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Weekly Photo Challenge: Create

Couldn’t pass this one up; weekly post at wordpress.com asks to share a picture which means create.

This is Sanctuary

I think possibly four people in this world have seen this. I haven’t trusted a lot of people with it because…because it’s one of those things which is too loved and not up for criticism.

I’m really not capable of making meaningful and beautiful art every time I get to work in the studio. (You should see the “burn “pile) And especially now, since these past few days have been stuffed full of thoughts rooted in insecurity and general negativity.

But it’s good to pour all that negativity out into a sketchbook or canvas or journal, don’t you think so? After I do, I usually find the negative feelings have lifted a bit and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

I made Sanctuary at a time like that; when what I needed most was to create a concrete and lasting example of shelter, safety and a peaceful place where I can return again and again.

But one thing I wanted to say to you is that we’re all allowed to lose our positivity for a spell. Set it free, let it go I say. Go make some art, write a little, have some tea and a chocolate-chip cookie and wait for it to return. While you wait I hope you have a Sanctuary to rest your heart and soul on.

If you do, or even if you don’t, I’d love to hear about it.

Mixed media (handmade paper, photograph, acrylics, charcoal, ink, gold, stamp, text) on Arches paper

Comments: 15

  • June 23, 2012
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    Veronica: I really like the idea of building one’s own sanctuary as a safe have from the world during times of unrest when we are free to let our positivism fall to the ground. It would be disingenuine to put on a mask of happiness 24/7 because life does not work that way. Our own sanctuary is composed of elements which bring happiness to our unique selves. You’ve done a fine job of capturing that spirit.

  • June 23, 2012
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    I love both the design concept and the message you hold behind it… Beautiful contribution to the challenge. 😉
    Elizabeth

  • June 23, 2012
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    I so like mixed media and do like yours above. Needed the reminder that we could create a sanctuary for ourselves, even if it is a journal or work of art. No, can’t be positive 24/7. I want to experience the whole of life and not just a positive slice. I think always trying (it can’t be accomplished) to be positive drains creativity. Enjoyed your post, Veronica.

  • June 23, 2012
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    An amazing work of art and such insightful commentary to go with it. We all need sanctuary, and it’s important to find it wherever and whenever we can. Me? I’m longing for some beach time right now, but it can’t happen for a while yet. You’ve reminded me there are other ways to find or create a sanctuary of my own. Thanks, Veronica.

  • June 23, 2012
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    I love it and would hang it proudly on my wall. great work

  • June 23, 2012
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    I love this! It’s so beautiful, rich, and perplexing. Thank you for sharing your sanctuary, Veronica. I don’t have a sanctuary yet, but I’m inspired to make one. Even though, knowing me, I’ll probably just make little fragments at a time.

  • June 24, 2012
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    I have done a little mixed media, but far from art…nothing I’d made public. 🙂

  • January 29, 2014
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