In Finding the Moon -by Shelby
IN FINDING THE MOON
“Don’t think. FEEL! It is like a finger pointing a way to the moon. Don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory!” -Bruce Lee – “Enter The Dragon”
The Artistcellar Labyrinth series holds great inspiration for me. The variety of designs is an encouragement to slow down and listen, and to allow their voice to guide you. Or in the words of Bruce Lee, “Don’t think. FEEL!”
So it was, during the last full Moon, with my Strathmore Journal in hand, that I started my next design. I chose the Anasazi stencil. My heart was telling me it was the right one to use.
I stenciled directly on to the page in my Journal with Dye-Na-Flow Midnight Blue. By drying between applications I was able to produce a dappled effect of varying shades. Once the base was complete I layered lunar inspired colours of metallic acrylic. Warm highlights were added to accent and compliment the cool.
It is wonderful to experience the positive aspects of the full Moon by revising goals and setting intentions. Because of this powerful lunar energy, meditation is encouraged. I find just looking at the Moon introduces calm and stillness to what is usually a frenetic life. Mindfulness is highlighted. It is the perfect time to seek the benefit of walking a Labyrinth.
It was my time to put the work together. I’ve mentioned that I am compiling a great collection of images in my journal and from there I chose a watercolour swatch in shades of indigo. I also selected the Open Work stencil from the new Artistcellar Blocks series. It has become one of my favourites!
The Bruce Lee Estate recently released a series of his 1968 pocket notebooks. He filled them in neatly written script noting appointment details, affirmations, and his philosophy on life. They are inspirational. Reading through them, you can’t help but see how his life and work were intertwined…the fluid with the sharp, the public with the personal, and the strong with the sensitive. But above all, he had the power to still the mind and allow his spirit to soar. He found the compliment in opposites.
I kept his quote foremost in thoughts while working and allowed the collage to build itself. I wasn’t thinking of technique but rather was permitting the elements to find their own home. I allowed myself just to feel. When my collage was finished, I knew I had discovered a place of deep stillness. And once there I too did not will miss all that heavenly glory.
MATERIALS USED
- ARTISTCELLAR STENCILS: BLOCKS - Open Work, & LABYRINTH - Anasazi
- PLAID FOLKART METALLIC ACRYLICS: Rose, Rose Shimmer, Plum, Aquamarine, Antique Gold, Amethyst, Blue Topaz
- REEVES ACRYLICS: Silver, Gold, Rose Red
- DYE-NA-FLO: Midnight Blue
- NATURAL SPONGE
- SOFT CLOTH
- MINERAL PAPER
- STRATHMORE Mixed-Media Visual Journal 300 Series- 5.5" x 8.5"
- REEVES ACRYLICS: Rose Red
- DIGITAL IMAGES – Purchased & Created
Until next time, visit my blog!
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