Diary of a Serial Painter (Spring, 2024)
A day in the life of interdisciplinary artist-research A.G.
2024–05–26 05:08:48
THE CUP OVERFILLETH: [CROSS-POSTED ON FACEBOOK]
The joy of spring emerges like a whisper of renewal in the old historic village, where the asphalt street and the weathered dock by the waterfront speaks of timeless beauty. Walking here, I find a serene solace in the vibrant blossoms, the tender green leaves, and the gentle ripple of water. Though I’ve mentioned this already and will likely mention it many more times, there is a strange stillness to these days, a “Groundhog Day” effect where time loops back on itself in an endless, selfsame manner. Yet within this repetitious rhythm lies the great mystery of the “Springtime of Joyful Being” — a state where happiness and sorrow intertwine, and where solemnity can give way to profound joy.
In this state of joyful being, I navigate the many seasons of the heart. The Summer brings heartfelt communal experiences, rich with warmth and connection. The Autumn strips life down to its bare essence, revealing the fundamental truths of existence. Winter is a time for nostalgic whispers from the ancient past, echoing through the corridors of memory. And then there is the Spring, the Springtime of Springing Water, where life rejuvenates and hope blossoms anew. As I delve into these cycles, I am driven to capture their essence through music. Composing and practicing guitar and piano has become a meditative pursuit, a way to articulate the myriad emotions of these seasons. Though my presence on social media may wane over the coming weeks in some respects, my creative spirit remains steadfast, ever tuned to the melodies of the heart.
2024–05–26 06:09:46
THE FROSTED REPRIEVE: [ORIGINAL ON MEDIUM]
A chill in the air wraps the village in an unexpected shroud of icy breath, a reminder that even in the springtime of joyful being, solemnity has its place. The first day dawned colder than usual, with a brisk wind that cut through the usual warmth of spring, leaving the streets and docks by the waterfront dusted with a fragile frost. The flowers seemed to bow under the weight of this wintry touch, their vibrant hues muted, as if reflecting the more somber mood of the day. Despite this, the village’s timeless beauty persisted, each ripple in the water whispering of resilience and grace.
By the second morning, the chill had deepened, the air sharp and invigorating with a hint of ice. It was an unusual sight for this time of year, transforming the landscape into a tableau that begged to be captured in paint. The urge to create something solemn and wintry was irresistible, a testament to the multifaceted nature of joyful being. Even amidst the cold, there was a quiet contentment, a reminder that joy encompasses both light and shadow. This brief return to winter’s embrace made the warmth of spring all the more precious, reinforcing the delicate balance of the seasons of the heart. Though morose, these days were still part of the springtime of joyful being, a testament to the depth and complexity of existence.
2024–05–27 04:23:42
AUTUMNAL SUN: [ORIGINAL ON MEDIUM]
After attending mass, I retreated to the sanctuary of my bed, enveloped by a warmth that seemed to juxtapose the chilly indoors. Despite the relatively warm day outside, the cool air within my home invited a contemplative stillness. I spent the morning reading, but soon surrendered to a day of rest, allowing myself to enter into a profound state of joyful being. This joyful being is not merely a state; it is a process of inward descent, grounding myself both physically and within my inner experience. As I delve deeper into my essence, I encounter a profound emptiness, an emptiness that paradoxically reveals the true nature of my soul. In this state of complete void, powerful spiritual visions and experiences arise, painting the vast canvas of nothingness with vibrant hues of spiritual insight.
The mornings over the past few days have been colder than usual, infusing the air with a crispness that evokes the early whispers of autumn. This chill brings forth a sensation akin to the beginning of what I call my Autumn of Atonement, where introspection and reconciliation with oneself become paramount. The many Seasons of the Heart do not unfold sequentially; an Autumnal Sun can shine during the Springtime of Life, just as a Winter of the Soul can permeate any period. These seasons shift and intermingle, reflecting the complex tapestry of our inner lives. My new secular liturgy, The Seasons of The Heart, captures this fluidity through music, visual art, and creative writing, each piece resonating with the essence of all seasons. This collection speaks to the ever-changing, non-linear nature of our emotional and spiritual journeys, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition.
2024–05–27 09:55:36
THE MYSTIC GROUND: [ORIGINAL ON MEDIUM]
As I journey inward, I sense my being flowing out from a deeper source, an emanation from the ground of my existence. This movement is like a river emerging from its source, a continuous flow from the depths of my soul. As I let go of my self-awareness, I reach a state where my inner essence merges with the foundational ground, becoming one with it. This profound connection transcends ordinary consciousness, revealing a vast emptiness that is not a void, but a presence filled with potential and pure being.
In this state of unity, I experience a gentle warmth emanating from within, a flame that radiates light through the surrounding darkness. This light, subtle yet persistent, reveals the balance of light and shadow within me, guiding me back to my true essence. The inner flame symbolizes a return to the source, where the flow of my being originates and converges. Here, in the harmonious dance of flowing out and returning, I find a deep and abiding peace, a stillness that reconnects me with the essence of who I am.
A.G. © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
