WEEK 2 PART 4: Picasso

Today think about the space where you create.  Maybe take a photo of where you are when you create.  Personally, I can be anywhere as long as I have some supplies.  Being a mom, I have trained myself to work “in total seclusion” in the midst of total chaos and I have no problem with noise and distractions.  Maybe I thrive on it?

But that being said,  I must remind myself that silence is important.

So today, sit in you creative space [wherever you happen to be in the moment] and be silent.  Then start to write or draw.  It can be anything.  But I suggest a bird.  Or a cat.  Stream of consciousness.  For at least 15 minutes.  In a quiet space.

I was so lucky to find the book  The Silent Studio (1st edition, 1976) by David Douglas Duncan at Vancouver’s Macleods’s Books (451 Pender Street) a few years ago.

The book itself is a work of art.  Filled with photos by Duncan of Picasso’s studio after his death in 1973.  Haunting, sad, magical, silent.  The book (no captions and mainly photos) is a love letter to Picasso’s last wife Jacqueline Roque.

today, at Notre-Dame de Vie,

Jacqueline’s flock of sheep

grazes beneath olive trees

of a studio now locked,

while Igor appears to watch

for someone he never knew

Everyone tried to shield Jacqueline from the obvious agony of having professionals, court-ordered, inside her home cataloguing everything, even the contents of Pablo’s and her clothes closets.  Only rarely was a voice heard in that enormous house, then it was muted.  The experts have now returned to Paris.  Now it’s over.  She seems so relieved and exhausted. (from Preface)

Later today:

Picasso’s Influence.

Thursday:

Self-portrait.

Friday:

Lisa Larson!

See also:

See also:

35 PART daily journal exercise

Weekly artist exploration/journaling series INTRO

Weekly artist exploration/journaling series Week 1 parts 1-6 FRIDA KAHLO

Week 2 Part 1- PICASSO

Week 2 Part 2 PICASSO: BREATHING

Week 2 Part 3 PICASSO: ART ABOUT ART

Gabby Bernstein talks about sitting back and receiving, knowing when to take action and when to be still.  Stillness is sometimes the greatest action.