Artist’s Journal - February 24th, 2021
Grace

Art thus enables us to experience life at second hand… and be educated to appreciate in time a wider experience for himself. …that people may be led through the vision of the artist to enlarge their experience of life.

~The Practice and Science of Drawing by Harold Speed

There is more to this quote, but I want to sit with this first: the idea of enlarging your world, your view, and your understanding of others. Not judging as quickly; ideally, not judging at all. However,we are human. For me, refraining from judgment is a path to grace. 

I’m not sure where my concept of grace came from, but in my mind, grace involves giving someone a chance. Giving others a chance. Giving myself a chance, despite past mistakes or current expectations.

On the news a year ago, I heard about a local conflict resolution center. This center’s goal is to transform relationships filled with guilt and resentment.  What a beautiful mission - to turn pain and disappointment into vulnerability and grace.  

This transformation is a gift to others, and can also be a valuable gift to give yourself.

In episode 168 of Art For Your Ear, Danielle Krisa and Pennylane Shen discuss relating to others by listening. It is important and transformative just to be heard. When we spend too much time trying to make a statement, we forget to listen.

Last year, I named this painting Grace.

As I was painting her, she wasn't turning out “right”. But, I gave myself a healthy dose of grace. I was listening to Danielle and Pennylane, reminding myself not to be too precious about it. Now it is a favorite painting.

So, Grace it is.

Over this past year I have learned to live in grace. Not perfectly, but better than before. Remember, progress not perfection.

Tia Sunshine