“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.”
Sylvia Plath
I relate with these words by Sylvia Plath on the month of August. It is my birth month. I am a true sun worshipper, but the August humidity and temps run me inside more and more. I normally spend a lot of time outdoors.
Along with the month ending, I begin to feel my precious summer time slipping away. Living in Central Virginia, I do have a longer, warm period. But, the shorter, gloomy & rainy days, coupled with what feel like, even longer dark evenings and nights can be almost as rough. A sense of panic rises within me as I try to prepare for winter. I have concluded, unfortunately, that I will never master controlling this in my lifetime, perhaps the next. 😉
I’ve always agreed with the theory of the four seasons being parallels to the cycle of life; and the older I get, the more convinced i am this is true.
I am trying to focus on my own personal existence, and to live within each moment, recognizing them as precious, and making more effort to be deliberate in my experiences.
We really do waste so much time worrying about things and stuff. Like-what others think, or comparing ourselves to ridiculous standards, and on and on. We just don’t have time to lose sight of or waste valuable time. One day it is simply too late. If the pandemic didn’t remind/teach us anything else, it most surely has taught us this lesson.
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”
Jim Rohn
Art I find, is a pillar of support and peace. It is woven throughout every part of my heart and soul. With fall approaching I will scurry upstairs to my studio more and more often to create or work. Sometimes, to just sit and bask in a room surrounded by my work and materials. I feel such a sense of belonging there.
I recently finished the painting that has been on my easel the better part of the summer. I have put a lot of hours into this piece and I feel a strong connection with the work.
Some creative inspiration background: There is a person I follow on IG that shares some of the most idyllic, English countryside, architecture and garden images. The art was inspired by one such image (below). It even prompted a little lesson on hares, an animal that I had never taken much interest in before.
Bryan’s Ground Gardens were originally built around 1911-13 for two spinster sisters in Presteigne, Herefordshire, England, UK. and is, of course, now on my bucket list! (If it ever reopens to the public) *If you check it out online, you will see why it appeals so to this surrealist’s heart. There might even be another image or two down the road…
BY VALERIE DOWDY ART ©️All rights reserved
“A Drove, A Toad, Foxgloves & Ivy” are one of those artworks that you feel deep in your gut, while you’re painting, are special. These are the same pieces that I personally do not care whether or not they sell. But, as fortunately happens sometimes, this one captured someone else’s attention and I believe (and hope) it will be finding itself a new home-once I have finished sealing and wiring.
Please feel free to inquire if you are interested-you never know how things will workout.
I will make a concerted effort not to let my next blog be so long awaited.
Until next time, Stay healthy, Safe and if you’re not-please get vaccinated 💉❣️
