Friday, January 27, 2012

Pure Imagination!

Imagination: The ability to form mental images, concepts and sensations in a moment when they are not perceived by the senses.



Pretty powerful stuff, and just think - we all have it! We can picture ourselves on a sandy beach, and almost hear the waves lapping, feel the sun's warmth, taste the pina colada...We can imagine ourselves soaring with eagles, climbing a mountain, or visiting Wonderland...

It's such a magical tool, and can be sparked by almost anything, although I find books and folk tales to be a personal springboard, hehe...

Sort of thinking aloud here, do you suppose all the technology we enjoy help or hinders the imagination? That is - does the constant stream of images via television, movies, the internet, etc., spark other images - or does it make us lazy, neglecting to use our own imagination as we settle for what someone else has seen in their mind's eye?

I wonder sometimes. It's such a precious gift, this imagination, and one I think needs to be nurtured, and even protected - because its manifestation is creativity. And by the way, I think we'd all do better to look to children in this regard - they're natural daydreamers and natural artists. They live absolutely in the moment, and when something inspires them, they create freely. What was it Picasso said?

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Maybe I'm not grown up yet, hehe? I hope not, anyway. ;)

Today I'm falling down the rabbit hole to Wonderland (a repeat visit to be sure, but always magical) and painting "The Mad Catter" - a sort of cross between the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter, with a few other Alice elements thrown in there too.

It's a rainy and dreary reality here in Lancaster County this morning, but in Wonderland....Ah, in Wonderland it's filled with warmth and vibrant colors, with teapots and smiling cats, with flamingos and hearts...with pure imagination. ♥

Wishing you a wondrous day as well!

¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ Carolee

1 comment:

Ms. said...

What a positive perk you are. Play on sweet thing! Dreary here too. I'm going back to my comforter for some comfort (been up and working since 5AM--then, we'll see what kinds of creative mischief I can conjure.