AMERICA

Freedom To Be & To Do
by Pamela Walker Hart

Consider how Americans – now and in times past – have cherished and defended the freedom of individuals to be and to do. Consider, too, how the future may unfold. Contemplate how – a small spark of an idea can ignite newness of thought. How a vague mental picture can be developed and encouraged to grow. How – when we give our inspiring thoughts permission to expand - unique and very special results can emerge.

FREEDOM
Before freedom was a march, it was a walk. Before it was a walk, it was a series of small steps. Steps taken by individuals in their own homes, their own neighborhoods, and their own communities.
Before a step was taken. Before the action began or a word was spoken, individuals – many of them - begin to think about life with the freedom to be and to do.
That was where it began. Where it always begins. Even though we are frequently not aware of it, a thought – an idea – always gives birth to the word we utter, the action we take.
The first step taken towards freedom is always a mental one. It happens in our thought. It is a refusing – in one’s own thought – to define the self as a less-than or a have-not somebody.

Quietly - in our own thoughts about our self - we begin to practice the talk-and-walk of freedom. First we find freedom in our own thought. Then we learn how to speak the words and take the steps that will help us gain greater freedom in our daily life experiences.
Freedom gained by any group - gender, ethnic, religious, national – never starts as a grand group march nor is it won by a single group action. Always, freedom begins with and is brought forth by the consistent, steadfast efforts of individuals.
We do it - you and me. We listen to the sound of freedom in our own thought. Then we are able to speak the honest, heartfelt words and to follow through with the step-by-step work.
We are the ones who do it. We move freedom forward from idea to actuality. We feel the forward motion of freedom. We watch the outcome of freedom in our own life and in the lives of those around us.
Because we have experienced a measure of freedom in our life, we could never tolerate a return to some before-freedom-existence. That is why we make the conscious choice to preserve the victories of freedom we have won and lived.

We accept our responsibility to individually move freedom forward - in our thoughts, with our words, and by our deeds. We do it for our self and for those around us. Step-by-step and stride-by-stride.

© Pamela Walker Hart
http://www.pwalkerhart.com/

A Better Way

As I rummaged through piles in the back corners of my studio, I came across a sign I made a number of years ago to post in my art-making space. The words by art reviewer Robert Hughes read: “The greater the artist, the greater the doubt; perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.”
I thought back to my first reading of these words. How reassured I felt by the realization that this highly regarded art evaluator did not equate lack of confidence with lack of quality. I recalled the elation I experienced when one of my works was deemed good enough to be included in a juried regional or national show. But, I also remembered the agony I went through when a piece was not accepted. I would react with a range of negative emotions including disappointment, anger, doubt, hopelessness, and so on.
With the discovery of the Hughes words, I thought, “Here is a way to help me muddle through the down-and-out periods.” And I didn’t reserve this gem of a quote just for art show rejections either. I would mentally repeat the words to myself each time a less-than feeling would pop into my head. This worked like a charm for a while - giving me the confidence boost I needed to feel better fast, get back to work, and make more art.
Eventually, I realized the roller-coaster-life of competing with others in the making of art - or doing of anything else – was not the way I wanted to live. Ultimately, I stopped comparing my art – myself and my life – with others and I started to focus on the Wisdom Within. Over the years, this approach proved to be a better way. In addition to bolstering self-assurance and courage, it cultivated competence.
As we strive for excellence, we can continue to enter the results of our work in solo shows, group exhibitions, and juried competitions. But we never need to place our work or our self in a better-than or less-than position with another or others. Instead, we can resolve to do our own thing in our own special way the very best we can. As we do this, an ever expanding variety of venues will become available to us for the sharing of our special something with others.
Rather than riding the rough seas of emotional reactions, we can upgrade to the high flight joy of cruising on the wings of creativity. We can consciously choose to listen to the Wisdom Within. We can learn to recognize and respond to the guidance that comes from our Innate Creativity concerning the whats and the how tos, the whens and the wheres. And, we can delight in the everyday discoveries we are making in our art and in our life.
Bon voyage,
Pamela
P.S. In the words of Julia Cameron, “. . . let go of the drama of being a suffering artist. Get out of the way. Let [the creative force] work through you. Accumulate pages, not judgments.”
I will be teaching two Art Classes in Rome, NY this summer.
1. Open Studio Art Workshop, 1-4 pm, Wednesdays -July 9, 16, 23, & 30 at the Ava Dorfman Senior Citizen Center, Rome, NY . Call (315) 337-8230 to register.
2. CREATIVITY InsideOut Class, 1-4 pm, Tuesdays – August 5, 12, 19, & 26 at the Art & Community Center, Rome, NY. Call (315) 336-1040 to register.
Visit http://www.creativityinsideout.com/for information about my Creativity Classes, Workshops, Presentations, Coaching Services and to subscribe to the Pam Hart CONNECTING Note.
Words & Images © Copyright 2008 by Pamela Walker Hart.
If you wish to copy this material or add it to other publications or mail lists, please contact me for permission.

InsideOut Works

An Exhibit of Mixed Media and Watermedia Works

by pamela walker hart

July 11-31, 2008, Art & Community Center

308 Bloomfield St, Rome, NY 13440
If you are in the area, please stop by for a look-see.

About My Work

Earth & Water - Soul Connections
Mixed Media on Paper

Creating watermedia and mixed
media works inspires and
invigorates me!
My work offers me opportunities to
delve deeply into subjects and
ideas about which I feel
passionate.

January Sunrise - Reflections Series
Watermedia on Paper

Ever since witnessing an awe
inspiring January sun rise over Delta
Lake in 2007, I have focused on the
Life-giving energy
of light and water as it weaves in
and around us – connecting us
together as one.

Water Ways - Reflections Series
Watermedia on Paper

Four new on-going, open-ended series of works have evolved -
Daybreak, Reflections, Rocks & Water, and Soul Connections.

View my online Art Portfolio at http://www.pwalkerhart.com/

Images & Words © Copyright 2008 by Pamela Walker Hart.

Following the Lead

Several years ago, I become aware of a growing urge to expand the focus of my creative endeavors. It began as a desire to paint on canvas again - which I had done for several years early in my career. I did not want to stop doing the Works on Paper which I so enjoy. Rather, I wanted to create Works on Canvas as well.

Next, I noticed the thrill I felt when looking at works created by certain Mixed Media artists. It seemed so enticing not to limit oneself to using only one medium in a work. What joy it would be to just jump in and go for it with no self imposed limits.

Then, a pivotal event occurred. I attended a Fiber Arts Exhibit and found myself enthralled by some of the works. The whispering became louder and started to echo within. "Stop simply swooning and settle on something. Something new and different. And start doing that new and different something soon!"

Finally, I took action. I immersed myself in research and readings - with an eye toward creating Mixed Media Works using fibers, stitching, watermedia, digital imagery and words. I also joined the Clinton, NY based Foothills Weaving & Fiber Arts Guild

This month, I framed two Mixed Media Works for the Focus on Fibers Exhibit in Fayetteville, NY. The Show is open from April 3-29, 2008, and features work by members of the Foothills Weaving & Fiber Arts Guild and the Syracuse Weavers Guild. A wide variety of Fiber Arts - including weaving, quilting, embroidery, mixed media, and more - will be displayed.

My previous blog post - Rocks and Water - shows pictures of these two Mixed Media works and gives a bit of infomation about them.

This merger of extensive visual arts experience with discoveries being made as I work with fibers, stitching, and digital imagery is invigorating. It is energizing to incorporate new ideas into my creative life and watch as they weave themselves into my work. It is an everyday delight to wonder, "Where will this piece lead me next?"

The whispers of our Innate Creativity constantly urge us to be and to do our best. They cheer us to keep on, keeping on. We can tune out with skepticism, apathy, or fear and stay stuck. Or, we can choose to listen and respond with action.

We can choose to move in the direction we are being invited, pushed or pulled by our Inner Creative. Moment to moment, we can receptively ask, "Where will my listening lead me now?" Following the lead of our Wisdom Within, we can dance - step by step – through our days. And we can marvel at the ways our work and our life respond.

All best, pam

Visit http://www.creativityinsideout.com/
to subscribe to the Pam Hart CONNECTING Note
and for information about Creativity Classes, Workshops, Presentations, and Creativity Consulting Services.

Images & Words (c) Copyright 2008 by Pamela Walker Hart

Rocks & Water

Streaming Water Felt, Rocks & Water Series
Pamela Walker Hart
Mixed Media, Size 17" x 21"
Wool Roving, Acrylic Paints. Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Hand Paining



Water Ways, Rocks & Water Series
Pamela Walker Hart
Mixed Media, Size 19" x 19"
Cotton & Organza Fabric, Thread, Digital Imagery & Words, Acrylic Paints.
Machine Quilting, Free Motion Embroidery, Hand Painting.
These words below were written Hart to include on this piece -

A life inspired
Waters its way
Over around through
Rock-filled spaces
And other hard places.

Images & Words (c) Copyright 2008 by Pamela Walker Hart

More of my work may be seen at http://www.pwalkerhart.com/

A Snow White Dove

Pam Hart CONNECTING Note - December 23, 2007

May the Christ Spirit of this Season – the peace, joy, and power –
stay with you today and always to lift you up and let you soar
on the wings of a snow white dove.

May motives of un-selfed Love guide you to gift your special
somethings to receptive hearts around you as you venture forth
on the wings of a snow white dove.

May your now moments – today and each day in the New Year –
be filled wonder, discovery, growth, and creativity as you fly
on the wings of a snow white dove.

Enjoy your journey,
pam
“Feet, why do I need them if I have wings to fly?” Frida Kahlo


A Snow White Dove
Hanging Fiber Dove
by Pamela Walker Hart.
View my online Art Portfolio
at http://www.pwalkerhart.com/




Visit http://www.creativityinsideout.org/ for information about Creativity Classes, Workshops, Presentations, and Coaching Services and to subscribe to the Pam Hart CONNECTING Note.

In 1950, Ferlin Husky included the refrain "on the wings of a snow white dove” in his song, WINGS OF A DOVE.

(c) Copyright 2007 Pamela Walker Hart.
If you wish to copy this material to other publications or mail lists, please contact me for permission.

Winged to Fly

May, 2007

Dear Friend,

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will always long to return.” Leonardo Da Vinci.
When I read these words, I am reminded of a recent encounter my husband, Don had with a Black Capped Chickadee.

On a wintry, windy March day with white-out periods of lake effect snow falling, Don ventured out into the elements to remove accumulated snow from the walk ways. When he finished, he went inside the garage and discovered a small black capped chickadee flapping and flailing about. The little bird was throwing itself against a glass windowpane trying to escape the confines of the garage. The two large garage doors and a small door were quickly opened wide to serve as escape routes. But the tired bird just kept trying to fly through the closed window. Finally, Don slowly approached the frightened chickadee. As he did, the bird became very still and quiet. Gently, the tiny bird was lifted up with gloved hands, carried out to an open area and released up towards the sky. Don watched as the small bird spread it wings and began to fly aloft. What a wonderful happening to bring forth and witness!

After Don shared this Black Capped Chickadee story with me, I began to consider how sometimes – when our creative freedom is threatened – we behave just like that tiny chickadee. A seemingly safe haven has inexplicably morphed into a snare. Or, an apparent success has transformed into something far less. We instinctively know what we are doing is not working because we are not finding freedom. However, instead of looking for a different solution, we act like that little chickadee. We flap and flail about fixating on the failed way out - because we are afraid.

When we find our self paralyzed by fear, frustration, and failure, our innate creativity is ready to rescue us – if we are willing to change our focus. In the calm and quiet of our own thought, our inner artist will help us regain the freedom to fly - if we are ready to accept help. Our wisdom within knows how to maneuver us through the confusion and panic. But we have to stop flailing and flapping about so we can hear the whispering voice within. When become still, quiet, and attentive, we are lifted up - away from fixation on destructive thoughts and failed efforts. We perceive things differently as we focus on constructive ideas. When we trust our innate creativity to guide us, we greet each circumstance ripe for progress. Ready to fearlessly embrace it as a happening-now, doing-discovery adventure. We are indeed winged to fly. Today is the day for us to do some small - or not so small - bit of our own creative something!

All best – always,
pam

“You have only your own pair of wings and the pathless sky. Bird, Oh my bird, listen to me. Do not fold your wings.” John M. Tutt

In Sight: As Doing-it-now Creatives, we never really lose our freedom to fly above and beyond destructive mistakes, failures, and nay sayers. Each lesson-learned grows our creative wings wider and stronger. We take each lesson-learned forward with us as we re-focus our now thought and action on the affirming and constructive. This is how we keep on, keeping on with our Doing-it-now Creativity.

"Winged to Fly"
Watercolor on Paper
by Pamela Walker Hart

View my online Art Portfolios at
http://www.pwalkerhart.com/


If you feel a friend may appreciate this material, please feel free to forward it. Your friend will not be sent future issues of the CONNECTING Note unless they contact us.

Visit http://www.creativityinsideout.org/ if you would like to subscribe to the Pam Hart CONNECTING Note and for information about my Creativity Classes, Workshops, Presentations, and Coaching Services.

(c) Copyright 2007 Pamela Walker Hart.
If you wish to copy this material to other publications or mail lists, please contact me for permission.

Freedom

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Creativity InsideOut
CONNECTING Note from Pamela Walker Hart
Today is the day . . .
______________________________________________________

Dear Friend,

When I wrote these freedom words about two years ago, I was primarily focused on racial, ethnic, and national freedom. Now, as I read these words, I realize they also apply to creative freedom. To the freedom to be and to do one’s own special creative something and gift it to the world. As you read these freedom words today, consider them in terms of your own creative freedom.

Freedom

Before freedom was a march, it was a walk.
Before it was a walk, it was a series of small steps.
Steps taken by individuals in their own homes,
their own neighborhoods, and their own communities.

Before a step was taken. Before the action began
or a word was spoken, individuals – many of them -
begin to think about life with the freedom to be and to do.

That was where it began. Where it always begins.
Even though we are frequently not aware of it,
a thought – an idea – always gives birth
to the word we utter, the action we take.

The first step taken towards freedom is always
a mental one. It happens in our thought.
It is a refusing – in one’s own thought – to define
the self as a less-than or a have-not somebody.

Quietly - in our own thoughts about our self –
we begin to practice the talk-and-walk of freedom.

First we find freedom in our own thought.
Then we learn how to speak the words and
take the steps that will help us gain
greater freedom in our daily life experiences.

Freedom gained by any group - gender, ethnic,
religious, national – never starts as a grand
group march nor is it won by a single group action.

Always, freedom begins with and is brought forth
by the consistent, steadfast efforts of individuals.

We do it - you and me. We listen to the sound of freedom
in our own thought. Then we are able to speak the honest,
heartfelt words and to follow through with the step-by-step work.

We are the ones who do it. We move freedom forward
from idea to actuality. We feel the forward motion of freedom.
We watch the outcome of freedom in our own life
and in the lives of those around us.

Because we have experienced a measure of freedom in our life,
we could never tolerate a return to some before-freedom-existence.
That is why we make the conscious choice to preserve
the victories of freedom we have won and lived.

We accept our responsibility to individually move freedom forward –
in our thoughts, with our words, and by our deeds. We do it
for our self and for those around us.
Step-by-step and stride-by-stride.

Let’s carefully choose NOW thoughts that will move us forward - not ones that limit or hold us back. We can choose constructive idea-thoughts that help us be and do our best. When we envision a special something that we want to share with others and do the step by step work to bring it forth, we will discover we are gaining bit by bit the creative freedom to fly.

All best, always
pam

VISIT http://www.pwalkerhart.com/ to view my Online Portfolio.

(c) Copyright 2007 Pamela Walker Hart.
If you wish to copy this material to other publications or mail lists,
please ask for permission by contacting CreativityInsideOut@gmail.com

2006 - Happy Thanks-Giving

Dear Friend,

Soon it will be November 23rd - our nationally designated
Thanksgiving Holiday. What a wonderful way to bring
together Americans with diverse political, religious,
and philosophical inclinations and choosings.
To unite us in the spirit of thanks-giving.

Most of us realize Thanksgiving is not a uniquely
American custom. The giving of gratitude to a higher
power for the year’s harvest and for life itself has roots
based in the culture and religion of countries worldwide.
But did you know that seven nations of the world besides
the United States have official Thanksgiving days?
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Liberia, and
Switzerland also observe a national Thanksgiving day.
I learned Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving a long time
ago. However, I only recently found out about the other
countries when I visited the Thanks-Giving Square website.
Thanks-Giving Square in Dallas, Texas, was established in
1964 and serves as a national resource for America’s 200
years old thanksgiving tradition. Their website is a
reservoir of information about Thanksgiving in America
and worldwide. A link to the website is added below.

Thanks-Giving Square asserts their mission is “To offer
a place for all people to give thanks to God. To witness,
to celebrate, and to promote the value and spirit of
thanksgiving for both sacred and secular cultures
throughout the world.” This mission statement is one
each of us might embrace as our own. To do so may
encourage more enthusiasm for our own every day giving
of thanks to God. For our own every day witnessing,
celebrating, and promoting of the value and spirit of
thanks-giving in the world around us.

Maybe the dedication of self to the offering of every day,
heartfelt thanks for the good and love found in the routine
happenings of our life could lead us to anticipate more.
To find a larger measure of God's good and love where
we are right now. We may even discover that we each
have our own special bit of God’s work to do and to deliver
to those who share our every day life experiences. That
we are the here-and-now doers of God's goodness and
delivers of God's love.

When I look, I find so many doers of goodness and deliverers
of love in the my every day life. My heart overflows with
gratitude to God - and to you! Thank you for your friendship
and for your thoughtfulness. For being a vital part of my life.
For being a doer of God's goodness and a deliverer of Love’s
caring and kindness in my every day life experiences.
For encouraging me to do and deliver a bit of my special
somethings to the world around me. Thank you!

All best to you - always,
Pam

P.S. “In this life, we cannot do great things.
We can only do small things with great love.”
Mother Teresa

For a virtual visit to Thanks-Giving Square, use this link
http://www.thanksgiving.org/2world.html

If you would like to be sent future CONNECTING Note emailings,
send us your request by emailing Creativity InsideOut

VISIT http://www.pwalkerhart.com/ to see my Works on Paper
and find information about my Creativity Coaching Happenings.

Copyright 2006 Pamela Walker Hart.
If you wish to copy this material to other publications
or mail lists, please ask for permission by emailing
CreativityInsideOut