Living and Dyeing is much more then a clever name people love to "get" when they see my work. Everything I do, is the foundation of what makes my art. Anyone who has seen my home, gardens, (obviously my clothes!), bike, tasted my food, can see my alternative views reflected in everything around my life. Color, composition, whimsy, and random things most people don't see, but I see, and try to transform them into something beautiful. Any way I can flex my creative side, I'm in my zone. I sputter in a few things, like computers, writing (I am dyslexic), social media, and business in general. I realized early on, trying to help my dad at 14 in his office, I had a severe allergy to the whole concept of typing, cubicles, and fluorescent lights. That was also the year I went to the Smokey Mountains for spring break, and had an epiphany I was going to have a career in Nature or out-of-doors. Needless to say I skipped typing in high school and headed down an alternative, leaf-covered interesting path.
My life has been unfolding to bring balance and shifting the "LIVING" part of this equation. I expanded my art in the world when I started spinning exotic fibers, and sharing at art shows and galleries. That allowed me to be exposed to more art, techniques, and people that have given me more tools to reflect and color my life with. The best part, are the beautiful souls I have connected with on this journey. You know who you are! One glitch in this process was my "pitta" constitution and creative fire being overstimulated, causing a huge physical imbalance that really gave me a health scare, forcing me to examine a holistic approach to expressing myself and listening to my body instead of leading with my head. That "heady" space of creative sparks, and obsessive "I want to do another one and another one and another one" idea, flowing into another until you neglect, food, time, and rest. This overstimulated, ungrounded mode lasted for two years. Especially after immersing in some workshops with India Flint and Michel Garcia. I used to regularly hike, mountain bike, and daily yoga until I fell into an all consuming creating frenzy. I think India once commented to me " is there anything you haven't dyed?" Nope, I think I did experiments on everything and anything I could get my hands on. My playful ideas, and energy are a powerful flow channeled in this creative process. When I over did it, I created non-stop almost everyday, neglecting much balance and I became extremely sick. First my adrenals went out of whack. My thyroid tanked. The worst part was I threw out my neck, causing chronic pain affecting every almost every moment, especially sleep, sitting, and even meditation was painful. This wake-up call, which I thought would never heal, took two years to improve. I had to diligently soul search, get very quiet, and pay attention to my Prana (life force) daily. What enhanced my capabilities to listen to my body, stoke the inner fire or cool it when needed is Shiva Rea and her partner Demetri Velasaurs. As Shiva puts it so eloquently, I am "Tending the Heartfire" now with fierce protectiveness. Ayruveda is another keystone for my well-being. This process has allowed me to overcome health issues, mental blocks and open me up to my fullest potential. Being present, listening to the subtle energies (in my heart field and not my head!), have enhanced not only my health, but my creative flow! I didn't know how much the two are interconnected and interrelated. I feed my soul, my soul feeds my art, pretty simple; Living and Dyeing.
Now it's unfolding....
My gardening career in Memphis is coming to an end (my client is retiring) after 20 years. It has been the life line for my freedom to pursue art without the equation of money or fear in any decision making. Now I am opening up to what comes, what life brings and I'm going with the flow. I'm finishing up my yoga certifications, and excited for my Prana Danda Yoga intensive in Boston for a week in July. I'm going on a Native American camping retreat with Shiva Rea in Malibu in August. Reflecting and diving deep, coming full circle with two years training with her and Demetri. This Fall I have my first co-teaching movement meditation/sacred art project at a women's retreat on Whidbey Island in September. I'm hoping to get into the Chicago One-of-a-Kind show in December- a big push and commitment for my designs! On the horizon, next year I'm co-teaching eco dyeing and textiles in Kerela, India on an Ayruveda Retreat- whoa! I'm looking at these amazing opportunities as just getting out there and sharing movement, art and connection. Big changes, big adventures, Universe I am ready for what comes next!
Living and Dyeing *Art* Textiles* Movement Mediation* Connecting with Nature and People*
Mudra in Memphis garden.
Costa Rica 2015, last day of Prana Flow 200 hour intensive with Shiva Rea.
Big changes, my new puppy girl Freya. A vibrantly sweet and fearless soul. I'm in my handmade 'Sura' dress.
