In search of...

In search of what I had

what I have

and don't have.  The trees are dying. The days left in the water supply are in the double digits. We use as little as we can. We are not allowed to water our gardens.

I dream of rain

but it does not.

So I'm going to watery places---

Hawaii next week and Paris next month, and in June, a place very like Hawaii, but very different. I'm making art about rain, about my daily use of water,  about life that lives in or on or from (don't we all?) water, in acrylic, watercolor, ink and pen, and who knows what else.

If I paint it, will it come?

You ask me when I am coming, I do not know
I dream of your mountains and autumn pools brimming all night with the rain
Oh when shall we be trimming wicks again, together in your western window
When shall I be hearing your voice again, all night in the rain?

Li Shang Yin
translated Witter Bynner

Comments

[Maggie]

I'm taking one last peek before bedtime and there you are with a fresh post! I love the painting you are working on but it's too far away for a closer inspection. What an inspiring idea to paint water. Especially if you are heading to Hawaii, so lush and tropical and Paris, so many fountains. Oh to be a stow-away on your trips. Alas, we've -15 windchill here today and there's no water here either or anything living or green. I'm ready for spring I tell you! :) Safe travels dear Laura.

[Jana Bouc]

I truly believe in the power of art to heal, and to bring into being one's intentions. I know that sounds rather airy-fairy, but I've seen it happen in my own life. Whether or not your painted prayers for rain will actually cause it to fall on your thirsty garden, your artwork will at least nurture your viewers, thirsty for more of your sparkling renditions of water in glass, in ponds and fountains. Have a wonderful journey to Hawaii, where there is no shortage of rain!

[Robyn]

I wasn't expecting to be as touched or disturbed by your revelation, Laura. It is terribly sad seeing that little Box (?) plant dying of thirst and knowing this is a symbol of what we probably thought we would only ever read about in SciFi novels.

I'm a great believer in manifestation - paint it and it will come. Your dancing lines will make a beautiful rain dance.

Water is a wonderful theme full of symbolism, meaning and life! What an inspiring journey.

Have a wonderful time in Hawaii and bring us back lots of paintings.

[Felicity]

I agree with Robyn, this is really touching. Admiration too, water is not an easy thing to capture and no doubt you will do with flair and sparkle, quite literally! I'd never have known water was in short supply in your part of the world.

[lin]

Cara, I am in the same throes of waterless depression --- I have some rain barrels for sale at the Arboretum .. and we are collecting condensation -- scant as it is ... let me know if you want any ... but yes, sad ... and the green industry, my students and program, are severely threatened .. I know this will pass .. but mercy .... Safe and fabulous journeys, cara... I'll be thinking of you ...

[Kim]

Laura, this is a beautiful post and a beautiful project. I think with your art you will be able to make a difference. Yes, your work can show the importance of water and the physical and therapeutic qualities of h2o.

Have lovely, lovely trips. I have never been to Hawaii, but Paris is one of my favorite places.

Peace.

[sue]

Water and your deft touch will only mean a year of luscious images for all of us to enjoy, Laura. Looking forward to the ride you take us all on...

[Casey]

Oh, you paint water so beautifully! I wish it would come pouring down for you - and to think that here we cheer for a sunny day.. The planet is a mess..

[Cathy (Kate) Johnson]

Oh my...what a glorious quest! I can't wait to see your art...

I remember droughts all too well...hearing droplets on our tin roof, on the farm, and bursting into tears when they stopped moments later...

Mother nature has always been indifferent to our needs, and these cycles have happened everywhere on the planet. As humans, it seems cruel to us, but--it's just nature. Sorry, sweet, I DO know exactly how it feels...

What a journey you'll have...

[Jess]

As I'm from england, the land of the perpetual raincloud, it's hard to imagine, but I've got to say, you are the QUEEN of paintings of sinks! Another beautiful rendition, lovely.

[teriC]

What a fabulous idea!! Of course I would not need an excuse to go to Hawai'i. You are so original and creative Laura!! These are going to be exciting times for us readers and admirers of you and your art.

[Agnes]

Laura, I didn't realize the drought was so bad as to endanger your beautiful garden. We have dry years here, but the rain always comes in the end, and I hope this will happen soon for you. You are getting more and more skilled at depicting water; its beauty and life-giving properties really come through in your paintings. You are going to be so ready to make wonderful art in Hawaii.

[Anita]

Water!...Yes, of course it's water..I knew that!
;)
Enjoy your trips and, please, do share them with us.

[Vhrsti]

Amazing watercolor artworks! Absolutly amazing!!!

[Katherine]

So water is the theme?

watercolours, the impact of water - where it is and where it isn't, water in fountains, in seas, rivers, lakes........

Sounds good to me - and very green! Or is that aqua? ;)

So does this make it your year of "aqua memorabilia"? (I suspect only UK readers might get this quip!)

[nina j]

Great theme! Water is one hard subject to capture, but it gives a lot of possibilities for interpretation... It will be so interesting to follow your quest through this year! Good luck!

[sandy]

The best things in life are Free - Water is one of them - I hope it comes soon - mean time, I always enjoy your entries and the glass of water is Clasic!! Can't wait to hear all about your ventures.

[zephyr]

Heartbreaking!
you know i empathize...even if it wasn't as grim for us this year as it is for your region. i assume all the fountains were dry in Paris the year of their terrible heat/drought...yes...go to places near the equator and you should find rain...and winds.

[Jan]

I love the sink painting the best. It's quite unnerving. I just want to grab the tap and turn it off! Dare I say 'be careful what you wish for'? We had a bad drought here for a decade or so, although I don't think it got quite as bad as yours we were on 'buckets only' for about 5 years. In the last year we got enough rain to solve all the water problems, more than enough. And now this year it just won't stop raining. It is its own kind of depression, constant rain when others have none. I feel greedy and guilty for not wanting it any more!

[Bec]

YES! I knew it!
I will look forward to seeing more of your wonderful, watery drawings.
To send you off on your journey I found this quote in one of my son's 6th grade reading books..."The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau, a father tells his son--"The main thing is to pay attention. Pay close attention to everything, notice what no one else notices. Then you'll know what no one else knows, and that's always useful."
Bon Voyage!

[Linda M]

Water! And I was so close when I mentioned that monkeys can swim....
;-D
Lovely paintings -- I'm so excited to see what you'll be doing with the water theme! I was also delighted with your addition of Chinese poetry! I have collected good translations of the stuff for years, (harder to find than people might think...) and it is my absolute favorite. How beautiful that one is, too. (sigh) I'm jotting it down to add to the collection. Maybe I'll add one to my next post, if I ever get free of work long enough to ever post again!

[ming]

in wartime picasso painted sausages, so you're on the right track laura:) this too will pass.

[Nancy]

How I can empathise with this thirst for water. Every year we wait for the monsoon, hope it will not fail. Sometimes it does. Our well ran dry this year, for the first time -- construction all around has lowered the water table. Some years, the streets are full of trucks carrying loads of water -- but their supplies have to come from farther and farther away. This year we've been very lucky, but that doesn't mean we will be again next year...

Look forward to many more paintings of water from you. They are all beautiful.

[starrgirl]

so that is the theme. How humbling. Deuteronomy 8:7 - For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of torrent valleys of water, springs and watery deeps issuing forth... May it be so...

[Elaine]

Laura - you say paint it and it will come? I think there is no harm in that idea at all - a lot of people believe in manifesting their needs. A deep theme on many so levels.

Travel safe - I'm off for my sea-fix soon!

E