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Never considered myself an artist – still don’t in the traditional sense of the word. Although, as with most things in my life, in a non-traditional sense, I do practice a very complicated and deep art form, astrology. But that discussion is for another day.
I did dip my toe into traditional art last Christmas and can understand the power of the medium in ways that might be considered non-traditional. I was visiting my nephew, and our small extended family was in attendance – nephews, nieces, “greats,” and “great/greats.” My niece has a beautiful daughter, my great-niece, who is an artist using paint as her medium. They brought boards and a plan for the women of the family to share an afternoon of instruction, painting, and fun that was one of the highlights of our visit.
As we gathered with paints, supplies, and wine, the gals in our family were offered suggestions and great tips by my great-niece as we started our project. We laughed, painted, and admired – then painted some more. We concentrated as best we could, especially those of us who had a glass or two of wine along the way.
The results of the project were pretty incredible in many ways. All of us completed a painting that captured the design, but all were different, reflecting not only the artist in each of us but the style and uniqueness each one of us possessed as we approached, worked, and completed a project.
One was quiet and kept pretty much to herself while painting – another was full of ideas to enhance the project – another reluctant and concerned about her skill and so it went with each of us painting but sharing a little more about who we were to one another.
The afternoon was filled with joy, and the art we produced brought more than a finished project – much more importantly, it knitted us together in a way that was deeper than usual. I have always thought art should produce such an effect, but who knew it would come not from the art itself but the experience that was shared making it. ‘Not a bad way to spend a holiday with the ones you love.
May it be so for you and yours!
disbell@aol.com / www.NewDirectionsForHealing.com / (256) 764-1153
Linda Isbell was raised in the Midwest, graduated from Saint Louis University and hired into a corporate management position with Reynolds Metals Company. She met, married and traveled with her husband for a number of years before moving back to his home place – The Shoals in Alabama. There Linda was introduced to life coaching and took to it like “duck to water”. Her empathetic nature coupled with a desire to help people help themselves; led her to and through a number of certifications, in different modalities. Linda currently practices as a Wellness Coach plying her trade in Florence, Alabama. In addition to her coaching practice, she has embarked on a brand new adventure. Linda is currently the manager of a rock and blues band called The River Benders. Check them out on their Facebook page –
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