While I was working on this little sketch yesterday morning I was thinking a lot about why my art, my voice, your voice, your preferences matter.  

What I came to realize, and I've known for some time, is that what I have to say through my art or my words, is unique and valuable.  Just as your voice is important, however you express that voice.

I think, particularly now with all that is going on in the world, we can feel a bit overwhelmed and silenced.  A bit paralyzed really.  I assure you this is a natural response.  I've been feeling much the same way and working on other things rather than painting.  Yesterday was my first foray into creating art again.  This little drawing was the inspiration to pick up the pencil and begin again. 

I was shocked by how this happened.  I was sitting in the yard in the sunshine and this idea/internal voice said "sketch this beautiful peony leafing out."  My response was to just go do it.  Rather than the litany of negotiating that often happens.  By negotiating I mean the internal qualifying of an impulse, the rationalizing, the deciding.  I just acted versus thinking too much about it.  

This is what triggered the notion of my voice.  Why this peony, why now, why the motivation?  Because for my well being this voice, creating a new drawing, is me resurfacing after all these sudden changes.  I've also lost a childhood friend to cancer so I know that I'm grieving her as well.  In a nutshell, I have not felt up to creating much.  

That all changed with this drawing.  My inspiration was showing me the way back to my creative process. I love that I just followed and feel much better for it. 

During this time of uncertainty, what are you drawn to act on?  It could be a knitting project, baking bread, going for a walk, calling a friend to chat.  All of these gestures are elements of your creativity and voice.  Just act.  Allow yourself to show up however you feel compelled.  Your voice matters, a lot.  Perhaps more now than ever as we are all grappling with the changes.  

Please share your voice with us (tears spring to my eyes, instantly as I write this.) What you are inspired to add to this beautiful life experience will help you and it will help all of us.  Don't be shy.  Express yourself.