Flow-Yin and Yang

Flow can be recognized occuring within the most dire of circumstances.

"I decided to paint in the living room, where the light was the best. I cleared off a couple of bookshelves, filled baskets with supplies and sat in my recliner with pillows propping me up. I placed everything I needed around me: tissues, beverage and remote for the music. I used watercolor from a tin as it was compact and the cleanest method.

Over the years, I’d rendered flowers, fruit, and figures. I made wrapping paper and greeting cards for friends and family. I’ve never painted abstract forms before.The process was what interested me most. I began with several layers of light-colored washes. As the paint dried, I picked out shapes that appeared and applied more paint. When a layer was completely dry, I used oil pastels to sharpen, define, or blend with the paint. I was able to paint for at least part of most days. When I grew impatient with a piece, I told myself to just keep going and explore what might happen. After all, I had the time.That freedom allowed me to fully relax into the painting process. My mind and body were (relatively) quiet and peaceful; my thoughts were only of the colors and shapes." Excerpt from, The Artful Warrior: How Painting Helped Me Survive Cancer".