Sunday, May 12, 2024

IN THE SPACES

 

5/12/2024

People who are writers have a tendency to extrovert their inner world, expressing pain, joy, a cry for help, a commentary, a realization, a discovery, a thought, or an exaltation through the written word. Sometimes it's necessary not to just read the words, but to read underneath the words and in the spaces between the words. The writer has something to say and hopes someone will read the spaces in between where perhaps an ink and tear-stained soul is leaning against the page. Writing makes the worst moments hurt less. Writing evokes. Isn't that a good thing - something that can't be expressed with an emoticon, text, or meme in this abbreviated and all too often shallow world? As the world hurtles itself toward instantaneity, the act of writing is a sanctuary of the purest form of expression. It's an affirmation of our truest feelings and the complexities of the human condition. I'd rather be tucked into a quiet corner with pen and paper, engrossed in the thoughtful assemblage of words as the world rushes on by. Take the time to read a book, write a poem, journal, write a letter that you put a stamp on, or if you're able, write a book. These acts force you to slow down, to introspect, to consider, to connect - and sometimes they allow you to heal.

Sunday, August 27, 2023

My Art Therapy

Since moving to San Diego in January 2013, I got back to my painting. I studied art in Tucson, but after moving to Virginia where we lived for 14 years, I was quite busy working and just didn't have time to invest in my art. San Diego changed that. I was going through a hard time - one of those "times that tries [wo]men's souls. It's literally true that you don't know how strong you are, until you don't have a choice. It's either be strong, hold on with all your might to God, or be destroyed. 

A new friend who has become a dear friend, asked me if I wanted to watercolor with her, a hobby she had just taken up. I had used other mediums like oil and acrylic, but never watercolor. I need to do something with my hands so my mind could stop churning, so I agreed. And thus, I finally stepped into being a fine artist giving full expression to what had always been inside me. 

I loved watercolor so much. I found as long as I was painting, thinking about painting, looking at art videos on Youtube, or shopping for art supplies (an addiction for artists), I could actually forget for periods of time what a nightmare our lives had become. One minute you're living your normal happy life,  dreaming about what your future can be,  and suddenly your life is out of control and scary. Very scary. 

Art saved me. It saved my sanity. It's a great therapy. I could escape into my own world. I highly recommend it - or doing something - anything - creative when you are going through a hard time. Find your passion. Being an artist became my passion and helped me keep breathing. It soothed my panic attacks. lt gave expression to the cascading emotions. I have learned to let my creative dreams swirl around me, and form a cloud that will always offer me a soft place to land.


I joined the San Diego Watercolor Society. I took free classes at Mira Costa, I joined a meetup group that painted on location (urban sketching). I started selling paintings. I even had my own one month art show at a popular Carlsbad coffeeshop. I use my middle name for my business - Liz Banks Art.  -- Thanks art, and all you wonderful colors; I owe you.

To see more visit my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/lizbanksart

Native Spirit
(watercolor)

Daddy 2006
(acrylic)

Palm Shadows
(watercolor and india ink)


Painted Horse
(watercolor, gouache, pastel)

Summer Melt
(watercolor)

Peek-a-Boo Parrot
(Gouache and ink)

Christmas in California (2020 Christmas card)

Morning Has Broken
(acrylic)

Blue Palms
(Watercolor)





Thursday, August 24, 2023

Trump Booked Today

First time in history; this evening President Donald Trump was booked, fingerprinted, and had a mugshot taken at the Atlanta, Georgia jail. If looks could kill...

                  This is now part of his legacy. 

Inmate number of P01135809 gave his height as 6' 3" and his weight at 215 (he lied about that too because he's easily 240.) 

Trump was charged along with 19 co-defendants, with Trump as their "crime boss." 

What a remarkably broken world we live in. He's still the leading GOP candidate to the brainwashed masses of Republicans who worship at his feet. Many of them are Christians. What am I missing?! It's really extraordinary.  

He may start another American Civil War. 

God can only stop him.