Revelation...

‎"I think it is in collaboration that the nature of art is revealed." --Steve Lacy, jazz musician

Laura Gaffke and I recently completed our first collaborative painting. We happily applied the finishing touches during a beautiful autumn evening overlooking a gorgeous blushing sunset on the Mystic river. We were enthusiastic to be a part of the Mystic Art Center's "Art After Dark" event which is a monthly celebration of art, music and friendship. And happier yet that the painting went home with a very generous art enthusiast and friend. A portion of the proceeds go directly back to support the MAC's efforts to promote the arts in our area.

While in the middle of this project, I kept thinking about what inspires us...what inspires me and I remembered a journal entry that was prompted by a class at the MAC led by Laura just that week. Here is my entry:

" I feel most inspired when...

the day is done and I am alone listening to myself,

reliving and recounting the moments passed.

Little moments: a touch, a kiss, a hug.

Big moments: my daughter learning to ride a bike,

school picture day, reading poetry out loud.

Music written and sung by regular people,

people with jobs and kids and bills just trying to

get by, trying to see the world and hear its music.

When I watch an artist think and struggle and then

witness the moment that she realizes that what

she has accomplished is touching and beautiful

because it comes from her soul.

A passionate moment when the brush and canvas

meet like dancers. When the waning sunlight makes

the sky blush and the clouds light up in wonderment.

When the moon looks down and plays witness to the moments...

the little moments that make up the day: a touch, a kiss, a hug."

- Millie Donovan

Because of the Caterpillar...

I'm here because the caterpillar told me so. She showed me that I have spent too much time safe in my cocoon living someone else's dream, being someone else's life. When she emerged as a beautiful butterfly, I was envious so I followed her and found her on a cliff. I can hear the rushing water from the deep turquoise sea below but is it just my rushing thoughts? Why am I here if only to hear myself and nothing else? I can see the beauty carved into the scarred mountain, the ancient village still young and full of life. I can see the only reason she is beautiful is because life has marked her facade. She is not perfect. She is crooked but her imperfection is heaven. I will allow quiet times without the obligation of noise, of show, of pretense. I will allow flow. There is no judgement, there only is. There is life and rock and dirt and noise and stairs and friends and me.

(This is a journal entry made on the first day in Positano, Italy. Photograph and excerpt by Millie Donovan.)