Thank you for being a part of my community this year.

We often believe there is a correct interpretation of a work of art based on its time, maker, context. We look to experts in the field to provide these interpretations.

In reality, art works are open to conversation across time and distance in relationship to changing context, materials, experiences and stories.

We are each invited to join the artist in meaning making through sharing what we see, what we wonder, our own stories and associations. 

I am always grateful to hear your stories and responses to images and reflections I share, thank you.

Some thoughts on forests, grounding and connection...

I'm Grateful for this Community of Readers

My newest paper cut above comes from a beautiful book, To Speak for the Trees: My Life’s Journey from Ancient Celtic Wisdom to a Healing Vision of the Forest by Diana Beresford-Kroger.

Her personal story in the book begins in Ireland, where she is orphaned as a young teen. Relatives in her mother's family and their neighbors in a small village take her in and teach her the medicinal qualities of plants and practices for healing and connection through the natural world. This story particularly speaks to me now as we all struggle with the collective and personal grief of this time. 

One of my practices in the last month has been to sit in silence under a tree in the woods behind our house. Its thick steady trunk offers a feeling of grounding and solidity and visiting daily allows me to notice small details in the seasonal changes that I may have missed at other times.

The first day I tried sitting with my eyes closed I heard a low growl nearby and then opened my eyes just as the bushy tail of a fox rounded the tree about 6 feet away from me - he kept his social distance. Another day, I saw the distinct silhouette of a heron flying over the trees in the distance along the creek, I always love looking for their long legs stretched out behind the broad wingspan. One Saturday, a squirrel chittered at me in a scolding sort of way as he climbed the tree opposite me - I never knew squirrels could be so noisy. 

I enjoy getting to know some of the others who pass through this bit of woods as they prepare for winter. As I look up to take photos of the tree, I am also becoming more aware of how the light changes and moves. In the afternoon, I need to find the tree's shadow and stand in it to be able to look up without looking directly into the sun. 

Sitting on the base of the tree's roots, I love imagining the vast underground network that spreads as far and wide as the branches overhead. Imagining this, I truly feel sheltered and held in the space created by the tree, both the visible canopy overhead and the vast network of roots below. 

As I sit, I imagine breathing with the trees and other plants, thinking and dreaming in their company. I also often reflect on things I am grateful for and this builds connection as well. 

Even writing this newsletter, I am aware of all the people who work at Mailchimp who provide this platform for me to use. As I work with materials, I think of those who manufacture, supply and transport those materials. Even spending lots of time alone, we are very much connected to each other in ways not always seen but like the network of roots they are still central to our creativity and growth. 

I am particularly grateful for my readers here, for those who write sharing your own reflections and for the many who have supported me this year with purchases of artwork.

Thank you,
Kathryn 
 

Guest Blog Post on Abbey of the Arts

For me, truly entering into the unknown and discovering something along the way is central to creative practice. The creative process is a great place to welcome uncertainty when the rest of life is relatively stable, but what about when life itself is filled with uncertainty?

I got to reflect a bit on creativity and uncertainty in a "Monk in the World" guest post for the Abbey of the Arts blog - you can read the full reflection here.

ETSY shop update...

Pre-orders for calendars were mailed this morning. THANK YOU so much to everyone for your support.

I have a few extra copies of my 2021 "Mother Trees" calendar available on my ETSY site.

Monday, December 14 will be my last day for shipping before the holidays. I am grateful things seem to be arriving in a timely manner and want to be sure I allow enough time for items to reach buyers.

After that date, I am happy to co-ordinate for local pick-up. If you are local and would like to pick up, please contact me for purchases. 

Thank you

for reading and being a part of creative community through this newsletter. With a grateful heart,
Kathryn