As the year ends....

Today is my last official work day before year end .

Being self employed and a single parent does not seem to qualify me for official leave , however I am off to Jhb to spend Christmas with my much loved parents and hopefully regain a little sanity through their wise counsel.

Altogether 2009 has been a good year for me on the work front. My new work has been well received and in spite of the recession exhibitions have been successful. I have been fortunate to deal with the most wonderful clients. I can never express enough how heart warming it is for someone to derive pleasure from one of my paintings. Unlike most inanimate objects, a painting is usually deeply personal and carries part of my soul on the canvas. I like to think of my paintings as alive and hope that they bring upliftment and inspiration to those who view them and own them.

Not all of the choices I have made this year have been wise and perhaps I have not yet learnt to exercise the degree of restraint required to avoid emotional turmoil. Somewhere in the recesses of my brain something is telling me that at 40 something it may be a little inappropriate to experience the same highs and lows (although somewhat more discreetly) as my 16yr old daughter. Sadly, this has brought conflict into my usually peaceful life. However I am an artist, we have a tendency to be impulsive, at times extreme and always deeply passionate. I hope that in 2010 my passion is in no way diluted but I do intend to focus it into my work and be less side tracked chasing rainbows.

I hope that in the closing days of this year the conflicts I feel will be resolved by spending time with those who love me, sensible discussion and quiet meditation and in so doing, I can go forward into 2010 feeling positive about potential new projects and certain about the direction I am going to take with my work.

To my fans, my clients, my friends, a deeply sincere thanks for your positive input into my life this year. Your encouragement, kind words and unwavering support keeps me inspired.

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful, peaceful festive season. May the best of 2009 be the worst of 2010 for you!

Much love and thanks

Bridgette

Venturing into PRINTS !!

In the last few weeks I have been investigating the viability of producing prints of some of my work .

It has taken a lot of hard work and research to find the best method of printing on the highest quality papers and canvas available but it has most certainly been worth the effort !

I have created a separate business venture for the prints , primarily because the service will ultimately be extended beyond that of printing just my own art work . Check out the website ! So people , if you have a photo you want to put on canvas or any one of the other styles we offer - let me know !

Initially this was a joint venture between a fellow artist ( photographer ) and myself but sadly , as is so often the case in business , one partner ends up doing the majority of the work and in my case , all the financial investment too . It was simply not viable to continue a work relationship with someone who was not sufficiently motivated to contribute towards making the business a success.

As an individual I like to live inspired , I am highly motivated and driven and could no longer deal with the emotional energy it took trying to motivate my partner ,having to recover from continually being let down and having the wool pulled over my eyes.

The printers I have selected and I will be running a few test prints tomorrow to make sure the quality and colouring is up to standard and thereafter I will be printing a series of limited editions on some work.

I am very excited about branching out into offering prints of my art . Prints can provide the opportunity of owning some excellent work otherwise not available. Many high profile artists view the medium as an integral part of what they do and have elected to do significant works in print, This has contributed to the increasing value of prints worldwide !

Have a look at this interesting article on prints

Colour Aura meanings

Many people ask about aura colour meanings. What are the meanings of aura colours? How do you interpreter auras? What does each colour mean in the aura? Everyone and everything has an aura. Our aura is filled with colours that reflect and depict each and every facets of ourselves. These colours tell everything about us and can be interpreted because each colour has a meaning.

RED:Relates to the physical body, heart or circulation. The densest color, it creates the most friction. Friction attracts or repels; money worries or obsessions; anger or unforgiveness; anxiety or nervousnes. Red indicates desire, vitality, power, the urge to win, to have success, intensity of experience, action, doing, love of sports, struggle, competition, force of will, leadership, strength, courage, passion, eroticism, earthiness, practicality, desire for possessions, sense of adventure, the survival instinct. A majority of young children and teenagers especially boys, have bright red auras. Deep Red: Grounded, realistic, active, strong will-power, survival-oriented. Muddied red: Anger (repelling) Clear red: Powerful, energetic, competitive, sexual, passionate Pink-bright and light: Loving, tender, sensitive, sensual, artistic, affection, purity, compassion; new or revieved romantic relationship. Can indicate clairaudience. Dark and murky pink: Immature and/or dishonest nature Orange Red: Confidence, creative power In a good, bright and pure state, red energy can serve as a healthy ego. ORANGE AURA COLOR: Relates to reproductive organs and emotions. The color of vitality, vigor, good health and excitement. Lots of energy and stamina, creative, productive, adventurous, courageous, outgoing social nature; currently experiencing stress related to apetites and addictions: creativity, the emotions, confidence, ability to relate to others in an open and friendly manner, sociability, intuition or gut feeling. The ability to reach out and extend one's self towards others. Many talented sales people, entrepreneurs, and people who deal with the public have orange auras. Orange-Yellow: Creative, intelligent, detail oriented, perfectionist, scientific. YELLOW AURA COLOR: Relates to the spleen and life energy. It is the color of awakening, inspiration, intelligence and action shared, creative, playful, optimistic, easy-going.: sunny and enthusiastic, cheerful, bright, great sense of humor and fun, optimism, intellectuality, openness to new ideas, happiness, warmth, relaxation. Uninhibited expansiveness, release of burdens, problems and restrictions. Talent for organization. Hope and expectation, inspiration. People with yellow auras encourage and support others by naturally being themselves; they radiate like the sun and they also may have a great ability to analyze complex concepts. Light or pale yellow: Emerging psychic and spiritual awareness; optimism and hopefulness; positive excitement about new ideas. Bright lemon-yellow: Struggling to maintain power and control in a personal or business relationship; fear of losing control, prestige, respect, and/or power. Clear gold metallic, shiny and bright: Spiritual energy and power activated and awakened; an inspired person. Dark brownish yellow or gold: A student, or one who is straining at studying; overly analitical to the point of feeling fatigued or stressed; trying to make up for "lost time" by learning everything all at once. GREEN AURA COLOR: Relates to heart and lungs. It is a very comfortable, healthy color of nature. When seen in the aura this usually represents growth and balance, and most of all, something that leads to change. Love of people, animals, nature; teacher; social perseverance, tenacity, firmness, patience, sense of responsibility and service, self assertiveness, high ideals and aspirations, dedication, puts high value on work and career. Ambitious desire for respectability and personal attainment, deeply focused and adaptable. Green is also the color of growth and of dedicated parents, social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other persons focusing on creating positive change in the world. Bright emerald green: A healer, also a love-centered person Yellow-Green: Creative with heart, communicative Dark or muddy forest green: Jealousy, resentment, feeling like a victim of the world; blaming self or others; insecurity and low self-esteem; lack of understanding personal responsibility; sensitive to perceived criticism Turquoise: Relates to the immune system. Sensitive, compassionate, healer, therapist. BLU AURA COLOR: Relates to the throat, thyroid. Cool, calm, and collected. Caring, loving, love to help others, sensitive, intuitive. Depth of feeling, devotion, loyalty, trust, desire to communicate. Puts great importance on personal relationships. Empathic. May be a dreamer or have artistic ability. Possibly tend to put the needs of others before their own and may ave the ability to meditate, and live in the moment. Blue may be emotionally sensitive, intuitive, inwardly focused, may enjoy solitude, non-competitive activities, be receptive and desire unity, peace, love and affection in relationships with others. They need a calm and tranquil environment. You'll find many blue artists, poets, writers, musicians, philosophers, serious students, spiritual seekers, and people looking for truth, justice and beauty in everything. Soft blue: Peacefulness, clarity and communication; truthful; intuitive Bright royal blue: Clairvoyant; highly spiritual nature; generous; on the right path; new opportunities are coming Dark or muddy blue: Fear of the future; fear of self-expression; fear of facing or speaking the truth INDIGO AURA COLOR: Relates to the third eye, visual and pituitary gland. Intuitive, sensitive, deep feeling. VIOLET AURA COLOR: Relates to crown, pineal gland and nervous system. The most sensitive and wisest of colors. This is the intuitive color in the aura, and reveals psychic power of attunement with self. Intuitive, visionary, futuristic, idealistic, artistic, magical.original, tends to be unconventional, often has psychic abilities, unusual charisma and charm, the uncommon ability to make their dreams come true, or manifest their desires in the material world, wish to charm and delight others and can easily connect with higher planes of consciousness. Playful, nonjudgmental, tolerant of others' eccentricities. Sensitive and compassionate. People who have purple auras appreciate tenderness and kindness in others. Not especially practical, they tend to prefer to live in a dream world of their own creation. You'll find many "violet or purple" entertainers, movie stars, free thinkers, visionaries, revolutionaries, and otherwise singular and magnetic individuals. Dark violet could indicate a need to take charge of their life, or perhaps, that the person needs time to spiritually ground himself or herself. LAVENDER AURA COLOR: Imagination, visionary, daydreamer, etheric. SILVER AURA COLOR: This is the color of abundance, both spiritual and physical. Lots of bright silver can reflect to plenty of money, and/or awakening of the cosmic mind. Bright metallic silver: Receptive to new ideas; intuitive; nurturing Dark and muddy gray: Residue of fear is accumulating in the body, with a potential for health problems, especially if gray clusters seen in specific areas of the body GOLD AURA COLOR: The color of enlightenment and divine protection. When seen within the aura, it says that the person is being guided by their highest good. It is divine guidance. Protection, wisdom, inner knowledge, spiritual mind, intuitive thinker. BLACK AURA COLOR: Draws or pulls energy to it and in so doing, transforms it. It captures light and consumes it. Usually indicates long-term unforgiveness (toward others or another) collected in a specific area of the body, which can lead to health problems; also, entitities within a person's aura, chakras, or body; past life hurts; unreleased grief from abortions if it appears in the ovaries WHITE AURA COLOR: Reflects other energy. A pure state of light. Often represents a new, not yet designated energy in the aura. Spiritual, etheric and non-physical qualities, transcendent, higher dimensions. Purity and truth; angelic qualities. Spiritually motivated, the ability to be open and receptive to the divine, or spiritual world. Can merge with ALL THAT IS. Probably unconcerned with worldly matters or ambition. Inner illumination, cosmic wisdom characterise the white energy. Young children, energy workers, and people who meditate intensely often will show bright white in their auras. Generally, white does not often appear in the auras of adults. White sparkles or flashes of white light: angels are nearby; can indicate that the person is pregnant or will be soon EARTH AURA COLORS: Soil, wood, mineral, plant. These colors display a love of the Earth, of being grounded and is seen in those who live and work on the outdoors....construction, farming, etc. These colors are important and are a good sign. RAINBOWS: Rainbow-colored stripes, sticking out like sunbeams from the hand, head or body: A Reiki healer, or a starperson (someone who is in the first incarnation on Earth) PASTELS: A sensitive blend of light and color, more so than basic colors. Shows sensitivity and a need for serenity. DIRTY BROWN OVERLAY: Holding on to energies. Insecurity. DIRTY GRAY OVERLY: Blocking energies. Guardedness

How long ?

A question I am frequently asked is “how long does it take you to do a painting”.

To answer that, firstly, it depends on a number of factors. The subject matter, the size of the canvas and to what degree I am inspired to paint whatever it is I am painting.

Truthfully, it takes years. By this I mean it has taken years to reach the point in which I can execute a painting in a relatively short space of time.

It has taken years of effort to quieten my soul, keep my intentions clear and respect each brushstroke of each painting.

After a great deal of practice I no longer need to think about all the necessary movements I must make, they have become part of my existence.

A blacksmith working steel looks to the untrained eye as if he is merely repeating the same hammer blow, but anyone trained in an art will know that every time the blacksmith lifts the hammer and brings it down, the intensity of the blow is different. The hand repeats the same gesture but as it approaches the metal it understands that it must touch it with more or less force..

The moment comes when you no longer need to think about what you are doing. You become the brush, the paint, the canvas, the art.

of demons and things

I have never in the past been able to paint when feeling miserable .Many have told me that painting is excellent therapy for stress and unhappiness and yet in my experience, anything I paint whilst stressed and unhappy is usually unsellable, in fact I have often torn a canvas off its frame or thrown a painting away because I have thought it such poor quality.

I had to go up into the studio yesterday to get some packaging tape. About 10 days ago I had un wrapped a canvas that I had stored away for almost 3 yrs. I had originally purchases the canvas in order to repeat a painting of Arum Lilies that I had done for a client. I loved the original painting until the client insisted that it be “enhanced “with rust paint which at that time was gaining popularity in the area in which I lived. Intended for use on pillars, pots and other various decor items, said client decided it would look great on a painting. I obliged and she was happy but I personally believed that it ruined the work.

As time passed my work changed and so when I took the canvas out the other day, my intention was to paint a very long landscape but for one reason or another, I didn’t get to it.

Much like meditation or yoga, it is said that painting focuses our attention. It is like separating body from spirit. When the body sets the soul free, the soul either rises up to heaven or descends into hell, depending on the person’s state of mind. In both cases, it learns what it needs to learn; to destroy or to heal.

Perhaps this is the very reason I don’t work when things are wrong. I don’t like facing my demons and I usually feel that I have descended far enough into hell on bad days. There is little need to encourage the visit.

Very out of character, I picked up a piece of charcoal when I went up to the studio yesterday and began sketching on the canvas. Admittedly, I really didn’t like dealing with the demons that transpired but sooner or later I will have to and if nothing else, it was interesting to see what finally became of the canvas that I had stored so long.

The painting is similar to that of the original before it was spoiled but somewhat ironic too that Arum Lilies won over landscape.

The flower is White. WHITE is not really a colour. It occurs when the whole spectrum of light is seen together or when red, yellow and blue colours are mixed. Everything is present in white; nothing is hidden, secret or undifferentiated.

A Greece legend says that the white lily is the symbol of innocence, of that who doesn’t know what danger is. By offering white lilies, you show your sincere love, full of respect and devotion. A lily is said to make one feel like unique, special from all other women.

I will hang the painting in my bedroom for a while. A reminder to love and respect myself; to remain devoted to being true to myself and to keep in mind that I am unique and special. It’s a gift I could do with right now.

Colour Aura

Some years ago, 2006 to be exact, I spent a long weekend in Cape Town with my daughter. Whilst browsing around the waterfront we stumbled upon a stall offering Aura reports. I remember seeing a program to this effect way back on TV. The whole concept of reading people’s colour auras off photos was quite new and frankly I initially thought it to be a whole lot of crap!

Firstly, I didn’t believe in the concept that people were surrounded by coloured energy fields and secondly, I found it impossible to believe that these fields could be picked up on camera.

Of course my knowledge of the science of light was scant – science being the least of my interests at school and certainly not a subject I ever had any intention of pursuing beyond that of the classroom. Ironic indeed that the effects of colour, their scientific properties and the role they play in our emotional and physical well being is now part of my career and my studies have lead me to become fascinated by the very same science that initially bored the hell out of me.

My curiosity overwhelmed my scepticism that day on the waterfront and I took my place at the Aura Video station with little expectation of accuracy. I could not have been more surprised at accuracy of the results. Not only was the analysis of my personality correct, but my aura showed very clearly the areas in my life which needed attention.

Now studying the subject in detail, the theory of colours, their wave frequencies and how colour affects us, it all seems quite sensible.

So what is an Aura?

For many people, the Aura is only the radiance of human beings. For scientists, it is a concrete, existing energy field that surround living creatures. The Aura is formed by subtle colour radiances which surround the body of a human being. These radiances can be perceived by a psychic. Each colour signifies a certain vibration which has different meanings.

The Aura reflects the individual state of consciousness. In that case, the colours of the Aura give us information about the quality of consciousness, as well as one's emotions, thoughts, abilities and the vital energies of a person.

The history of Auras goes far back into the past. Natural tribes, the Christian Mystics of the middle Ages, painters, and artists of all ages have shown the Aura in a radiant, shining ray of lights around human being, animal or plant. This information, which can be perceived by sensitive and psychic people, has been researched and proved scientifically in the last decades. Modern scientists measure the Aura as a electromagnetic field around living creatures.

Aura photography is based on the understanding of modern technology combined with the information that past cultures have known for millennia. Using this wealth of knowledge, we can create technologies that can help us view the coloured radiant Aura and allow us to open up new possibilities of perception for our inner worlds. The method technologies used to read ones Aura is known as "Biofeedback", since a physical reading of one's bio-signs is the main method of an Aura analysis.

These data parameters are then projected as a radiant, coloured aura field around the body on either a Polaroid photo or onto a computer or television screen. In no time thereafter, a brilliant colour photo or computer printout can be presented to the user.

More to follow soon !!

Interruptions

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

I picked up a dusty book in the garage today that was lying in a pile of stuff I plan to donate to the SPCA .

I remember the story distinctly because when I read it I could relate to it so well. The main character in the book is a musician, a composer. On a remote island, she struggles for her artistic life in the midst of a relationship gone dangerously wrong.

At the time I read the book the similarity between my life and that of the musician ended in the last few pages of the book . The character broke away from her hell and became successful and happy.

There is a passage in which the author describes the process of creating a piece of music. At the time his comparison could be likened to that of many creative processes, whether they are poetry, music or painting. This description I found extremely accurate and once having read the passage was better able to describe my creative process to people who asked.

An idea takes root and won’t let you go. It puts out twigs and branches. These twigs get leaves, thorns, blossoms and fruit and occasionally you get fruit to sustain you. The problem is the idea must appear at the right time, you can only carry so much in your head until the next time you come across brush and canvas. The kids must be at school, the washing and dishes done and God knows what else.

When it’s going well, there is a joy about it . You lose touch with the world around you and the worst thing that can happen at a time like this is an interruption.

Emotional upheaval and unhappiness is the most debilitating interruption of all. It is internal and suffocates the both the mind and heart from where inspiration flows; so often there is seemingly no end in sight.

It was exactly this interruption that made me put away my brushes and abandon my studio for years. Once I recovered, the relief and delight at finding my ability to paint again was immense. So much so, I decided that emotional involvement was not something I would allow in my life as the sacrifice of my art was too great a price to pay when my attention was drawn elsewhere.

Aside from the fear of hurt and disappointment, I found such fulfilment in my painting that I became quite certain that it was art which would hold my heart and art alone. I readily shut the world out and any feeling of love or passion I experienced were only a result of loving my children or the passion I felt for canvas, colour and form and what I could create with them.

Lately there has been a change in my work, initially subtle but I was immediately aware of intensity in my work which I had not seen before. The more I worked, the more obvious this change became, then yesterday, I stood in front of a canvas and almost unconsciously painted a landscape with such ease and such passion for what I was doing that it almost took my breath away.

The irony is the very emotional interruption that I have so determinedly been avoiding is responsible for the change in my work. I do not doubt that interruption can be detrimental but I was never aware that passion and desire felt for something or someone other than my children and my art could be channelled into a painting with such intensity that it not only enhances my work , but makes it incredibly easy .

On the last page of the book, the musician sits in an audience listening to her own composition with which the crowd is enthralled

During the applause for the piece the conductor points to various section of the orchestra and in turn they stand to receive recognition for their part...

I stood in the garage this afternoon re reading the final paragraph. The ending was no longer different from my own story.

...“He looked down into the audience and beckoned Catherine with a high wave to the podium.

She rose”.