I'd like to begin this blog by sharing with you a favourite Persian tale. Because my two great loves... storytelling and art... are so deeply entwined with each other, it feels only fitting to begin with a story! This is my way of inviting you to experience the magic of storytelling and the opportunity to gently retreat from the hectic pace of modern life... just for awhile!
"Long ago there was a mullah who went to a house of learning to offer his teachings. He had hoped for a full house of eager listeners, but only one man, a humble stable attendant, had shown up to listen. The mullah wondered to himself whether it would be worthwhile to speak at all! He thought for a few moments and then turned to the stable attendant and asked,"Shall I go ahead and speak, even though you are an audience of one?"
"Master, I am not a learned man, but if I entered the stable, and found it empty except for one horse, I would feed that one horse anyway."
The mullah heeded these words and began to speak as he had planned. He became totally engrossed with the subject matter and spoke on and on at great length. The humble stable attendant listened respectfully. After two hours the mullah paused, "I could go on all night," he said. "Shall I continue?"
"Master," replied the attendant, "I am not a learned man, but if I came into the stable, and found there but one horse, I would surely feed it, but I would not feed it all the grain in the stable."
Coming from a teaching and therapy background, I delight in the opportunity to share my knowledge. This tale reminds me to do just that but not all at once! Occasionally I still wander over the line but I have learned that it is often wise just to stop and button my lips no matter how tempting it would be to continue. Less is often more. And so it is with my art.
My art focus is simplicity. I tell the story and convey meaning using a minimum of elements that rely on texture, colour and placement to create interesting depth in my pieces. My hope for you is to discover a story within each piece that speaks to your heart and creates meaning for you.
How can you use the wisdom in this tale in your life and art? I'd love to hear your answers!