Go Slow as You Grow


It’s been a busy month…so I’m a bit slow with sharing my article inside the current issue of Somerset Studio (Sept/Oct).  I imagine that September has been a busy month for most of you also (closing out the Summer can feel rushed)…so maybe you don’t mind that I’ve fallen behind on my blogging?

The vibrant colors on the cover of Somerset Studio are so full of Fall.  Although I’m not quite ready to jump into this season yet (again, I’m slow), seeing these rich, rusty-toned colors reminds me that there’s much leafy beauty ahead.

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However, before I move full steam ahead, let’s revisit some Summery things…such as these clay pieces that I created using beach finds and such.

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The article features two pieces of artwork (both made with air-dry clay), and both sides are embellished.  The colors on all sides are soft and sandy, minty and watery, with touches of sparkling sky.

Here’s a close-up of one side of one piece.

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And here’s a close-up of the other side of the same piece.  I created all of the pieces with Brook in mind (I wanted to shine the light on some words that have special meaning to me).

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As a mother it’s my responsibility to pass on words of encouragement and advice to my daughter…and very often, these words are expressed through the things that I create.

Here’s a look at the front side of the heart-shaped piece.  I intentionally allowed the feather on the other side to stick up in view.

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And on the other side, the feather (a symbol of hope) seems to blend into the heart itself.  With hope in your heart, anything is possible.

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In addition to the two pieces here, originally I created one other piece that went with the set.   The pink in this third piece (shown below) didn’t coordinate well with the other two pieces  so it was left out of the Somerset Studio article.  However, I thought you might like a look anyway.

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On the back of this piece I hand wrote my message to Brook.

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I hope that she’ll take this advice to heart…because growth doesn’t always have to happen quickly.  Sometimes it is within the slow moments that we feel the most, so that we can grow the most, towards becoming our best selves…our most loving selves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



8 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. laura H

    These are beautiful pieces. I always love your messages. You always speak wisdom to me. I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer yet. We’re enjoying an unusually warm streak here.

    September 27th, 2014

  2. How could Somerset not feature your last piece…it is my favorite. Your art always has the most beautiful calm inner peace that this world needs more of. Your “motherly” words of wisdom to Brook are life affirming and precious. Creative Growth Bliss…

    September 28th, 2014

  3. Oh dear, this is one of my favorites posts from you. The message is so beautiful and perhaps one of the hardest things for the young and old to learn…it’s the slow moments that we feel most.

    Right now, I’m on Lake Winnipesaukee hosting a weekend with a group of artisan girlfriends. Each morning we take time to discuss life and what we’ve learned in our journey. A common feeling is that most of us have rushed through life always eager for the next stage. It’s not always easy to create your own flow and pull away from the main current.

    It seems we all could have benefited from someone like you to give us your amazing treasures of wisdom. Better late than never.

    As always, thank you for your wisdom,

    JoJo

    September 28th, 2014

  4. Jani Howe

    I love that article in S.S., Becky, and am so sad they left out the most glorious piece! Of course, it doesn’t ‘match’ (grrr!) but I love it very much. Just having had our younger daughter here for a week, I so well understand how you feel about your lovely Brook. This daughter of ours is a precious jewel who never ceases to shine in our hearts and lives. I am sure Brook treasures the love you show for her — even for all the world to see!

    September 28th, 2014

  5. Ann Marie

    I like the pink one actually. But my favorite is “Let your Heart Be Light”. Happy Day!

    September 29th, 2014

  6. Linda K

    I just picked up tis issue and only glanced thru it so far. But I certainly recognized your lovely pieces immediately Becky! And thank you for sharing that very special piece you made for Brook-very touching.

    September 30th, 2014

  7. Becky Shander

    Ladies, thank you for taking time out of your busy days to come here…and leave such good energy behind.

    With a light heart and much thanks,
    Becky

    September 30th, 2014

  8. Definitely! Slow and quiet… that’s how we can have access to the “best” part of ourselves, our Higher Self . What amazing gifts for your daughter to cherish forever! Art + Inspiration + Love + Time. Perfection, indeed!
    xo

    October 3rd, 2014

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