We exagerate of course. There are countless time we find him relaxed and at peace. But the tense times – the times of restlessness severely dominate him. It is as though he is on a quest – which in truth he is. He believes he has something to offer the world – and is nigh on desperate to deliver. However, exactly what we are not sure – and neither is he.

There is only the discontent of not knowing the true nature of his offering – and at the overwhelming feeling of an impending something – again he knows not what.

Is there any advice we could offer this poor wretched trial of humanity? Is there anything we might say to help ease his distress?

Get up you lame emo and dance the dance of the ages – with legs that bend, hips that writhe, and a pelvis that gyrates.  You take yourself and everything far far too seriously. Go and watch some TV, or wear something sexy – sad dude!

As humans we too build a shell around our existence. Some of us build it real tough and hard for protection — so hardly anything can ever get through. Otheres build it somewhat softer — allowing for selective vulnerability. Maybe realising that too is needed — along with protection.

Artists are not a special breed. Maybe we are in some measure more aware than many. But in other ways we can easily get blinded by our own self-indulgence — losing some of our awareness of other people.

Like any other pursuit, painting can be used as a way to find freedom — as a way to some kind of enlightenment. There are many ways to feel our way through the darkness  — that sense of being caged by our limitations as human beings, including our own mortality. We all seek escape somehow. The freedom art gives is in its connection with the heart — rather than the intellect. Art reaches out and touches emotions. Art can make us more aware. Aware at a deeper level than intellectually. And in this awareness lies real freedom.

To read more about the nature of freedom with regard to the human heart, click along this line: > Heart-Freedom

And if you happen to be an artist, and wish to find more freedom in the way you paint then click along here: > Painting Sessions.

Whoever you are in your pursuit of freedom — bless you!

Steve Slimm

I must confess I didn’t post a great deal in 2010! Some of you might be wondering what I’ve been up to – so here goes.

Last year I had a very successful Open Studio event (9 days) end of May into June. I was admittedly a bit apprehensive, but people were so encouraging – and aside from this, Ialso sold 20 pieces of work direct from my studio.  The gallery sales have continued to increase, so the UK recession appears to be pulling out – at least for me.

I’ve also been working closely with a client or two doing art mentoring. This has been beneficial for me , as well as the clients concerned.

I’ve also been continuing my art workshops with various art groups and societies around Cornwall. Word seems to get round – and I receive more requests to go and do stuff! They seem to love the freedom of my loose approach – as I blow the lid off a succession of painting myths, which masquerade as laws set in stone!  It’s all great fun, and gets me interacting a bit.

So there we have it – and I’m still painting away in my factory studio near Praa Sands, in West Cornwall, UK.

Next posting, I’ll tell you about some exciting new developments!

Bye for now,

Steve

The Blue/Green Water Pulls You Down into . .

Blue/Green water always has the effect of pulling me down toward it – especially if it’s a hot day and I have the urge to peel off and jump in!

This painting – painted a few years ago shows the effect of the ‘down and into’ pull that I experience at such times. Fortunately the horizon of the picture also pulls the viewer back up again toward the sky.
Much of my work has this dual perspective – and occasionally viewers are disturbed. But generally this is not the case, and they see where I’m coming from.
Hopefully you do too!
Have a great day,
Steve

[ps. You have a Free Art e-Book waiting for you - well later this year - but reserve it today above!]

Enter a magical Forest and imagine . . .

Imagination plays a great part in creating art like this. I usually begin with something I’ve seen – but before long the painting transforms itself into a place of dreams.

I just can’t help this happening – unless I really try hard. But even then it never works fully!

The painting shown here was originally begun in a place called Friendship Woods – not far from where I live in Cornwall, UK. But the trees have somehow grown taller, and the whole woodland taken on the enchantment of a magical forest!

Anyway I don’t worry about it these days, as you can always take a photograph if you really want reality. 

Have a great day,

Steve

[If you like the art on this site - remember to sign up for my free art e-book  above]

Opportune Therapist on bike in the snow!

A therapist got caught in the snow

Through riding his bike much too slow

His fingers got frost-bite

An’ he had to spend all night

With a woman he di’nt even know

.

Steve

Empowered emo - or at least his shadow

An emo who pinched himself just for kicks

Decided instead to write limmericks

Which proved so empowering

He ended up showering

Each morning before he ate Weetabix

.

.

Not so Mad Emo?

An emo who thought himself mad

Decided he wasn’t so bad

After all said and done

He still loved his mum

His sister, his girlfriend and dad

.

.

Emo Limmerick - chuch where he went!

An emo who wore a string vest

Decided that fun would be best

So in one giggling fit

He tore off his kit

Then went to church nude and confessed

.

.

Limmerick writing student - Steve Slimm

There was a young hitch-hiking student

Who was shall we say quite imprudent

For to camp after dark

In Yellowstone Park

Is not all that bright for a student
.
.
Now grizzlies can be quite unruly

While this student of course was yours truly

So the night that ensued

Left the bears in a mood

And sadly the lad with one gooly

.

.