As we move closer and closer to the official beginning of fall, I am inwardly celebrating the ‘flip of the page’ that comes with September. I’m sure there are many of you who might be mildly horrified at the fact that I am grateful to see the leaves beginning to change, and that I am eagerly anticipating the impending shorter days and cooler temps. But there you have it; that’s just the way my genes fell in place.
Boer War Memorial, Dorchester Square, Montreal I wouldn’t ordinarily choose a horse’s back end as a sketching subject, but it was so hot in Montreal a couple of weekends ago, that I was grateful for an empty spot on a park bench in the shade…despite the view. It seems a suitable illustration for a discussion surrounding the end of summer, don’t you think?
Perhaps partly due to following school’s schedule for so long, September better represents the launch of a new year to me than January (which, nestled securely within winter’s blanket, seems more of a continuum than a starting point). And as such, this time of year holds a sense of excitement that is associated with new beginnings including, of course, plans for future work. Is the same true for you?
That said, I have been feeling the need for a boost lately: a re-shifting of perspective and a bit of a pep talk as I gear up for Fall and reevaluate where I’ve been and where I’m heading in my work. Getting There: A Book of Mentors by Gillian Zoe Segal is proving to be just the ticket. With wisdom and straight talk from 30 luminaries, including Warren Buffett, Frank Gehry, Marina Abramovic, and Jeff Koons among others, it drills home the fact that commitment, resilience and kindness are just a few of the qualities that serve us all well in pursuit of our goals. That, and clearly a willingness to work hard.
I’m rolling up my sleeves and am ready to get started.
Ready? Sleeves up? Get set…Dig in! The fresh temps of fall and the blast of color outside my window is always a welcome stimulant after the hot slow days of August. Although I work through the summer I find the work that begins in autumn has life all its own – fed by walks through the colorful landscape and thoughts of things to come.
I totally agree Pam! This is one of the real perks of living where the seasons are such an integral part of our lives. I think we find ourselves swaying with their rhythms – and it can have such a positive influence.
Remember the Staples add about back to school shopping? “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I couldn’t agree more. As much as I love the time spent gardening in the summer, I’m relieved to see it come to an end with the flurry of cleanup. It’s like being given time again to work. in my studio.
As for horses’ rear ends, they seem to be popping up all around me these days. A visit to Charleston, South Carolina’s City Hall included an extraordinary tour guide explaining the history of George Washington’s portrait. It was presented to the City Fathers with George standing in front of his horse. When there was resistance to paying full price for the portrait, the artist took the painting home and replaced the horse with its rear end. Take that City Fathers!
So when I found scraps of Toile with only the rear half of horses on them, I began my Horses’ Patoot Toile quilt. I giggled through the entire process of making it. Quite lovely shapes in a horses’ rear, don’t you think?
You have such a great sense of humor Roz!
Love the tale about the Geo. Washington portrait. We ran into a similar story in Lucerne, Switzerland at the Lion Monument, where the artist covertly added a pig to the sculpture since he didn’t feel he’d been paid appropriately. Creative (and lasting) revenge.
For me September is the last bit of slow before the headlong rush into another busy season. I don’t get the bright fall colors here in Florida, but the air definitely has a lightness to it, makes for easier walking outside. I love that horse’s back end. From the tension in his haunches and his laid back ears, he has his own ideas about where he wants to go.
I always enjoy your comments Marie — it’s interesting how the seasonal flow affects us no matter what our climate. And thanks for the kind words about the sketch…since losing Lola I’m happy for any animal connection – even via a statue.