Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci
Years ago, I found an old book of inspirations called The Treasure Chest. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” This letter launches “Twelve Paths to Joy,” my adaptation using visual meditations I called Illustrated Wisdom.
This Post’s Featured Art, “Simplicity,” A Visual Meditation
What I like best about the picture
The gleam of the gold paint. The lines circling upward.
Why
The shining gold brightens and adds vitality. The lines look like paths that trip the light fantastic with leaves and flowers growing along the way.
What does this picture teach?
Because the intent was to envision life lived simplistically, to me:
- The dark borders suggest night, a time of rest within which large, gold stars shine. The gold sprays look like galaxies where countless stars cluster. The dark shows possibilities that cannot be seen by daylight.
- The curlicue lines teach that many dances are possible. The spirals say life can have carefree moments.
- The flowers remind to appreciate life’s beautiful, natural and simple gifts.
- The green dots represent seeds. They teach that opportunities can be abundant and grow from tiny packages.
How can these insights lead to joy?
The picture reminds me to:
- Relax,
- Enjoy the times when life dances,
- Find delight in peace and contentment, in keeping life simple, honest and real.
The ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox.
In this “Twelve Paths to Joy” series, permanent markers, ink, colored pencils, crayons, metallic, water color, acrylic and tempera paints are applied to 98-pound, 11 x 14-inch, mixed media paper. The doodling and dabbling, scribbling and splashing provides a process for stepping away from life’s hustle and bustle while creating pictures guided by the heart [rather than structured by the mind]. Along the way,
- Peaceful and inspiring spaces are opened
- Choices are clarified
- Important insights are gained
- The body, mind and spirit are relaxed and refreshed
To see more of my art and purchase prints, Visit: SandraGouldFord.ImageKind.com
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