Week 155

How do you handle conflict when you are being watched? We had been asked to perform a live demo during a gala benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The event was the day after we had a large, unresolved disagreement. Have you noticed a pattern of right before you do something special or important, suddenly a conflict arises so strong you feel like there is no way to move forward?

I’ve watched this phenomenon in friends and most certainly seen this pattern in our life. I personally feel there is a spiritual side to this. A darkness that doesn’t want the life and intimacy that Laert and I create when we paint together. So after an evening of discord and unresolved discussion, we began a new painting together in front of hundreds of bright faces.

It was vulnerable. Both of us were treading lightly as we began the familiar process that has us leave all behind and enter the world of creation. Our eyes flicked to each other hoping for a moment of connection. Both of us wanted forgiveness, redemption, and resolve. The cocktail room was dark and tinkling with laughter and crystal. I worried what others would see, the conflict in our eyes. As I struggled to allow the intimacy of the moment in, the paint spoke quietly between us. Or at least began to. The night went wonderfully in the end. We were able to come back together and finish our discussion. Art can be a great bridge. Art can be a mender. Art has the power to heal and to help you escape. Connecting with another, no, being willing to connect with another time and time again, in spite of wounds will bring the most powerful bonds.

I love this piece, a fast and loose rendition. I feel the wind and the grasses moving with her. Do you see running away or to something? Turning away or turning towards? Not always, but many times it is an act of defiance to turn towards that conflict and dare to stay, dare to mend.

Field of Imagination

36x36 in | Oil on Canvas