September 2014 – Susan M Wallis Art Blog

A visit to the Tor at Glastonbury

Charcoal and Acrylic on canvas in progress painted in situ on unframed canvas September 2014

Mabon and the autumn equinox a time to reflect on the heady summer days and move forward into a new phase, to reap what has been sewn and to begin a new adventure. I have this year focused on exploring creatively and spiritually; commencing with the St Ives workshop and the shamanic, dreams and spiritual processes of the artist Kate Walters and now I am soon to explore aspects of digging deeper spiritually with the artist Sonia MCnally on the Island of Iona.

‘The Veil is Thin’ is an opportunity to be a part of an artists retreat; exploring the elements and mystery of the Celtic landscapes, connecting spiritually with the island in order to draw on the depths of creativity within. I am excited by this venture and looking forward to seing the wildlife and birds as much as the landscape!

As and artist I find myself sometimes, full of self-doubt and a sense of struggle, “what am I doing. Can I really make this work??” I think this is not uncommon amongst creative practitioners. The journey through the creative practice is not dissimilar to life’s journey; in continuing to break through our creative barriers, we are problem solving, pushing through negative and emotional blocks. We are in actual fact training and re-enforcing our ‘selves’. Life is parallel with creativity, a journey of highs and lows; self doubt, elation, frustration and feelings of wonder. As I create I can let go of things that hold me back; deep in my soul waves of positivity swell within, all consuming. I feel passionate and a sense of self worth with a feeling of growth, I feel ‘big’ and whole

The Fiddle Player
Acrylic on deep canvas
30cm x 60cm ‘Transformation’ Somerset Old Town Hall

The struggles of creation and the ‘blocks’ are as much about our inner selves and needs as about the creativity itself. I have found that the creative process has been both cathartic and healing as well as enlarging; enriching my life, I have been able to reconnect with myself and the world; having been apart for so long. This has been a long journey and whilst there is still a way to go, I am on the road.

Artists and Makers often need to ‘feel’ the earth to create; partaking and giving of life; there is an ever increasing shift from commercialism, a searching to belong to the earth. To recentre ourselves and reconnect with each other, the planet and the animals.

Leah Hisslop in her installation at Somerton

A Russian visitor admiring my work

work on the left is by Ashar

Chair Art in Blue by Ashar

Chair Art in Pink by Ashar

Fiona Bradford left, chats in front of her art work

visitors Somerton

I have spent a considerable amount of time and energy encouraging and developing my mother’s artistic side this year and last; including a stay in Somerton recently, a trip to Bath MA show and a painting/drawing day on the Tor. I am now in need of spiritual restoration and I am hoping my adventure on Iona will be a fruitful journey, enabling me to refocus on my work; I feel creatively out of kilter and a need to clarify my direction and feed my soul.

Below a selection of photographs from my travels to Somerton, Bath and Glastonbury Tor