, flap--glide" manner. I interpret
the flaps as the purposeful, thinking mode, and the glide as a period of less
commitment but continued progress. Later in the morning, the eagles are at
great altitude, soaring effortlessly.
Calling All Artists & Craftsmen!
Sandy Island YMCA Camp in Tuftonboro, NH is excited to announce the 6th Annual Dream Big, do bigger, allow what is already there for you... Weekend! The event is being held June 4-6, 2010 with a special presenters day on the 5th. Our goal is to provide you with the space and time to make art while enjoying the company of other artists in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Many times in our busy lives we do not take the time to do the one thing that truly nourishes our soul. If you or someone you know is an artist or person who “dabbles in art” this weekend will be sure to please. Many participants that have attended Art Weekends stated that they needed to carve out special time to “kick start” their art-making again, and these weekends do just the trick. You'll make friends, make art, and connect back or strengthen your connection to that thing that makes you tick.
The event also helps artists that make their living in the arts connect with others that do the same thing. Many chats involve the nitty gritty stuff of the art business. The best way to learn is to break bread and talk about stuff. Being surrounded with like minded people in the art field, in a beautiful lake & woods setting is the best!
Guests will stay in one of the Camp cabins, a variety of accommodations are available. Rustic cabins do not have electricity or running water, however bath houses are centrally located. Upgraded cabins have electricity and some cabins have both electricity and a bathroom/ shower facility...you pick what is right for you. If you live locally you can even join the group for the day and go back to your house at night. We will provide all meals, recreation and artistic programming.
We are still looking for a few more passionate and talented art instructors and a yoga or movement instructor(s). If this opportunity sparks your interest, please call 603-569-2725 ext 225 and speak w/ Kate Lemay or email klemay@ymcaboston.org . Logistics and information about the event can be found above, just click on the registration form :).
