Simplicity.
Is there emotion in austerity?
Humanity?
What do you see when attempting
to define your limited visibility?
Minimalism, abstract impressionism
or incorporeal thought.
Less is more, but is it enough?
Texture, tone, and value beyond
your current scene. If you take it to an
extreme, you will question
what it means.
What is really there?
What line do you cross?
Can simplicity be complicated, or
should it even be attempted?
07/23/2024 j.g.l.
Things will not go as planned. Intentions will be disrupted, even overlooked, in the aftermath of an unexpected reality.
Where you are headed will not be the place you end up, undoubtedly or undeniably. No matter how hard you attempt to make each gesture, brushstroke, promise, prayer, or pastime as perfect as you believe it can be, many times you will not arrive at a perceived destination. All too often your endeavors never hit the mark; at times your work may be better than expected (celebrate those moments), but everything (even your judgement) is subjective.
You are not limited to, or by, the colours in your paintbox or progression of your process.
Imagination is as limited or expansive as you want it to be. Give it time to blossom; in certain instances, you may even have to reel it in. This is all about possibilities, no matter which media, method, or style you are beholden to.
You owe your art (or life) nothing but your presence; the value comes from the practice, as rudimentary or spontaneous as it is or will become.
07/22/2024 j.g.l.
Everything within your grasp,
and that so far removed,
is as consequential
as it feels.
Breathe
between the space
within the enormity of it all.
There, right there,
is liberation.
Freedom awaits
those that recognize
personal growth, and them
who continue to look.
07/19/2024 j.g.l.
Did you realize, or
do you? Now, was there
more or less gravity to the
situation at hand?
All present and accounted for,
yet still we want a little more
knowledge. If you know
you know.
Perspective is far greater than
a simple rationalization, or a
sudden realization. Do you care,
truth or dare.
07/18/2024 j.g.l.
Last Friday — inspired by a horoscope offered in a publication I had never read before — I went silent. The words in the free community newspaper suggested I keep opinions to myself for a single day, and I took the words of wisdom to heart.
Breaking my usual routine I made coffee at home, freeing myself of the need to speak even civilities to attentive coffee shop staff. I did not speak. I can’t recall if I muttered anything under my breath, but I did not offer any opinions to anyone. From what I remember, not even myself.
I spent the day painting, reading, and thinking.
I didn’t listen to the radio or stereo, avoided the television, pretty much shred away from social media, and in the afternoon paid particular attention to birdsong emerging after a torrential downpour.
I simply painted, and read, and thought, and that was all that was required. I didn’t even write.
It was placid, serene, and especially comfortable.
I enjoyed this slight respite; it was almost meditative, to a point (but I didn’t overthink that angle).
Instead, I stayed in the moment, contemplating the moods and the colours of the day.
There was a lot of thought, self-analysis and otherwise. Self-thought entirely, not another voice to suggest, scold, or alter my perspective.
My opinions may have mattered only to me, but does it even make sense that on that day I chose not to have any, even subconsciously?
That was good enough to me. It was good for me. I may even choose to do it again, perhaps even regularly.
There is power in silence.
07/15/2024 j.g.l.