go with the ebb « Heartstorm Studio

go with the ebb

02Oct08

Spirit of Ghost Ranch, watercolor, 4 x 6 inches

Enlightenment doesn’t occur from sitting around visualizing images of light, but from integrating the darker aspects of the Self into the conscious personality.

Carl Jung

I’m not exactly sure what Jung means by this, but I do know that there are natural cycles of ups and downs, ins and outs, and you can’t have one without the other. I often tell myself to “go with the flow”, but what about the ebbing? It’s just as important and often it uncovers hidden gifts.

The monthly reproductive cycle is a very literal ebbing and flowing of creative energy. On the first day or two, my entire life force seems totally drained and I am reduced to my most basic functions. It is a deeply introspective time. Everything I shoved down all month becomes exposed making it a fantastic time to meditate, rest and discover new insights.

This watercolor had exciting moments along the way but I managed to cover most of them up by the time it was “finished”. But it helped me figure out some of the visual problems that come when trying to depict something that looks so unreal to begin with — the landscape in Abiquiu, NM. This is the first time I made a watercolor without brushes! All you need are watercolor pencils, some drinking water, and a finger for puddling the two together.