Seems like life had other plans for me lately. The garden called, so did the lawn, the animals needed some attention, then there was the brush pile to burn, the floor to sweep, the kitchen to clean. On and on and on it goes… it’s always something. Even the atmosphere was colluding to keep me outside doing all those spring time tasks that needed good weather. Until I was ready to pull out my hair and became completely overwhelmed with chores and my ever growing list of tasks. Just when I was really getting sick of it all, a cold rain swept in and I finally headed into the studio. I really needed to get something out of me and preferably onto a canvas. But my next painting had yet to be decided. What to do, what to do? I put on my favorite album and got lost in a meditative Hamsa.
The Hamsa is a symbol of protection. It’s an old image, used throughout history to ward off the “evil eye”. Drawing one sends out good vibes and puts those inner demons to rest. Supposedly. I know I felt better just working on it. Maybe one way to look at the “evil eye” is the “I” inside. Meaning the ego. The ego gets wrapped up in feeling important, in feeling good about oneself. And for me, getting all those chores done does feel good. Checking things off my list feels like I’ve been productive. But I need to balance that mad dash at productivity with a creative flow that replenishes my sense of self.
You’d think by now in my life I’d have figured out how to stay balanced. But what I have learned is the scales are always tipping one way or the other and one has to adapt and change and constantly seek balance. That’s just the nature of life. Having the tools to help you find that balance point again, whatever the tool may be, is a good thing. Keeping the balance is important. Maybe even more important than mowing the lawn.
Here’s my Hamsa… colored pencil, sharpie and alcohol markers.
Be gone evil thoughts!!
An Oregon Studio 