Sometimes when I create a bead, my mind goes on trip through an imaginary world and within that bead, I see what my soul was thinking during it’s creation. Strangely, I’m not always in present mind at the torch. I’m in a different place. As bizarre as it sounds, I feel that I have one foot in the spirit world, and one in material reality. The spirit world side is spinning a tale, while the reality side is listening to audio or watching tv. Thankfully my guardian angel keeps an eye on me during torch sessions, otherwise I might get hurt. ;-)

Speaking of angels, that is what I see when I look at the Garden of Grace beads. . .Beautiful angels in gauzy transparent blush garments looking over a blossoming garden of pink English roses. Hal0s of golden sunlight ring their heads, as they sit comfortably on white marble pedestals, gently strumming their golden harps. If one were to walk into that garden, they would not see the angels but they would feel their comfort, grace and harmony.

Sounds like a Victorian scene, doesn’t? I guess is sort of is, but my imagination sees something more magical and mystical and that is the “soul” message in this bead. Normally I wouldn’t share this little story. . .It feels rather strange to do so, for the most part I like to come across in a less personal way as not to appear strange or unusual. This fact seems like a small thing, but it’s not. It’s actually part of what has driven me into seclusion. I think if I share more, I’ll be able to get back into the world again somehow.  I know, I keep saying this over and over and somehow still I stay wrapped up in my little world.

Those of you that consider yourselves to be artists, whether visual or musical, may know exactly what I am talking about.  In early childhood, we are allowed to create art in class and creativity is encouraged, but things change drastically in first and second grade where we become far more focused on left brained development. When a child resists the curriculum due to heavy right brained orientation, their life can become very difficult. Often times they hear, “It was JUST your imagination.” or “pay attention and stop daydreaming!”  by parents, teachers and elders. What happens then, is that child begins to hide or suppress their right brained talents. This happened to me, but it’s not the fault of my parents, teachers or elders. We live in a fast paced world, where technology and intellect rule society. I can’t say this is bad, obviously. Look how far we have come in the past 200 years in terms of technological advancement. Still, for me personally, art is “where it’s at”.  Artistic expression unlocked the key to my soul and learning to just be myself has been a big part of my artistic development.

If someone tells you, “Hurry up! Stop daydreaming!”, ignore them. Just keep right on walking through that mystical, magical world of imagination and bring back with you whatever you can harvest from your journey. That place is where art lives, and if you are an artist, you will find your soul there also.