Visual Journey 36

A Handmade Life

Healer, 2024

A Handmade Life

Mended and patched with crooked stitches, well-worn and frayed.

I hold my handmade life carefully in my hands; press it to my chest gently.
Wrapped with twine, feathers, pieces of pine and white birch; 
red leaves and dandelion are carefully tucked in.
Courage is the foundation.
Wobbly knees hold a strong back, scars opened and closed over and over again, 
I stitch them up with goats beard. 

Careful planning never suits an untamed life like this.
It runs best when it’s left like the wind- to be itself. 
Tears that run like a river over mossy patches of rocks and earth.
Cool breeze blows fringy edges 
Of many colors. 
Untold stories of grief and joy all thrive 
Year after year.

I looked inside my pocket today, at a lump I felt attached, and there A Tiny Seed had taken root. 
Pockets are full of holes or dust or cracks and sometimes treasures.
Mine are filled with sludgy mud 
and handwritten notes, memories-forgotten, always remembered-
Sunflowers, 
the tallest trees, 
dreams and
despair.
I’m learning 
throwing seeds eventually lead to roots in places only the open heart can find.

Right-Forest Stories, 2024

I’m continuing to fill my handbound book with watercolor paintings hoping to capture moments of my life. The winter themed book was inspired by my studio bookmaking workshop. A new workshop begins on January 18. Over four weeks we will explore watercolor painting and create a concertina book to hold our work. The workshop is titled Natures Winter Imprint: A Journey Through Stillness and Light.

“Art allows us to pause and notice the beauty in the ordinary. Through each brushstroke, we find a moment of stillness, a chance to connect with ourselves and the world around us. Let this winter scene remind you that even in the quiet frost, there is life and wonder waiting to be discovered.”

I taped the first session of Through the Frosted Pane: Winter Scenes in Watercolor this week. In this video tutorial, we’ll create a simple, yet magical, frosted windowpane overlooking a winter landscape. I had fun taping this and experimenting with a few different techniques for all of you. I decided not to make the full windowpane because I was satisfied with how the paintings looked without it. I ended up with three, each of them slightly different, which I love. I encourage you to paint a few versions of this if you have time, explore different color combinations, river shapes, animals etc.

Journaling prompts for this project that you may want to reflect on-

What do I see beyond the pane? What aspects of my life feel quiet and still, like a winter landscape? What beauty or potential might be hidden beneath the snow?

I can’t wait to see how you take this project! Although it is guided, there’s room to add your own personal touches. See you in the video and I hope you post your work in the comments or tag me on Instagram! To join us, click here-

Grateful for your presence and wishing you a year of growth, love and light.

XXX Char

Art and writing©️Charlene Lutz 2024