Anna-Marie Raven ~ Evoking Art Everyday

perspective...

"when we start at the center of ourselves, we discover something worthwhile extending toward the periphery of the circle.  we find again some of the joy in the now, some of the peace in the here, some of the love in me and thee..." ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea.

Lately, I have often been lulled to sleep by the rocking of the sea...

humbled and awed to wake to a new dawn each day, still cradled by her gentle rocking...

last week I spoke of what she took from me...

today, I am grateful for what she is giving me in return...

I will never take for granted my gift from the sea...

clouds in the sky...

me painting clouds on the ceiling at TLC Coffee Roasters new location opening in early November 2011

lovin' this work...

lovin' the freedom I've been given with this project...

humbled and grateful to get paid for doing what I love...

I remember a time...not so long ago when I was not so free...

all I have to say is...

there are no fuckin' numbers on this ceiling baby...

no one can tell me otherwise anymore... 

tenderness, vulnerability & letting go...

my bracelet...evolving

how can I put into words the significance of something which I cannot yet explain...

this bracelet has a story to tell...

it was meant for me...so I did not hesitate to purchase it for myself on August 2nd...

then part of the feather, a few quills, broke off just a few days later, during the toughest week of my life...

which represented so much.

In it's brokenness, it has been a source of strength for me as I've been healing over the past two months...

then this past weekend, I found myself, jumping off a boat into the sea...

the sea that calls me...

that cradles me...

that reflects the moon that I adore & constantly feel the pull of...

and when the sweet sea nudged me back into the boat, I noticed that the feather charm was missing...it's hard to tell from this photo, but it didn't just fall off...it "broke" off...

freeing itself from me...a letting go that I had no choice in...

stripped of my token of strength...

left alone so to speak...in a tiny boat...

however, interestingly enough...

I wasn't alone...

there was another sweet soul there with me...

who tenderly listened through my tears as I tried to explain that it was okay, because I knew there was a positive significance to the breaking away, even though I had no clue what that significance was specifically, it truly was no coincidence that the feather had broken away in that moment...in that way...

Last night, I was gifted with a few words from the universe, that resonated deep and brought to mind the loss of my feather...

“Life will break you. Living alone won't protect you from that, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart."

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared shitless about getting hurt again...

but she makes it easier...to open up...and trust...

A dear soul said to me that "A Vision" gives them hope & optimism about love and being loved"...

I couldn't have said it better myself...

 

sounds like a whisper...

so much about this that I love...

wondering if you can feel what I feel as you take it in...

wondering how it moves you...

I don't mean the song itself...(as brilliant as it is in it's own right)...

I mean the organic artistry...

the depth...

the soulfulness...

the humility...

maybe it's just because I'm still marinating in the depth of my recent work that it so resonates with me...

past few days I find myself seeking chats, deep conversations and wishing for time spent with other artists of various genres who allow me the space to be vulnerable and speak freely...

who understand what it is like when the work goes deep and there is a feeling of euphoria that immediately prompts you to pick up the brush, pen, instrument, spatula again while it simultaneously scares the shit out of you not too...

no words can describe the elation & humbleness I feel right now...just wanting to marinate in it all with those who can relate and appreciate what it is i am feeling right now... 

a gratefulness that fills my soul....

that sounds like a whisper... 

A Vision...

 
BARN OWL - original painting by Anna-Marie Raven ~ available in my shop as a fine art print.

first let me say that I fucking hate having to put a "watermark" on my artwork images online.  I want everyone to see the piece as it was created.  I usually don't even sign the front of a painting either because I do not want to take away from the integrity of the piece.  Sadly however, I've learned the hard way, it is necessary to protect my work.

So here she is, the work that was inspired by the vision I started to speak of here.

A VISION ~ by AM Raven

and I found myself in a grassy field, laying on my belly under a weeping willow...

I looked up and there was the most lovely barn owl in that tree...

looking down at me with compassion...

she swooped down silently and nuzzled herself into my neck…

tucked in the corner, tight, between my shoulder and my neck…

I felt her pure kindness & compassion…

she too, like so many, told me I was beautiful and loved...

however, this time, for the first time, I FELT it, somehow, she showed me what it felt like…

to FEEL beautiful and loved…

and then she moved in front of my face and lifted her wing, pointing down a path…

I made my way through a lush forest…

the earthly smells were so sensual and soothing…

the forest opened up to another grassy field…

the sun sinking deep into my bones as I stepped out of the forest…

and there you were…

you know who you are…

in that field…

smiling at me…

I felt tears in my eyes…

And a warmth in my heart…

Without any words from you…

For the first time in my life…

I immediately felt TREASURED…

A deep understanding and knowing filled my soul…

It has been a long journey…

But I am here…

And, you?...

Well, you know who you are…

It’s time for you too…

We are both ready to enjoy & explore one another…

Peace and balance…

Ebb and flow…

Step toward me…

hold out your hand…

and I will surely respond…

for even knowing little to nothing at all…

I know you…just as you know me...

you know?

yes…you do.

~~~~~~~~~

She flowed so freely & has a depth that humbles me beyond words...

I love the inner knowing & peace that came from this work...

and while I do not know specifically "who" this vision represents, I am no longer anxious...I have peace now, and an inner knowing...I understand what loving myself means...a piece I was missing for so long...

love, love, lovin' this soul work...

(side note ~ I'll be updating my new shop this week with more of my work ~ be sure to check back) 

solo show up...

 
a crappy photo of some of the paintings in my solo show currently up at Amy's Place on Wickenden Street in Providence, RI. 

there are 23 paintings in all included in my solo show, "A Song for Nancy, A Song for David" which will be up through mid-October.

An out of town, artistic friend stopped by to see the show earlier this week...and I found myself a wee bit uncomfortable prior to his viewing of the work. The root of my discomfort being the fact that I know these pieces were not afforded the time & space necessary for me to really dig deep and honor them properly.

He laughed when I explained this and asked "why did you invite me to see them then"? 

I invited him because I find it a good check & balance...(sharing the work with someone I know who really gets art...who can distinguish between soul work & surface work and isn't afraid to call me on the carpet about it.  He is someone I can be artistically and personally vulnerable with and he will not judge me, but rather support me as a fellow creative soul and friend. 

So rare to find, such a shame I only get to see him briefly about once each year...fortunately, his timing is impeccable.

That said, getting ready for and releasing this show was good for me in many ways...there is much to be proud of...

I really enjoyed the process of creating a show to live in this space which has such a great vibe...and kick-ass food & smoothies...