Watch for the signs
Life meets us in the challenge.
Last month I was invited to give an art talk at the museum where I was showing. The over-achiever I am, I came over-prepared. What I was not prepared for, however, was a question from the audience from a fellow artist I admire, James Robie. His question has been haunting me ever since. A question ghost? ‘Tis the season.
James had noticed a poem I’d written, illustrated, and posted to Instagram. “Will you be looking for more ways to integrate the written word into your art?,” he asked. His question hit me between the eyes. How did he know? I’ve long admired artists like Barbara Krueger, David Lynch, Lynda Barry and, more recently, David Shrigley.
And his question has been a point of reflection in another way, too.
Putting your work out into the world is hard. Putting yourself out into the world—even harder. And yet, there are gifts in doing this. Feedback from the universe. James’ question felt and still feels like catalyst to me, as if the Universe held up a huge sign saying GO THIS WAY.
I finished a new piece this week. It doesn’t have words in it, but it reminded me of a Nada Surf song, “Your Legs Grow”. This song is about the idea of being thrown into the deep end, and instead of not being able to touch, your legs grow beneath you. It’s about doing something hard, something you think you can’t do, and the magic of how Life meets you there, in the challenge.
We are capable of far more than we think we are. When we lean into that, into our power, when we jump into the deep end, even when we’re scared, there are messages, sign posts, pointing the way. The path unfolds. Our legs grow. We are reminded that we are not alone, rather we are buttressed, held up, directed.
May we watch for the signs!
Rocky Votolato is one of my favorite singer/songwriters. He has a new album out called Wild Roots and I hope you check it out. You can also read about him in People Magazine.
I feel a certain connection to Japanese culture - especially #9 on this list, Kintsugi:
“Repair cracks with gold.
Imperfections are a thing of beauty.
The journeys we all take are golden.
Our flaws are embellishments that make us more beautiful.”
(Thanks, Tessa Davis, for sharing this list.)
I love my dog. Her name is Bean. She is a 4lb chihuahua mix. Send me pics of you and your pet? Just reply to this email.
photo by my daughter, Tuesday Happy Halloween!
Jump + Pray,
Joce
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Mailing Address : 509 N Ventura Street, Ojai, CA 93023