Where the Light Enters
The latest from my Art + Trauma Series.
At the beginning of only the second month of 2025, I feel as though I am carrying an unbearable heaviness upon my shoulders. January witnessed the continuation of suffering in so many parts of the world. Closer to home, I witnessed the tragic Los Angeles fires as well as the beginning of the deconstruction of our precious government. I ask my artist self how can I create art work that sheds light on the climate-caused LA fires along with the new administration’s harmful declarations and orders. I turned toward two of my sources of inspiration and made the almost black (or should I say bleak?) painting you see above.
“I said: what about my eyes?
He said: Keep them on the road.
I said: What about my passion?
He said: Keep it burning.
I said: What about my heart?
He said: Tell me what you hold inside it?
I said: Pain and sorrow.
He said: Stay with it. The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
My other fount of wisdom is the mighty Leonard Cohen. His powerful and haunting songs move me always. For many years, I have been ending my emails with a verse from his song “Anthem”:
“Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering,
There’s a crack in everything,
That’s how the light gets in.
Be well. Until next time…
Until next time…
Mary Lou
Art Tip:
As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, science has proven that the making of art can lower stress and anxiety. So, grab some paper and draw, scribble, paint, glue – do whatever kind of art that comes to mind. This is your private quiet sanctuary time.