People often ask about my design process: do I sketch and design and INTEND to use certain materials? What comes first: foraging, or dress concepts? My short answer is: both. That said, most of the time the materials find me. A branch or blossom will leap out and say “I’m THIS” and in an instant, I’ll see the piece…or at least have a very strong general sense.
Field Muse is one example of this: from the moment I saw the bark that forms her torso, I knew that I would do a piece in tribute to the many women that I work with who want to claim their self-worth. Alongside the struggle to manage life’s challenges, opportunities, chaos and change…they demonstrate humility, integrity and class as they seek new ways to elevate.
Inspiration | Jodi Rose Gonzales
Most immediately after finding the bark “torso”, I thought of one of my childhood books: a worn copy of Cinderella. I could see the cover clearly: worn, bent corners, a bit dirty…and the dear girl in a work dress, kneeling on the floor, surrounded by songbirds and critters.
Did you read about Timberella yet? Get the parables HERE.
Gosh, how I loved Cinderella: I related to her not so much because of wicked stepsisters (I had none) but because I held a knowledge that life hadn’t yet placed me where I belonged. I struggled with deep insecurity yet felt like I had a lovely princess inside myself…one that longed to be appreciated, seen, more loved.
In creating the dress, her tattered skirts were expressed through cactus skeleton. Feathers and jewels reflected her inner knowledge: I’m stuck in the wrong place for now, but I’m worthy of more than this. She wonders: where do I belong? How do I get the clarity and confidence to get from here to there? Will it take long?
Here, the story departs from the Disney narrative. There is no frog prince or fairy godmother or other external resources that magically inform the hero’s transformation. My characters—the Muses and Timberellas—all rise of their own volition. And so do my clients.
In my art and in my art-based mindfulness teachings, inner wisdom is connected to and sourced.
ART & Journal Prompts
Here are questions for consideration:
Do you feel like your placement in life, career or relationships is “off” or just plain “wrong”?
Do you feel like your life is in (or ready for) some sort of shift?
Do you listen to (and/or trust) your inner wisdom as a source of clarity and direction? Why or why not?What would your life look- and feel like if you had more confidence, or greater feeling of ease and alignment?
ART PROMPTS: Draw a picture of your Inner Creative Muse: think of it as an internal fairy god-parent. (Depending on what you’re comfortable with, it could also be a form of higher self). This Muse is kind, loving, creative…and there for your guidance.
Journal with your image, asking: What wisdom does it have to share about where you want to be? What 1-3 specific actions can you take to gain clarity and confidence about your direction? Finally, ask the image: Does it have anything else to share? Answer these questions with your non-dominant hand.
Field Muse | Jodi Rose Gonzales
In her completed form, Field Muse leaps off the page. She looks more like a flying ballerina than the tired maidens of her inspiration. Please hear this: if you’re feeling flat or overwhelmed or wanting something more or different in your life right now….I get you. I Got You. YOU’VE GOT THIS.
This fine-art print is available in a variety of standard sizes that can easily be matted and framed to match your decor, starting at $17.
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IT’s worth the work.
If, like Field Muse, you’d like to take a leap…feel welcomed to contact me. Let’s set up a time to talk about where you’d like to have more clarity, confidence or direction. I have many client-proven resources and strategies.
Think about how it would feel to be more supported, connected or aligned. It’s possible for you, and that’s exciting!! What are you waiting for? Contact me today!
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Jodi Rose Gonzales ATR, NCC, ERYT, YACEP was recently celebrated in Times Square as the International Association of Top Professional’s Global Impact Artist of the Year. She is an artist, art therapist, author and yoga teacher who inspires her audiences through art and teachings intended to spread more hope and healing throughout the world. Get a FREE copy of the Girl in the Woods Parables, which explore the wisdom teachings associated with each of the six Timberellas, HERE.