Peach Fuzz & Fire “Peach Fuzz & Fire”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Peach Fuzz & Fire” Listen to “Peach Fuzz & Fire” here. How did it get this title? I love peaches and their fuzzy squish. The edges of each of these squareish scrapes are not sharp–they have a gentle fuzz. The lift-off of paint is minor and creates just an edge of blue, like the spherical, though fuzzed edge of a peach. And, the colors are similar to peaches I’ve enjoyed eating. Oh–and, especially the top right square looks like flames to me! Something I love about this painting…is that it has orange and peach and dusty mauve colors. They weren’t colors, at the time of painting this piece, that I usually chose to include. But, when someone viewed an exhibit of mine, they shared an observation: Molly, you don’t really paint with orange, do you? I hadn’t realized! So, I started to introduce warmer colors and this is such a fun result! I also experimented by off-setting the scrapes: I love the experience of how the negative space changes. “Peach Fuzz & Fire”A Poem By: Molly Ovendengushing juicesof fruits in season,tapping toes giddyin queues eternal–that sweetness,so worth it,a delicious reason! oh, to eat them:these long-awaitedpeaches, drippingtastebud joy.encircled by friends,sharing slurps,laughing storiesaround a starry-skiedcrackling summer fireeveryone praysshan’t ever end… Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Peach Fuzz & Fire.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for fire to be rekindled? Or extinguished? Abba, Father, thank You for loving me as I spend time seeking You now.
Sunshine & Sherbet “Sunshine & Sherbet”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Sunshine & Sherbet” Listen to “Sunshine & Sherbet” here. How did it get this title? It looks like a glorious summer day with high up, wispy clouds in the all blue and then there’s this bright spot of yellow joy the color of both a sugary lemon sherbet and of sunshine. Something I love about this painting…that while I tend to go for a warm yellow, this one is much cooler–and, I love the effect. And when I take a moment to really look at this painting, I love how many different combinations of blues and yellows there are without fully making green. “Sunshine & Sherbet”A Poem By: Molly OvendenTrampoline imaginings–free!Those summer daysWay before I reached my teens. Bouncing to fly–high!Those summer dreamsWay before youth washed away. June till August scheming–please!Those summer ice creams,Long walks on the beach,Hiking trails through leafy trees,Swimming with lake fishOr, salty creatures from the sea. Tender dancing–glee!Those summer firefly nightsWay before autumn beckons–it’s sunshine and sherbetMemories to create for me. Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Sunshine & Sherbet.” What do you notice about the perspective created in this piece? God, where in my life might You want me to find a new balance? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life? Holy Spirit, thank You for guiding me in this time of prayer and contemplation.
Yellow, you get me. “Yellow, you get me.” Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Yellow, you get me.” Listen to “Yellow, You Get Me.” here.https://youtu.be/FgITydzss0w How did it get this title? Yellow is joyful, triumphant, light, and fun. I want to be joyful, triumphant, light, and fun! So, I feel like yellow understands who I am and who I hope to be. I hope that it could be an encouragement to others who see this painting. Something I love about this painting…is the fact that it is yellow. Because I love yellow! I always say that all of the colors are my favorite, but I think that yellow might actually be my favorite. It’s so happy! “Yellow, You Get Me.”A Poem By: Molly OvendenIn a worldWhere Lonely curlsCosy in at home,FeigningAcceptance whenWe all feel alone–In a worldWhere risking honestWords aloud screamsRetreatingObscurity whenWe all feel misunderstood– It’s a smile.It’s a nod.It’s a “hello”Each todayThat dulls inStreaks of grey…It’s a welcome homeGreeting, of gratitudeAnd joyous relief:“Yellow, you get me!” Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Yellow, You Get Me!” Which square are you drawn to? Are you drawn to more than one because of how they connect? Because of something else? God, what might You want to say to me about this collection of shapes? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer.
Ephemeral Iridescence “Ephemeral Iridescence”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Ephemeral Iridescence” Listen to “Ephemeral Iridescence” here.https://youtu.be/YgO861O5JtE How did it get this title? According to lexicom/com Ephemeral, is defined as “lasting for a short time…(chiefly of plants) having a short life cycle” and iridescence, defined as “Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.” Noticing beauty in nature is really important to me; sometimes it is fleeting, but the beauty in nature is always a gift from God. Something I love about this painting is…the pastel shades and the way that each of these four squares in this “Scraping” create the white, negative space of the white canvas paper, creating a cross that’s slightly at a jaunty angle. “Ephemeral Iridescence”A Poem By: Molly Ovenden trying to catcha leprechaunleft a trail:golden glitterthrough each hallthen gone trying to recalla dreamleft a whisperstrange memorythrough the mindthen gone trying to holda hopeleft a yearning:yet unansweredthrough caverns of griefthen gone trying to kindlea friendshipleft a sweetness:imprinted the soulthrough lifetimes of love–a season ephemeral, fleeting though valued–a grace iridescent,glimmering through raised palms Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Ephemeral Iridescence.” Which part are you drawn to most: The vertical or horizontal space between squares? Or, the space where the paint is? God, why might this particular detail stand out to me today? What do you notice about your emotional reaction to these shades of colors? God, what might You want to say to me about these colors? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection.
When Evening Comes “When Evening Comes”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“When Evening Comes” Listen to “When Evening Comes” here. How did it get this title? In Yorkshire, the latitude is further north than in Minnesota, so the angle of light is different. As an island, Great Britain is surrounded by unique cloud cover. This also alters the quality of light as it dissipates. The rapeseed fields of most delightful yellow thrill my eyes–especially at the low light of sunset. That is the moment I see captured in this piece. Something I love about this painting…EVERYTHING! THe yellow is exactly the yellow of my favourite fields. There’s an indigo-purple-blue situation in the top ⅔ of six scrapes of squares. I love the “sloppiness” of the twilight and how light and shadow interact with the progression of day into night. “When Evening Comes”A Poem By: Molly OvendenWhen evening comes…Today’s fun must pause:Resetting.Returning.Putting it all away. When evening comes…Night’s fears may threaten:Swallowing.Isolating.Mocking insecurities stay. When evening comes…Resting Beauty winks indoors:Basking.Mesmerising.Standing in awe, awake. When Evening comes…This moment’s choice to follow:Seeking Truth.Pursuing Life.Holding Hope for Day when it’s Night,Or choosing lesser that leaves one hollow– When evening comes…May there be pondering peaceAnd intentions of gratitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “When Evening Comes.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for connection with someone in a relationship that has gone dark into the evening?
Turquoise Sunshine “Turquoise Sunshine”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Turquoise Sunshine” Listen to “Turquoise Sunshine” here. How did it get this title? Haha–isn’t it obvious? Just kidding! This angle of scrapes lends itself to suggesting movement–but, a very slight and gentle movement. It’s this same kind of impression I feel on a cool, summer day with sunshine streaming through the shade of some old tree–the light changes–and so do the colors and leaves. Something I love about this painting…is the gentle movement. I really love it. I love the puffs of white that subtly make them selves known, like clouds on a blue sky canvas of summer sunshine. I also like how clean it feels. And although the yellow use here is mainly like lemonade, I love the little blip of egg yolk in the upper left edge of the piece. “Turquoise Sunshine”A Poem By: Molly OvendenSun cream smeared,–check!Beach lounger secured,–check!Snazziest sunglasses donned,–check! Eyes closed in sunshine,Imagination dreaming peace,Deep breaths inhaled–a pause…Cleansing breaths released. Sun hat? Shading perfection,Cool breeze? Gentle direction,Camera ready? Indeed!With views sans obstruction. A moment by the waterCould be turquoise by the sea,Or simply: an afternoon Near my neighborhood pond.–just sunshine–And, you and me! Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Turquoise Sunshine.” What do you notice about the angle of this piece? God, where in my life might You want to show me a different perspective? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life?
Aha! Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Aha!” Listen to “Aha!” here. How did it get this title? Once I’d held up the matt to “find” the painting, I had a physical reaction, like a gasp–like an, “Aha!” moment of joy and discovery. It’s called what it did to me and for me. Something I love about this painting…is how many colors are used without being muddy. I love the deep blue at the bottom next to the turquoise. I love the metallic shimmer throughout. I love the warmth of peace. I love how the white actually participates within each square–not just as a backdrop. I love how it still makes me gasp with joyful realization long after I created it. “Aha!”A Poem By: Molly OvendenI’ve been waitingI’ve been wishingI’ve been exploringI want that momentTo come in surpriseTo shock me aliveTo ignite my soul–without any warning! I’ve been prayingThrough cloudy nightsI’ve been pleadingThrough foggy daysI’ve been waitingIn Hope until morning “Aha!” When my eyes brimFrom tears as BeautyIn sunrise blazing peachy-blueAnd I praiseIn a gasp of solitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Aha!” Which square are you drawn to? What do you notice about how the colors mix together? God, what might You want to say to me about this mixture of colors? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer.
Breakers “Original. Acrylic. Matted. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Breakers” Listen to “Breakers” here. Something I love about this painting is…the way the negative white space holds the wave droplets of blue from the bottom right square scrape. This is one of my “Scrapings” and one of the things I love about this process of painting is how unpredictable it is. It’s always a practice of freedom from control and perfectionism. This favorite part of mine is there only because I let go of control. I love the squelch of acrylic paint and how it squishes and then when I lift off my scraper, there’s some cool pattern left over. The meaning behind the title is…my parents and I went to an RV marina resort in central Minnesota when I was about 10-13 years old. It was called “Breakers.” I learned to fish out there on Lake Mille Lacs and I loved staying in our Airstream trailer and doing stuff by the water. Breakers are the waves that break against the land. You can see the whitecaps (which is partly played out in the white negative space of this piece) of the breakers and it just reminds me of happy summers with my mom. “Breakers”A Poem By: Molly OvendenRiding edges of water smooth glass mirrorsseagulls flitter disturbingcalm into waves walleye leap munching,surface ‘squitos hover,perch feast bubbling,humid mayflies dance,northern pike fighting,slimy leeches slithercalm into waves foamy white rippleseagles rest observingactive waters cascade sapphires ebb to wakeloons laugh beckoningcalm into wavesinto crashing breakers’ spray Riding edges of water Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Breakers.” Which part are you drawn to most: The straight, clean edge of the top squares? Or, the uneven edge of the bottom squares? God, why might this stand out to me today? How do you respond to this collection of blues? God, what might You want to say to me about this color? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection.
Contemplative Springs of Hope An interactive journaling, contemplative prayer, poetry, and artwork exhibition: created and curated by Molly Ovenden.Molly Ovenden is a prolific typewriter poet, visual artist, creative mentor, who loves sharing journaling prompts in order to get closer to God as a spiritual practice. Welcome to “Contemplative Springs of Hope.”Thank you so much for being here! I’m so delighted to get to share Beauty and Hope, through art, poetry, and contemplative reflections, with you from wherever you are around the world. Breakers, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Aha!, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Turquoise Sunshine, an original painting by Molly Ovenden When Evening Comes, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Ephemeral Iridescence, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Yellow, You Get Me, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Sunshine & Sherbet, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Peach Fuzz & Fire, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Featured Artwork “Breakers” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Aha” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Turquoise Sunshine” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“When Evening Comes” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Ephemeral Iridescence” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Yellow, You Get Me” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Sunshine & Sherbet” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Peach Fuzz & Fire” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. (Note: You can watch the above 25 seconds of quick, time lapsed walkthrough to get a glimpse of the feel of the exhibition here.) With prayerful joy, Molly shares “Contemplative Springs of Hope” as an offering of creativity and Beauty–as an arrow of Hope that point to Jesus. No matter your faith background, she hopes that you take a moment to pause and reflect on the paintings and the poems. Perhaps you will become aware of something sacred in your life. Maybe you will notice a fresh experience of Holy Spirit presence and guidance. You might even feel a well of Hope bubbling up as a living spring as you contemplate what’s before you in this gallery. Visio Divina is an Ignatian spiritual practice of finding God and the sacred in art and in nature by contemplating on the visual. It’s a practice of invitation to slow down, to really look and look again, and to notice what you see, visually as well as in your being–emotionally, as memories or thoughts well up. No matter what you experience, how engaged you are here, or what you get out of the art, poetry, and prompts, Molly hopes you will feel full of Hope when you leave this space. (Note: You may choose to experience the gallery exhibition in a slower pace than the time lapsed video earlier. You can watch and pause this video here with the chatter and bustle of Sunday morning gathering and giddiness.) What is VISIO DIVINA? Click here to find out more of how to engage. When we look at Art, often within one to two seconds we’ve decided, “I don’t get it. I love it. I don’t like it. That’s cool. I like it. I hate it. I don’t understand art.” And whatever declaration we make about the piece, we simply move on without much thought. In school we tend to experience and learn about Art (if we learn about Art, at all) in its parts and pieces: elements and principles. We learn to label color, line, texture, pattern, balance, contrast, and we practice treating Art like we do in Biology while dissecting frogs. Here are all of the pieces taken apart…but, what do we do with them? How do we put them back together? What am I meant to do? How do I create and notice beauty with all of…this mess? Art may be a source of discouragement or hurt for you. You are invited. “Artist” may be a title you courageously call yourself. You are invited. Poetry may be a mystery that baffles and distances you. You are invited. “Writer” may be a title you comfortably use to identify yourself. You are invited. Maybe you used to love art or words, but an important person in your life–a parent, a teacher, a close friend–laughed at you, said your words were crap, or that being creative and expressing emotions was a waste of time…or, even just plain wrong. Maybe you know Art is Beauty and you co-create with the Creator of the universe. You’ve studied it, been published, shared your creative work regularly–received positive responses from your collectors and readers…and you’ve found that Art is part of who you are. But, what if you responded “Yes” to this invitation to search for the sacred and connect with Our Heavenly Father through Art and Beauty in Nature? What if you began to see Beauty as an Arrow of Hope, pointing to Jesus? What if you paused for a couple of breaths to notice God in Art? Visio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice from Ignatian Spirituality which invites the viewer of art to ponder and dwell with a piece of art for a bit longer than normal. It’s an invitation to notice and experience the sacred, the divine, to see our Creator God in the art. And, it’s an invitation to wait on Holy Spirit to reveal something fresh to us through Beauty–in Art, in Nature. “Breakers”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Breakers” “Breakers” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. Something I love about this painting is…the way the negative white space holds the wave droplets of blue from the bottom right square scrape. This is one of my “Scrapings” and one of the things I love about this process of painting is how unpredictable it is. It’s always a practice of freedom from control and perfectionism. This favorite part of mine is there only because I let go of control. I love the squelch of acrylic paint and how it squishes and then when I lift off my scraper, there’s some cool pattern left over. The meaning behind the title is…my parents and I went to an RV marina resort in central Minnesota when I was about 10-13 years old. It was called “Breakers.” I learned to fish out there on Lake Mille Lacs and I loved staying in our Airstream trailer and doing stuff by the water. Breakers are the waves that break against the land. You can see the whitecaps (which is partly played out in the white negative space of this piece) of the breakers and it just reminds me of happy summers with my mom. “Breakers”A Poem By: Molly OvendenRiding edges of water smooth glass mirrorsseagulls flitter disturbingcalm into waves walleye leap munching,surface ‘squitos hover,perch feast bubbling,humid mayflies dance,northern pike fighting,slimy leeches slithercalm into waves foamy white rippleseagles rest observingactive waters cascade sapphires ebb to wakeloons laugh beckoningcalm into wavesinto crashing breakers’ spray Riding edges of water Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Breakers.” Which part are you drawn to most: The straight, clean edge of the top squares? Or, the uneven edge of the bottom squares? God, why might this stand out to me today? How do you respond to this collection of blues? God, what might You want to say to me about this color? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection. “Aha!”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Aha!” “Aha” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? Once I’d held up the matt to “find” the painting, I had a physical reaction, like a gasp–like an, “Aha!” moment of joy and discovery. It’s called what it did to me and for me. Something I love about this painting…is how many colors are used without being muddy. I love the deep blue at the bottom next to the turquoise. I love the metallic shimmer throughout. I love the warmth of peace. I love how the white actually participates within each square–not just as a backdrop. I love how it still makes me gasp with joyful realization long after I created it. “Aha!”A Poem By: Molly OvendenI’ve been waitingI’ve been wishingI’ve been exploringI want that momentTo come in surpriseTo shock me aliveTo ignite my soul–without any warning! I’ve been prayingThrough cloudy nightsI’ve been pleadingThrough foggy daysI’ve been waitingIn Hope until morning “Aha!” When my eyes brimFrom tears as BeautyIn sunrise blazing peachy-blueAnd I praiseIn a gasp of solitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Aha!” Which square are you drawn to? What do you notice about how the colors mix together? God, what might You want to say to me about this mixture of colors? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer. “Turquoise Sunshine”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Turquoise Sunshine” “Turquoise Sunshine” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? Haha–isn’t it obvious? Just kidding! This angle of scrapes lends itself to suggesting movement–but, a very slight and gentle movement. It’s this same kind of impression I feel on a cool, summer day with sunshine streaming through the shade of some old tree–the light changes–and so do the colors and leaves. Something I love about this painting…is the gentle movement. I really love it. I love the puffs of white that subtly make them selves known, like clouds on a blue sky canvas of summer sunshine. I also like how clean it feels. And although the yellow use here is mainly like lemonade, I love the little blip of egg yolk in the upper left edge of the piece. “Turquoise Sunshine”A Poem By: Molly OvendenSun cream smeared,–check!Beach lounger secured,–check!Snazziest sunglasses donned,–check! Eyes closed in sunshine,Imagination dreaming peace,Deep breaths inhaled–a pause…Cleansing breaths released. Sun hat? Shading perfection,Cool breeze? Gentle direction,Camera ready? Indeed!With views sans obstruction. A moment by the waterCould be turquoise by the sea,Or simply: an afternoon Near my neighborhood pond.–just sunshine–And, you and me! Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Turquoise Sunshine.” What do you notice about the angle of this piece? God, where in my life might You want to show me a different perspective? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life? Holy Spirit, thank You for guiding me in this time of prayer and contemplation. “When Evening Comes”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“When Evening Comes” “When Evening Comes” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? In Yorkshire, the latitude is further north than in Minnesota, so the angle of light is different. As an island, Great Britain is surrounded by unique cloud cover. This also alters the quality of light as it dissipates. The rapeseed fields of most delightful yellow thrill my eyes–especially at the low light of sunset. That is the moment I see captured in this piece. Something I love about this painting…EVERYTHING! THe yellow is exactly the yellow of my favourite fields. There’s an indigo-purple-blue situation in the top ⅔ of six scrapes of squares. I love the “sloppiness” of the twilight and how light and shadow interact with the progression of day into night. “When Evening Comes”A Poem By: Molly OvendenWhen evening comes…Today’s fun must pause:Resetting.Returning.Putting it all away. When evening comes…Night’s fears may threaten:Swallowing.Isolating.Mocking insecurities stay. When evening comes…Resting Beauty winks indoors:Basking.Mesmerising.Standing in awe, awake. When Evening comes…This moment’s choice to follow:Seeking Truth.Pursuing Life.Holding Hope for Day when it’s Night,Or choosing lesser that leaves one hollow– When evening comes…May there be pondering peaceAnd intentions of gratitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “When Evening Comes.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for connection with someone in a relationship that has gone dark into the evening? Abba, Father, thank You for loving me as I spend time seeking You now. “Ephemeral Iridescence”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Ephemeral Iridescence” “Ephemeral Iridescence” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? According to lexicom/com Ephemeral, is defined as “lasting for a short time…(chiefly of plants) having a short life cycle” and iridescence, defined as “Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.” Noticing beauty in nature is really important to me; sometimes it is fleeting, but the beauty in nature is always a gift from God. Something I love about this painting is…the pastel shades and the way that each of these four squares in this “Scraping” create the white, negative space of the white canvas paper, creating a cross that’s slightly at a jaunty angle. “Ephemeral Iridescence”A Poem By: Molly Ovenden trying to catcha leprechaunleft a trail:golden glitterthrough each hallthen gone trying to recalla dreamleft a whisperstrange memorythrough the mindthen gone trying to holda hopeleft a yearning:yet unansweredthrough caverns of griefthen gone trying to kindlea friendshipleft a sweetness:imprinted the soulthrough lifetimes of love–a season ephemeral, fleeting though valued–a grace iridescent,glimmering through raised palms Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Ephemeral Iridescence.” Which part are you drawn to most: The vertical or horizontal space between squares? Or, the space where the paint is? God, why might this particular detail stand out to me today? What do you notice about your emotional reaction to these shades of colors? God, what might You want to say to me about these colors? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection. “Yellow, you get me.”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Yellow, you get me.” “Yellow, You Get Me” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? Yellow is joyful, triumphant, light, and fun. I want to be joyful, triumphant, light, and fun! So, I feel like yellow understands who I am and who I hope to be. I hope that it could be an encouragement to others who see this painting. Something I love about this painting…is the fact that it is yellow. Because I love yellow! I always say that all of the colors are my favorite, but I think that yellow might actually be my favorite. It’s so happy! “Yellow, You Get Me.”A Poem By: Molly OvendenIn a worldWhere Lonely curlsCosy in at home,FeigningAcceptance whenWe all feel alone–In a worldWhere risking honestWords aloud screamsRetreatingObscurity whenWe all feel misunderstood– It’s a smile.It’s a nod.It’s a “hello”Each todayThat dulls inStreaks of grey…It’s a welcome homeGreeting, of gratitudeAnd joyous relief:“Yellow, you get me!” Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Yellow, You Get Me!” Which square are you drawn to? Are you drawn to more than one because of how they connect? Because of something else? God, what might You want to say to me about this collection of shapes? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer. “Sunshine & Sherbet”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Sunshine & Sherbet” “Sunshine & Sherbet” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? It looks like a glorious summer day with high up, wispy clouds in the all blue and then there’s this bright spot of yellow joy the color of both a sugary lemon sherbet and of sunshine. Something I love about this painting…that while I tend to go for a warm yellow, this one is much cooler–and, I love the effect. And when I take a moment to really look at this painting, I love how many different combinations of blues and yellows there are without fully making green. “Sunshine & Sherbet”A Poem By: Molly OvendenTrampoline imaginings–free!Those summer daysWay before I reached my teens. Bouncing to fly–high!Those summer dreamsWay before youth washed away. June till August scheming–please!Those summer ice creams,Long walks on the beach,Hiking trails through leafy trees,Swimming with lake fishOr, salty creatures from the sea. Tender dancing–glee!Those summer firefly nightsWay before autumn beckons–it’s sunshine and sherbetMemories to create for me. Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Sunshine & Sherbet.” What do you notice about the perspective created in this piece? God, where in my life might You want me to find a new balance? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life? Holy Spirit, thank You for guiding me in this time of prayer and contemplation. “Peach Fuzz & Fire”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Peach Fuzz & Fire” “Peach Fuzz & Fire” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? I love peaches and their fuzzy squish. The edges of each of these squareish scrapes are not sharp–they have a gentle fuzz. The lift-off of paint is minor and creates just an edge of blue, like the spherical, though fuzzed edge of a peach. And, the colors are similar to peaches I’ve enjoyed eating. Oh–and, especially the top right square looks like flames to me! Something I love about this painting…is that it has orange and peach and dusty mauve colors. They weren’t colors, at the time of painting this piece, that I usually chose to include. But, when someone viewed an exhibit of mine, they shared an observation: Molly, you don’t really paint with orange, do you? I hadn’t realized! So, I started to introduce warmer colors and this is such a fun result! I also experimented by off-setting the scrapes: I love the experience of how the negative space changes. “Peach Fuzz & Fire”A Poem By: Molly Ovendengushing juicesof fruits in season,tapping toes giddyin queues eternal–that sweetness,so worth it,a delicious reason! oh, to eat them:these long-awaitedpeaches, drippingtastebud joy.encircled by friends,sharing slurps,laughing storiesaround a starry-skiedcrackling summer fireeveryone praysshan’t ever end… Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Peach Fuzz & Fire.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for fire to be rekindled? Or extinguished? Abba, Father, thank You for loving me as I spend time seeking You now. Thank you! I am so grateful that you have taken time to look, listen, contemplate, sit with, reflect on, read this exhibition, “Contemplative Springs of Hope.” And my prayer is that you’d find a moment of Beauty that is an arrow of Hope for you.
3 Methods of Journaling Practice to Improve Your Daily Life Journaling as a daily practice may sound too intense or too time consuming for your own life–that’s okay! You can still benefit from little bits of journaling throughout the day with a one-line reflection or every few days. You can even try seasonally or at crucial and transitional times of life. Sometimes we feel stuck in life’s circumstances, but we don’t know why. Other times, life is simply overwhelming with endless distractions and endless opportunities, resulting in decision-fatigue. Still other various points in life offer us the opportunity to let go of a certain heaviness or give us a leg up to heal and grow in our own lives. Journaling regularly can improve the quality of your life, your mental health, and help you to make a positive impact on the world as you become who you’re made to be. Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. This article and tips within it are meant to encourage you along the way, but are not a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to your general practitioner, therapist, counselor, or spiritual director for the professional attention you need. I am a typewriter poet, writer, coach, speaker, and visual artist. I know about being in the trenches of creativity and being paralyzed by views of current circumstances (and dreading the days because life isn’t what you’d hoped it would be). I also know about wanting to improve and taking the initiative to move forward and make positive changes, but feeling at a loss for how to prioritize. In this article I want to offer three simple methods for you to use as a journaling practice to improve your daily life. This is an original acrylic painting I painted because of how much I enjoy engaged with the seasons, and I especially love autumn. Find out more about my art here. 1. Use your 5 senses: Stay present.If your mind is full of future worries, anxiety, uncertainty, it can be challenging to stay in present reality. If your soul is heavy from past hurts, shame, or failure, making any change to improve your conditions can be challenging, or even impossible. These non-present states of being can be a strain on your mental health and prevent you from moving forward and slow you down from becoming who you’re truly made to be. When we engage our five senses, we lovingly force ourselves to pay attention to here and now. It can be emotionally and spiritually grounding to acknowledge what is real and accurate as we experience life in present time: no slower or faster than here and now. Try this: Using one line per sense, write a brief present account of your experience right here and right now. This doesn’t need to take any longer than five minutes and can be quicker than that. Example:I can hear the morning rush hour traffic heading to work.I can feel the chilly air on my fingers.I can smell my hot cup of coffee after it’s brewed.I can taste my mint toothpaste.I can see the messy desk in front of me. Whatever you notice in your five senses is information. There’s no need to make meaning over what you notice, but simply notice and take notes. This is journaling that you can do at any point during the day and with any frequency that you fancy. Becoming present in this sensory manner alleviates past and future anxieties by being focused on here and now. This offers clarity for emotions and for decision making. Photo Credit: Used with permission from Pexels || Karolina Grabowska 2. Engage with poetry: Express emotions safely.If your mind is full and processing at race pace, it may feel like there’s no time to pause for emotions. Emotions at any heightened state (whether it’s elation or devastation) can feel scary, overwhelming, or too much.When I was a kid, I learned that in order to stay safe and not bring any pain to others, that I should keep my emotions as even as possible. If I was too excited and celebrating, someone who was not celebrating the same achievement my feel disappointed or like I was arrogant celebrating “in their face.” If I was too sad or angry, someone else might become sadder or more angry than they wanted to be, so I should regulate my expression of emotions to not have a negative impact on anyone.Having grown and healed a lot, having worked with professionals who have helped me identity, experience, and express emotions, and then, express them healthily, I’ve learned that the feelings we have can often be indicators of what our emotions are in our real circumstances. Our emotions can trigger various thoughts and then, prompt certain actions, as a result. As I’ve grown as a writer, I’ve noticed how poetry is a fantastic and effective container for and carrier of emotion. Lots of poetry is a manageable length, meaning that you can take a moment to read a poem and be curious to notice how you feel, what emotions surface, and how you want to respond as a result of interacting with the poem. Try this:Read one of the following poems and journal for a few lines, answering a selection of these questions:a) “What memories were stirred as I read this poem?”b) “What fears or shame came up?”c) “What do I love/hate about interacting with this poem?”d) “What would I add to/change in this poem to personalize it for myself?”e) “If I were to complete the phrase, ‘I feel…’ after reading this poem, what would I say?” Simply allow yourself curiosity in this space with poetry. When we notice what comes up, it’s like taking a deep breath or having a sigh of relief. Sometimes we don’t know that we’re hanging onto something, but poetry can help to loose the grip and unlock insight. Example Poem 1: “I Feel Happy”By Molly Ovenden I love to run in yellow-flowered fieldsWhen leaves of tall treesTickle blue skies.I love to smile at yellow petalsWhen the outdoor ceiling shinesBrilliant blue between branches. I love to imagine a day whenMy yellow flower friendsGo on walksAnd tell jokesAnd giggle with joy. I love to imagine a day whenMy arms stretch as high asThe trees to feel the fluff of Clouds between my fingers. I love these happy days whenMy heart wraps aroundThe blue sky full of trees andThe yellow flowers full of sunshine Because… I want to hug them! Example Poem 2: “When the Ice…”By: Molly Ovenden Ice cracks a gunshot echoingShattered silence speaksThe roaring waters beneathShards of ice float piled highPushed relentless by the LakeObscuring the view untilWaves dance, swaying to meltTo music of ice chimesWaters ebb and flow along the shoreKeeping time to the rhythm of springSuch beauty once dappled in winter freezeOf Lake glassWith winter tears to grieve its deathSay farewell with April’s breathWhose soul, watered to explodeWith greens and purples andAll colors bright,Shares light of suns risingMornings earlier, perhaps its farewellTo the long winter’s nightAll the rage of the inland seaAll the rage of all that sinks so deepAll the rage of what’s withheldCrashes free, drawn from leagues beyondThe ice breaks, the dawn awakesThe ground quakes with a surge of new life Poems For My People: Community, Volume 1 is a collection of poetry I wrote that captures a broad spectrum of human emotion, featuring 100 poems written for 100 individuals–mostly spontaneous and in live settings with my typewriter. Find out more here. 3. Morning Pages: Daily Reflection and Brain DumpThe concept of “Morning Pages,” or three handwritten pages of stream-of-consiousness writing, done first thing in the morning was popularized by Julia Cameron, particularly in her book, The Artist’s Way and elaborated on with more detailed descriptions in her newer book, The Listening Path. Morning pages are everything and they are nothing at all. They are everything that you can possibly think of in the morning when you’ve just woken up and they aren’t necessarily about anything in particular. Example: I’m annoyed that my back hurts because my mattress and I wish I wasn’t allergic to dogs and we have to take the laundry out of the dryer before our landlords need to use the laundry room and I can’t remember what else I need to do before my trip next week and my muscles on my rib keep twitching and it’s weird and what does weird mean? And I wish I had straightforward answers to…etc. Morning pages can clear the cobwebs of your waking up mind and offer permission for the day and clarity for prioritization. But, they also can be a map for the direction to go with a project or where to unearth a solution. Morning pages can often demonstrate what you care about deeply. When we journal first thing in the morning (or even, last thing at night), we are tired enough to not edit or censor ourselves from otherwise telling the truth of what we think and feel. We can dump out all of the stuff of life that feels bigger when we leave it to constantly remind us that it’s there. When we put our thoughts or worries on the page, they are allowed to be the size that they really are. Morning pages allow small things to stop being obnoxious in our brains, bouncing around for attention. And this tired form of journaling gives voice to the big things that our conscious mind tells to be quiet and shuts down when it’s awake and trying to keep us safe. It may feel intimidating to start journaling Morning pages, but you can always use a variety of prompts, like questions to answer or to finish a sentence. Try one of these prompts:Today, I feel…I wish I knew what to do about…What would happen if I finally said yes to my dreams?It’s really scary that…What if good things happened instead?If I’m honest with myself, the thing I’ve been avoiding is…I remember…My favorite…I love…The worst/best thing I remember happening to me… Reading your journals as another practice can be beneficial to notice patterns, to express gratitude, to celebrate progress and overcoming. When we slow down long enough to pay attention and notice, our mental health and our growth overall in daily life improves. Why? We’re no longer stuck in our heads catastrophising or being lonely and unrealistic. Putting words and thoughts and emotions on the page help us to identify what actions we might take toward health and growth–that, without writing it down, we might not have noticed. May you be inspired today in your journaling practice whether you’re starting for the first time, trying again, or a seasoned journaler. Happy discoveries and happy healthy growth to you on the page! … Would you like a few prompts to get you started in your journaling practice? Sign up here for creative journaling prompts to nudge you toward growth and health in your everyday creative life. Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. This article and tips within it are meant to encourage you along the way, but are not a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to your general practitioner, therapist, counselor, or spiritual director for the professional attention you need.