In November of 2009, I decided to create a series of paintings that would connect to the passage of time, be enriched by spiritual textual study, involve the practice of intention, and work with rebirthing affirmations. This has been my approach to other series, such as my paintings for the counting of the Omer (see my Omer series 2009 & 2010). In this new project, I wanted my intentional painting to reflect my journey over a longer period of time. I therefore decided to paint one painting for each month.
I began the month’s work at the new moon, which marks the beginning of each Hebrew month on the Jewish calendar. I read and studied many different sources, not exclusively Jewish. I let whatever I read call out to me, without judgment and in the moment. I let myself notice what resonated with me. Then I read through the 100-plus rebirthing affirmations that I have used in my work over the years, settling on an affirmation I felt to be connected with the month. The affirmation I chose become part of the title of the painting. Each month I was able to let this study, as well as the practice of intention and affirmation, guide the painting; the titles themselves became a form of meditation as I painted.
I proceeded to paint the way I always do. First, I choose paper, selecting or creating a size and dimension that called to me. Then I stained the paper with permanent ink, again using a color or a layering of color that called to me in the moment. I began with the color that is associated with the month according to Kabalistic writing, even though the end product did not necessarily reflect those colors. I then began to paint, using primarily oil pastel, my hands, brushes, rags, linseed oil and turpentine. When I was done, I was done; this process took no more than the month and may have taken only a few days.
In this blog, I will share one painting a month, beginning with Kislev (covering part of November & December). I will post the last painting in the month of Cheshvan (October - November, 2011). During the study period, I wrote down some of the thoughts/words/images that called to me or resonated with me as I read and reflected. I will share these "writings" in the blog; they reflect my own ruminations as well as the sources cited. They will be shared in a very simple form, and I welcome your response.
The first Painting, Kislev: Dissolve Loneliness, Affirm Life, is posted below.
I began the month’s work at the new moon, which marks the beginning of each Hebrew month on the Jewish calendar. I read and studied many different sources, not exclusively Jewish. I let whatever I read call out to me, without judgment and in the moment. I let myself notice what resonated with me. Then I read through the 100-plus rebirthing affirmations that I have used in my work over the years, settling on an affirmation I felt to be connected with the month. The affirmation I chose become part of the title of the painting. Each month I was able to let this study, as well as the practice of intention and affirmation, guide the painting; the titles themselves became a form of meditation as I painted.
I proceeded to paint the way I always do. First, I choose paper, selecting or creating a size and dimension that called to me. Then I stained the paper with permanent ink, again using a color or a layering of color that called to me in the moment. I began with the color that is associated with the month according to Kabalistic writing, even though the end product did not necessarily reflect those colors. I then began to paint, using primarily oil pastel, my hands, brushes, rags, linseed oil and turpentine. When I was done, I was done; this process took no more than the month and may have taken only a few days.
In this blog, I will share one painting a month, beginning with Kislev (covering part of November & December). I will post the last painting in the month of Cheshvan (October - November, 2011). During the study period, I wrote down some of the thoughts/words/images that called to me or resonated with me as I read and reflected. I will share these "writings" in the blog; they reflect my own ruminations as well as the sources cited. They will be shared in a very simple form, and I welcome your response.
The first Painting, Kislev: Dissolve Loneliness, Affirm Life, is posted below.
