Following the Moon: Like the Heartbeat of the Universe

Journal Page, Drozda, media blend, 12x9", 2011

Welcome to Following the Moon and the Disseminating Cycle which extends through the early morning of Wednesday, January 26. The Disseminating Phase is the place to be for sharing what you have gained thus far. Since the New Moon was January 4 you have only to look over your shoulder to reconnect to what you've learned, and now, in a way that reflects the energy of the Natural Wheel, discover your own way to express this learning out into your Art/Life.  Demonstration can relate to any area of the Art/life and generally provides you with the chance to be reminded what you're up to, what interests you and how you would move this information out into the world. What's your platform?

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~Thank you so much for being a Luna-tic with me~


See you next Monday

Come to my Heart Work Retreat weekend of the Spring Equinox

To subscribe to the monthly Luna See

To read the full length article for 2011 The Year of Heart

Following the Moon

'Bodhicitta Heart', Drozda 2009

24x20"

under painting on canvas

Welcome to Monday's brief opportunity to look-up and recognize your beautiful 'Luna See'. The keyword for this moon cycle is Illumination. The New Moon started on June 12 and extends through Tuesday afternoon. This is a great span of time to refresh the brilliance of your creative vision:

The world needs us to be balanced in creating and communicating.  What's possible through our collective brilliance? During this week illuminate your heart/mind and reconnect to your creative vision. Remind yourself daily of the importance of your talents and skills. Do your very best to stay close to your heart. Remember, as you may have read in the Luna See newsletter, that the last time our planet felt this level of collective global energy (for a full year) was in 2001. You may feel terrorized in new and different ways right now. Be aware and have courage.

In the five years (1990-1995) that my studio was located on the top floor, high security lock-up ward for women, in the former Fairhill Psychiatric Hospital in Cleveland I learned a great deal. I learned, in this raw unrenovated space, more (I'd previously learned a lot) about loss of power and loss of voice. I could feel, as a sensitive and member of the scar clan, the desperation left behind by the former occupants. The powerful residual deposits of  fear and agony were embedded in the walls and literally carved into the broad wooden window sills. I was there in that cavernous space alone. I could feel the pain and isolation of the women who had been there. I spent many a morning doubled over in heaving sobs.

The book The Cracker Factory (Natalie Wood starred in the movie) had been written by a patient. Reading her pithy stories about heavy medications, electro shock therapy and isolation deepened my resolve. I could stand for greater strength and self expression in my own life. I could honor those broken women in the name of the creative spirit that does no harm.

Within two months of moving into the Fairhill studio I became Artist in Residence for The Art Studio: Center for Therapy Through the Arts, now renamed Art Therapy Studio. I opened my doors and began holding many workshops and studios including the all day first Saturday Creativity Salons. Each Salon had a focus...the keyword for the current moon cycle gave twelve artists a 'way in' to discover fresh levels of self expression. We forged great friendships and shape-shifted the energy of a heavy, dense and foreboding space into a gathering place of tremendous healing and joy.

'Creativity Salon', Drozda 1991

Fairhill Studio

I share this story intentionally. I ask today that each of us consider all the ways we can deepen our commitment and resolve. This is the Illumination moon cycle. I am hoping that each of us will turn on our brilliance and contemplate the strength of the heart. Feel the depths of what your heart can create.

I know about brilliance from my recovery process. I know from my years in my Fairhill studio, how very powerful each brilliant creative step we take is for the whole.

'Bodhicitta Heart', Drozda 2009

24x20"

mixed media on canvas

There are so many exciting ways to engage your creative energy. Choose one and place it into the brilliant light of your imagination. Your imagination is like no other on the planet...celebrate that radiance.

What I have come to appreciate since 1989 when I started working with time in this natural 'follow the moon' way is the awareness that there is space for addressing what's most important. Find what that is for you. Then move through the year, following the moon, with a vibrant yet quiet focus.

Before we meet again for our Monday 'Following the Moon' we'll have moved through the first three phases of this cycle. That gives us from now through Tuesday afternoon to create our vision for this four week cycle, Tuesday through Saturday we can research the vision, Saturday through till next Tuesday we can take action on that vision. It would be lovely if you would tell your vision to someone who will honor you.


~May your heart find its song

Born to Create

When I was in the second grade my teacher asked if anyone would like to volunteer to make the set for our school play 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'. I raised my hand. She supplied huge sheets of cardboard and poster paint. She and I worked side by side. When I saw the large cut out figures on the stage I was transformed. I knew I was an artist in my world.

This graphic done using Sumo
This memoir started with the June 8 post

What next...

Click graphic to enlarge


My baby goes to Catholic Charities to begin his new life. My artist adventure continues.

A taxi takes me from the hospital to my parents home. I've been in hiding for seven months.

My darling thirteen year old sister runs down the driveway greeting me.


News: Former boyfriend found dead in his apartment.


This little graphic done using Sumo

Casa del Mar

Being in the beautiful 'handmade' home called Casa del Mar each Tuesday expanded my vision and stretched my world view.

The stucco home with clay tile roof, wrought iron balconies and brick terraces surrounding sat on a high point of land overlooking the Lake Erie horizon line.

'Mr.' would often take me on 'world tours' leading me from one exotic room to another offering me the opportunity to hold many of the museum quality objects of bronze, clay, glass, wood, cloisonne and fabric collected during his many journeys.

This India ink wash on Arches is 18x24 inches and was painted in 1980. This view from the lake side of the house shows the expansive North terrace room where we usually had our tea and conversations on the artist's life.

Dedicated

A bitter day but the eleven young artists in this semester's Saturday in the Studio spread out around the grounds of the Contemporary Art Center and made additions to their working sketch books as they gather ideas for their own projects. The first three weeks they devote to research followed by four weeks of creating.

They must submit a schematic drawing if they choose to work dimensionally indicating that they have thought the project through and can visualize looking at the form from all directions.


The focus is upon using simple, easily found, often thrown away items from which a piece of 'art from their heart' is made.

I have five boys and six girls in this group it will be grand to see what unfolds.