Creativity

Creativity in the time of Covid

As COVID -19 cases increase in London, restrictions for those of us living in our residence have curtailed normal activities such as visiting, going to stores, and having close proximity to each other.  We have reverted to “phase two” conditions which seem even more challenging this second time around.  Yet we seem to have accepted our reality and are rising to the challenge of keeping our residence free of the virus. The September 28 issue of The Globe and Mail contains an article by Wency Leung which describes research showing that “Playfulness may help adults improve their mood and lessen depressive symptoms, among other perks . . .” 

BOOKS.jpeg

One of our members described the pleasure she felt in seeing several sisters at different tables playing various games. Signs of creativity are emerging.  Card games and board games for two players are found on the internet and taught to others. Borrowing, buying, trading, and discussing books has increased significantly. Conversations about dealing with restrictions are more humorous, less dismal.  Seating at tables is limited to two persons so the dedicated card players have been using the internet to find new card games which they teach to others. There are people playing various forms of solitaire for two players, in addition to kings on the corner, spite and malice, thirteen, euchre, pepper, thirteen, golf and cribbage.  Board games are more frequent and varied. Walks in the neighbourhood, or in our hallways seem ongoing. Creativity abounds and is particularly present in our prayers together.  We are more aware of political, social, and environmental issues in our neighbourhood and in the world. Our community prayers reflect our increasing creativity and the concerns for the good of all creation – our common home.

cards.jpg

Play is creative, and creativity has an imaginative quality that expands our minds, bestows energy, and lifts our minds from despondency to hope.   With hope and faith, we actively work to make our world a better place.

- Sister Pat McKeon, CSJ

My Journey as an Artist

In these changing times one major focus we have is awakening to greater evolutionary consciousness. We strive to be more open and reflect on how all of life is in oneness, interconnected and interrelated. Art is a wonderful medium for going deeper and engaging in these reflections.

I recall a time, when I was still in grade school and viewing for the first time the art of Mondrian, Klee and Kandinsky. It was a revelation to discover a world where art could be so unusual, profound with radiant new energy and life. Born there and then, without really naming it at the time, was my desire to engage in painting as a spiritual experience, as meditation and an awakening to divine presence.

In approaching the canvas, my goal is to listen within to any movement taking place, and lose myself in the interplay of textures, shapes and colors. It is about entering into mystery and silence, allowing self to discover through the process of painting.

Painting provides space to play with new images, unfamiliar ones, and “invites me to wonder” and to see anew.  

The theme that I continue to explore is based on the story of creation and writings of Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry. Extensive scientific discovery and new science opens new meaning to evolution. I welcome any shift, any expanding of consciousness, and viewing of the world with all its relationships that may result. My intention is to contribute art that builds and heals, art that speaks from the soul.

Connecting through art to the vast original space before the “Big Bang” and the evolving of all life over 13.7 billion of years is an awesome adventure and mystery permeated with the divine energy.

Using traditional art materials I sometimes combine collage with acrylic and work on canvas or very heavy watercolor paper. Sometime I just paint while other times I start with an idea which takes on a life of its own.

While I have taken a number of courses in art, I am largely self-taught and paint intuitively. My interest in science and the discoveries of the universe, stems from my background in nursing plus studies in spirituality and art as a spiritual practice.

In my next blog I will share with you the experience of my very first art exhibit along with some of my paintings.

Patricia St. Louis, CSJ