Divine Creativity- Celebrate the Divine within YOU!

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.  Marianne Williamson

Takako's first watercolor done in class- YAY!!!!

This quote really speaks to me. and I firmly believe it's true.  Everyone can shine, and what's more, it would be my hope that everyone will be able to shine!  In my art classes, that is truly my goal for each student.  I celebrate right along with them when they do something they love! 

I marvel every day of late at the fact that I have the ability to paint and work as an artist!   I also have a new-found avenue for poetry and writing. Who would have thought?  Certainly not me!  It was not my intention to go out and find a job as an artist.  It was not my intent to become a poet...How did I get here?  What has the journey taught me?

I got here by pursuing what brings me joy. Joy is not the same as happiness for me...it's deeper.

The pursuit of joy is not necessarily easy...it can involve stepping out into uncomfortable realms.  It can require paying attention to the "inner voice" which beckons you. It can be accompanied by anxiety.  But it boils down to being determined, and refusing to let fear dictate your actions. 


For me, joy is the result of faith.  Faith in a higher power, and faith in the fact that as a child of God, I am capable of wondrous and marvelous things. I don't have to have faith in my own capacity and ability, I can send that faith a little further up the ladder and relax, knowing that it's not all up to me.  What a relief!

Swimming With the Fishes- Watercolor and Acrylic Line
New Painting by Rebecca Zdybel

When I am "in the zone" while painting or drawing... I feel as if I am meditating.  Perhaps I am channeling spirit at those moments.  Who is to say?  

Am I the creator of the paintings which come off my brush?  

Do the words that come to me while writing all come from within?

Perhaps I am simply channeling the creative Spirit of God...or maybe it has nothing to do with me, and comes down to the fact that all creation is "of God"? I like this idea.   I find it romantic to think there is something a little divine at work in the process of making art.  By giving credit to a higher power for that source of inspiration, I somehow feel freer to celebrate the result.  I can stand back and say, "isn't that cool?!" and not feel as if I am somehow being a braggart. 

Humming in the Hibiscus- Watercolor on Aquabord
New Painting by Rebecca Zdybel

We should all feel free to celebrate our creations.  If they bring us pleasure and achieve what we hope, why not celebrate?   Few of us will be art superstars.  Fewer of us will sell what we paint.  Does it invalidate what we do?  Absolutely NOT!

Celebrate the art which you create...it IS cool when you make time to be creative, and if you enjoy doing it, then there need be nothing further required.  It doesn't have to be great, you don't need anyone's validation, you don't have to frame it, you don't have to sell it.  

It's enough that it brings you joy just doing it! 

A painting by Susan done at an Arty Party with me-
definitely worth celebrating!

I encourage you to celebrate the divine in me...and in YOU! After all, you deserve the same loving-kindness which you extend to others.  
Namaste my friends...



Rebecca Zdybel
Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor
Art Lessons in all media
Myrtle Beach, SC
rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

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Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

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Loggerhead Fever- The Poetry Bug Strikes again!

A loggerhead turtle nesting at night

The tracks left behind by a nesting loggerhead- a sign of where the nest can be found

Living in beautiful South Carolina on the shores of the Atlantic, loggerhead turtles nest here in the summer and fall on our beach.  It's a quiet and natural beachfront, unlike so much of the Grand Strand.  Those turtles and their nests are associated with some of my most magical moments over the years.  Last year, it was my privilege to witness the emergence of a few baby stragglers out of a nest which had partially hatched the previous day.  They came out late in the evening one night.  The full moon and I were the only witnesses to their birth.  The experience is one I'll never forget.  

A baby loggerhead makes its way to the sea

22 years ago, I also had an amazing experience with the loggerheads.  My little children were in various stages of undress after a long day at the beach.  Rather than deal with sagging diapers, I let the youngest two just run around naked.  While there, during the twilight hours, a nest began to emerge.  We were able to escort the hatchlings to the water.  It was fantastic!  Watching my naked babies escort the baby turtles to the ocean is something I'll remember forever with nostalgia.  

As it happens, I was reminiscing yesterday about those memories, and felt inspired to write the beginning of a poem based on my ideas about loggerheads, their birth, and their relationship with the moon.  This is getting to be a new habit!  Having been bitten in Greece,  I lost yet another day to the poetry bug (yes, it seems to be contagious, especially among artists! )  I took the day off to relax and lost the afternoon developing an idea into a poem.  It was a great way to while away the day!

I don't know that it's finished, but I thought others might enjoy the spirit of the piece even in its rough form.  I've painted turtles in the past, but hope to let this poem inspire a painting or perhaps even a series of paintings!  I hope you enjoy it.  

Turtle Dreams- Abstract Mixed Media

Mother Moon 

and the Loggerheads  Poem by Rebecca Zdybel

Mother moon she shines her light,

Her kingdom is the sea.

She rules in silent majesty. 

The queen of night is she.

Her sister sun she steals the show, 

With heat and colors bright.
Her children; plants and all of life 
Who count on day for light.

The moon, no colors and no voice, 

Is left to rule the sea.

The waves, her arms,

Reach toward the shore, 

Her song their melody.

A mothers heart she does posses, 

But children she has few.

For nature often chooses day 

When life seeks to renew. 

The loggerhead is special then... 

Among the favored few, 

Who look to Moon as Mother, 

And their birth she oft will view.

When nest is lain 

On dunes piled high, 

The loggerheads will leave.

Trusting Mother Moon 

To guide their babies to the sea.

Her sister sun will watch the brood 

When night becomes the day.

She’ll  splash upon the peaceful scene 

With colorful array.

Almost home...!

All day she’ll shine and try to claim

These children as her own.

But mother moon, 

Does soon return, 

And wait for them, alone.

Vigil she keeps nightly 

O’er her sandy nursery.

Returning every evening,

Time of birth a mystery.

As nights do pass without event,

She’ll often shed a tear,

And mourn the prospect of 

Another day without them near.

On those morns, she leaves forlorn,

As night becomes the day.

Her sister sun allowed once more

The chance to have her way.

Mother Moon does come again

Whene’er she has the chance.

Waiting, watching, shining,

On the waves her light will dance.

And so it was that moonlit night,

So very long ago.

Their little noses poking through the sand

As if ‘twas snow.

Her lamp lit bright and beckoning.

She called them from below,

The blanket where they long had slept,

Warm and safe to grow.

Their hopes raised high, their path well lit,

They crawl over the shore.

Their fins imprinting on the sand  

A trail to come once more.

The water sings her lullaby.

Her arms, as waves do reach.

She woos them forth, 
With mother’s love, 

 As they cross o’er the beach.

That song rings on when e’er we hear

The waves upon the shore.

A song of love’s unending hope.

A song none can ignore.

Schedule an Arty Party and paint this turtle with me!


 

I hope you enjoyed my little poem.  I'm not sure about the title (it almost seems like it would be a great name for a rock band, lol!

 A Happy side-note- Since having originally posted this poem, I've been asked to read it for the local gathering of Turtle Volunteers later this month.  They are the stalwart folks who patrol the beaches daily and help to protect and preserve the nests and the turtle hatchlings.
They have some other surprise plans I can't reveal at this point, but I'll be sure to write about THAT experience later this month!  So exciting!!

If you're interested in knowing more about Loggerhead turtle activity on the beaches here in SC, or want to get involved in their protection follow this link

S.C.U.T.E.- SC United Turtle Enthusiasts Facebook page

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor

Art Lessons in all media Myrtle Beach, SC

rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist, instructor, and writer in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

"Like" my facebook page: Rebecca Zdybel- Artist

Join me on Google+ Rebecca Zdybel Google+ Profile

Awake and Dreaming and Writing Poetry

Have you ever daydreamed your way into a great idea?  Have you ever paused before waking in the morning and had creative revelations come your way as you laid there...somewhere between sleeping and waking...in that pleasant and relaxed realm?  

 "Beyond Imagining"-  Acrylic on Canvas      16X20     $350

If you have kids and jump out of bed at the last minute with a million things to do, you may not get too many of these moments (I sure didn't while I was raising my family).  These days, I've come to love the morning hours when I'm by myself and before the day begins.  I like to keep it quiet.  I like to let my mind wander.  Maybe it's meditation.  Sometimes it turns into a prayer, but often its just quiet.  

I have found these times to be especially subject to creative thoughts...ideas for new work, new classes, new themes.  So much so in fact, that I've taken to keeping a journal next to my bed.  As with dreams (or honestly, most things I want to remember), I've found that unless I write it down, I tend to forget it.  

I was so inspired by my new friends and their poetic creations during my trip to Greece.  Their words were truly beautiful.  I found their poems heartfelt and inspirational. I found myself reminiscing about how I used to write poems as a teenager.  Then I stopped.  I don't know why, but I can imagine that I just got worried about baring my soul too transparently.   I do love words and I do love writing, so I decided to pass the time on the way home from Greece, not only painting, but trying to describe my love of these morning reveries through poetry.  (It was a REALLY long journey home).


I didn't have a personification for inspiration, until I looked up the god of inspiration (it seemed appropriate, having just left Greece- home of both gods and poetry).  It was then that the idea of personifying inspiration came to me.  After that, it all fell into place.  What fun!  

Next on my "to-do List":
I want to let these words inspire a painting...

Victory Song
Giclee Prints available upon request in size of your choice on Canvas or paper. 

Here's my new poem below.  

The Muse  Rebecca Zdybel

In that space of quiet
Rest
Awake and dreaming free 
Abide a while 
Peacefully still 
And linger luxuriantly

Pause and watch the moments slip 
Sense of time now gone
Comes a flow 
of thoughts inspired                                           
Somehow new yet known

Taking shape
Familiar guest
The Muse she beckons me
Her veil aside
Her face revealed
Inspiration now I see

Beckoning 
The siren sings
"Come, linger by my shore..."
Songs of brush and pen and theme
 I hear her Whispering roar!


My heart caressed
In a breath dive deep 
No movement made
Its there...
A promise kept
Her generous heart 
Awaits, and its laid bare

Taking shape 
Thoughts---forward press 
Not urgent, yet a surprise 
My grateful spirit 
an open door for
For what the Muse inspires

Pearlsong revealed
I hear her tune,
The lyrics, every line
I float, I smile
Receive as gift
Her song for now its mine

Currents move
I journey on
Away from siren's shore 
What were those notes? 
They rang so clear 
As if I'd read before


I shift to stay
But force helps not 
So on and on I go,                   
a leaf afloat in currents unknown
I surrender to the flow

Again the notes her song become
Their waters quench my soul
I drink them in
Connection pure
Aware of my new goal

I wake inspired
Our tryst complete
Somehow its now so clear
I smile a lover's gratitude 
So glad I lingered here...

I can tell you that whether or not you relate to this poem, I had a fabulous time constructing it.  Finding just the right meter and just the right word or imagery, was similar to searching for just the right color or value in a painting.  I definitely felt myself shift into Right-Brain mode when trying to compose.  It was the same way I feel when I am painting or drawing.  Perhaps the Muse visited me.  


Let me know if you can relate to the sensation of inspiration coming to you as a gift, perhaps a heavenly one.  I'd love to hear from you...





Rebecca Zdybel
Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor
Art Lessons in all media
Myrtle Beach, SC
rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!

Feel free to share this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:

Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

Lesbos- Poetry and Lesbian History

This is a statue of Sappho- A poet from Lesbos.  She is honored in the hilltown of Ayiassos which we visited today.  It seems especially appropriate to speak of poetry here in Greece.  Poetry is like a national pastime here.  The famous poet Homer is from this country. 1963 nobel laureate poet, Giorgios Seferis was also Greek. 
It seems especially appropriate here.  The island we are on is Lesbos.  It is known for it's poetry.  Sappho lived in the hilltown of Ayiassos which we visited for a day.  Sappho is an ancient poet who wrote about love between women long ago. These writings have given Lesbos it's association with female homosexuality.   During her era, women were being educated for the first time under a tolerant leader.  Girls would leave home to study together and it was during this time that she wrote her poetry.   However, love between same-sex companions was not necessarily as we tend to think of it in modern times. Everything seems hyper-sexualized these days, but it wasn't necessarily the case back then. Many have pointed to her as evidence of female homosexual love...or Lesbianism. Sappho was not necessarily a lesbian, but she is forever associated with the topic due to her poems. 

I've found that artists are often poets. Whether their poetry is visual or verbal, the heart of a poet can often be found in the soul of an artist.  

Poetry can be a sign of inspired thinking.  Many artists couple their artwork with writing.  I have sometimes worked this way...letting a journal entry or words inspire a piece of artwork. If you've never tried writing as a tool for inspiring your artwork, I encourage you to try journaling or waxing poetic and using it as inspiration for your art!

On this trip, a couple of special poets have found their way into my heart.  Connie Cuthbertson is one fantastic artist and poet who is a new friend.  She has been on a journey fighting cancer over the last few years, and the good news is that she is healthy!  She is fantastic and is currently on an extended solo trip around Greece. She inspires me, and I thought you might enjoy her lovely poem.  I love it and hope you do too!

To Dream ~ Poem

I go searching for peace 

at waters edge

like a moth to a flame
she draws me in

and I listen here

the ocean breeze moves through me
the waves pool around me as
I enter this rhythmic dance
here I am caught, mesmerized

and I wonder here

Within the waves my mind is freed

Sunlight shimmers its dazzling light

Receding tide carries me with her

to far off places of the mind

and I enter here

I raise a handful of this liquid light

it glistens now

through my fingers 

memories trickle down

and I imagine here

I wonder, will this water 

that now falls from my fingertips

make its way to far off shores

where only my mind can travel

My eyes lifted now

to the horizon of thought

this endless ever changing place

Where fantasies and memories flow

where times of past and days to come

keep tempo with the day at hand

and I explore me here

I visit often 
in this quiet place of mind

to contemplate, to meditate

breathe deeply, and to dream

 and I understand me here

When I look deep into the ocean

as I go searching 

for peace

at waters edge

I discover me here

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist/ Art Instructor

Myrtle Beach, SC