I was so touched when Marie Dixon, one of my students from my 2013 Drawing as Meditation: Sharpening the Eye to See class at Ghost Ranch, shared this story with me:
As I followed
along each day during the “ Drawing as Meditation,” I conscientiously took
notes and posted samples of my work in my journal. I wanted the notes and
artwork to remind me of the special instruction and mood created by the daily
exercises designed by Elizabeth Buckley. I had my favorites like the tearing
paper landscapes, the movement and drawing day, and making my marks to show my
mood. I thought to myself, I wanted to remember each day and someday share with
others.
Coming back to
Sacramento, I had a neighbor who was very sick with cancer and her daughter had
asked her to draw her feelings. She was intimidated by the process so I brought
the art supplies over and my journal from the class and took a few hours to explain
to her that drawing and painting can be very meditative and she had nothing to
fear. Each of the exercises could be easily done by someone who had never drawn
or painted.
The drawing as
meditation transported my friend from the weight of her illness, allowing her
to get in touch with her feelings in a way that was freeing rather than
frightening. My neighbor was successful and very grateful and has continued to
use my journal. This was a very peaceful approach to art where everyone is
successful in their own way. I was grateful to Elizabeth and wanted to share
this story.
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| Mixed Media Drawing by Marie Dixon ©2013 |
