Leap Day

On February 29, 2016February 29, 2016 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Work3 Comments

On this extra day of 2016, I have taken the leap, plunging into a brave new world of creative expression. I’ve pulled out my painting equipment from winter’s closet, and brushed off the brushes. Palettes have been scraped clean of old doubts and crusty fears, big ideas packed for the move and my muses notified of my new location.

My calling cards come in the form of a new blog, a fresh Instagram account and a different email address. Like the proud new owner of a second home, I will split my time between the original writer’s cottage of Suburban Satsangs and a recently acquired rustic artist’s cabin called Paints in the Parks.

As with any major move, I’m sure that adjustments will be made in this transition. The mental furniture may need to be rearranged and ego expectations repainted. But I find that there’s nothing that a summer’s worth of fresh forest and field of flowers won’t fix. I look forward to flinging my door wide in welcome to babbling brooks, gushing waterfalls, stoic cliffs and mysterious caves.

And of course, my door is always open to you, dear reader. I hope you’ll make the leap with me and that I’ll see you soon at my new digs.

Writing for Art

On January 31, 2016February 27, 2016 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Nature, Work4 Comments

My tradition the last few years has been to choose a “word” for the year, starting in January. My word for 2015 was “Write,” and while I confess that I did write a fair bit, my greatest efforts weren’t in the form I’d imagined last year. Instead of the usual creative outlets like journal entries, poetry or even that book I keep promising to self-publish, I spent a huge chunk of my time in the throes of the hardest writing of my life — along with the blinking cursor of an online grant application that I filled out last fall.

As a grizzled veteran of numerous English research papers and an agonizingly procrastinated Master’s thesis, this is no small claim. The precise language and focused nuances required in proposing my project and asking for funding threw me into a strange new world, since I struggled to accurately portray a vision that would benefit the public as well as my own personal pursuits. You see, this particular grant focuses on creating art outside in state parks, and in my case, that art will be visual rather than verbal.

That’s right, my battles with the written page have been transferred to the terrors of a blank canvas, all in the name of celebrating art in nature. And I will gladly take on that challenge if I can convert even one person to the joys of spending artistic time outdoors, whether it’s to write a poem, compose a song, dance a jig, or set up an easel to paint.

Plus, I’ll be able to travel to some of the most beautiful natural settings that Indiana has to offer with a trusty assistant (my husband), and invite the great outdoors to be my personal work space. In the weeks to come, you’ll see a new WordPress blog called Paints in the Parks detailing my journey as I paint scenic landscapes in six state parks while I research my painting subjects and interact with the park visitors who stop by my easel. I hope you’ll join me on this artistic ride, either by blog or in person.

I believe that in our modern society, we spend too much time cooped up in homes or offices that can become self-made prison cells, preoccupied with the flickering screens of fake connections and false avatars, while a sentient world lies just outside our doors, at the bus stop, on the bike trails, in the parks, and under the shade trees in our backyards; all waiting to be celebrated through ART — my word for 2016.

Heart Art

On December 30, 2015December 30, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Photography2 Comments

Thank you for the kind words, the sacred glimpses into your hearts, the funny moments in a day, the instant connections that jump miles and seasons and time zones through internet magic. I’m so thankful that our souls can reunite in this way. Namaste.

I’ve decided to participate in Susannah Conway’s December Reflections photo prompts again this year. During this hectic and stressful season, won’t you join me in mindful reflection from life’s photographic window seats and contemplative comments that provide refuge from the madness.

Round and Round

On December 19, 2015December 19, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Photography

I was able to enjoy making more meditative art this year, including this rough mandala sketch for a cover of a book about country doctors. (I loved repetitively drawing cows.)

A Is For . . .

On December 13, 2015December 13, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Holidays, Photography3 Comments

A is for Advent Calendar. I bought this Tasha Tudor version when my daughter was very young because we loved corgis. I still bring it out every year and she still opens the doors when she visits.

Granting My Wish

On December 12, 2015December 12, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Nature, Photography2 Comments

My decision to apply for an arts grant after a friend’s encouragement turned out to be the best decision this year. I found out yesterday that I got the grant! Looking forward to plein air adventures in state parks for 2016.

Legacy

On September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Family, Home, Photography6 Comments

It’s been quiet here at Suburban Satsangs this month, but I’ve still participated in a daily photo prompt on Instagram. The final prompt is “legacy,” somehow appropriate as I finish out September in my parents’ house helping with my ailing father.

I didn’t grow up in this house and always feel like a guest despite the 25 years my parents have lived here. While primitively beautiful, I’ve never felt like this or any other place I’ve lived was truly home for me. I’m a bit of a wanderer, I guess.

In the bedroom I sleep in I’m surrounded by artwork I made over 30 years ago. Sometimes I lie in bed and ponder what was created in another time, by another person.

And I often wonder where she went, while searching for what she left me.

Sun Day

On August 30, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Photography4 Comments

Day 30: Smile

A smiling sun for Sunday. Getting my zen doodle on. Hope you all have had a good weekend.

Yes, folks, it’s that time of year again. I’m looking forward to my third go at participating in Susannah Conway’s August Break by posting prompts here on the blog and on my Instagram account. There are no rules, really. Simply take a photo every day for the month of August, based on the prompts or not. I take a photo a day all year long, but you can’t lose no matter how many days you keep this up. And the more, the merrier!

True Colors

On August 25, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Photography4 Comments

Day 25: Green

When I paint, I’m always surprised by how many other colors are found in a patch of green.

Truss the Sky

On August 18, 2015 By Tamara BrownIn Art, Photography4 Comments

Day 18: Look Up

Nearby construction allows me to look up and watch trusses frame the sky, a daily version of performance art.