Shari Sherman

Shari Sherman

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Inspiration when I least expected it...


Into the Portal by Shari Sherman ©2017


My mother passed away a year ago Sunday. I have finally come to look at the span of the year as a "writeoff". It was a year of feeling uninspired to paint, to teach, to write. Yes, there have been sparks here and there. But nothing that felt like catching. Doodles and stitches and splashes of watercolor and ink. Just colors and lines meandering about. Late last year I ended up taking a JOB because my inspiration had dried up. Thankfully, this allowed me to take any pressure off my art, off my projects.

I knew this week was going to be a rough one, but I had no idea how rough. Fast forward to, Thursday, March 16, my husband's birthday, and our beloved sweet dog, Maui, passed away.  I don't want to write about it. I'm still in the stage where I expect to see him here. Anyone who has ever loved a dog and lost a dog knows.

But an interesting thing happened. There I was engulfed in sadness, just like I was a year before, but this time, I immediately felt like painting my dog. Just as I have done many, many times in the past for my clients who have also loved and lost. It is therapy for me, A way of prolonging the connection, of making sure the channel stays open. So I got out my paints and started painting. Feeling Inspired. All kinds of thoughts going through my head with each stroke, mixing the paints, choosing the brushes...mostly remembering how easy this is for me. For a whole year, it has felt hard and difficult and muddy. And now, ease.

So, this year on Sunday, I lit a candle for my mom and stood at my table painting, the happiest that I've been in a long time...well, in about a year.

Until next time, Lovebeams to you!

6 comments:

  1. Happy tears, streaming down my own face. Life...whew...embracing all of it is the happiest hardest thing any of us can do! xoxoxoxo

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  2. Folks always say that dying doesn't really mean goodbye. It sure feels like it. Holding them close through your art sounds like such a comfort. Thank you for sharing this remedy for the ache...

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    1. I have a painting called Art Heals, it is so true. Art and Time.

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  3. Glad to hear you're feeling better and finding the inspiration to create. You're so talented...It would be a waste not to share it with the world. Thank you Maui! May your pup enjoy all things he loved most until you see him again.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Many friends who have lost their pets reminded me that they are all waiting to welcome Maui. so much love.

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Aloha friends! It's so nice to hear from you!