by kristena west April 24, 2019

The creative journey is a path of the soul to spiritual connection and healing. 

 This little painting is one from a series from a Holy Nights Painting Meditation of the story of The Dream Song of Olaf Åsteson a Nordic Initiation through the 12 Holy Nights. 

The Dream Song of Olaf Asteson is an ancient Norwegian Folk Song. Olaf the son of earth, experiences secrets of the cosmos whilst he is transported into the macrocosm during the thirteen shortest days; between Christmas and New Year up till January 6th.

This painting evokes for me a longing, and the feeling of being prepared for a long journey. I used duo aqua oils and allowed a free intuitive style for the intention of this painting journey. 

Over a life-time of exploring a wide range of creative techniques, I have found that it is essential not to be pigeon-holed into one style or theme "that sells."  I support your being individual and explore as many forms, methods, techniques, styles that call to your curious art-heart. 

I am interested in art as a means of living a life; not as a means of making a living. -Robert Henri

Art has lead me to discover all kinds of cross-cultural traditions and sacred art techniques. These traditions I did not just research, I studied with native shamans or teachers, and went on many road trips to "EXPERIENCE" this creative spiritual journey. Why not plan a road trip to research a project you are working on? Go to the source if you can. 

In America, we read books and think we "know" something. But the Spirit of Art is always Bigger, Wider, Deeper and Truer than we can comprehend. And Art is always calling us further, and the more we can commit to exploring art, creativity in many methods, techniques and styles- all the while with our focus on spirit- then the Beings of Color and Form will make  a home in your heart. 

Everyone understands this knocking on the heart of our creative spirit, and we follow as we can. Many of us long for a deeper connection to spirit and health, and we can find the more time we can dedicate to our daily practice of art making, the more inwardly strengthened we feel. What are you working on now? You can always ask for dream if you get "stuck" along the journal, painting, weaving, writing journey. Thanks so much for the emails - I am with yah!

#painting #paintbrushes #holynights #contemplativearts