Cathartic Artistry

ca·thar·tic
kəˈTHärdik/
adjective
1.
providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis.


Art can be very cathartic for the artist. Tonight I stand before an 8 foot high canvas, lit brightly but with darkness pooled beyond the lights. The music is gentle and soothing to the spirit while I work slowly one brush stroke at a time. I hurt tonight. My body is reminding me that I am still not in the best of health and I find it hard to grasp the brush at times or keep my arms locked in position as I work. It leaves my emotions feeling a bit rough and scarred as I try to find balance while buffeted by emotions but I find relief in the smell of the paint, the carefully laid out lines of color before me, the free range of my imagination as I envision the steps to complete this creation.

For some moments I consider just setting aside the brush for the night and heading for bed, but I continue. I'm stubborn. I ride the waves of the act of creation, refusing to fall. There is relief in this defiance and I continue deep into the night.

~Grey~