Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published October 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag
Published October 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag
About a month ago, I made a small change to my daily routine. I decided to begin each day doing something creative and fun before I attended to ‘the usual’ task list. What a difference this modification has made! Each day now begins with a bit of creativity and my spirit is happy.
Although excellent at any time, I am finding these new Art Adventures are best begun bright and early every morning. The sky was hazy today and reflected its dull grey colours on the sandy beach in front of me. The sun was hiding somewhere in the mist, and the morning was in slumber. I scanned the beach, and a few crows caught my eye. The dynamics of the crows as they walked and squawked to each other, intrigued me. Something important was obviously being discussed and there definitely was a ringleader. They paid no particular attention to me and appeared completely absorbed in their banter. The more I watched them, the more distinctive and though provoking their behaviours became. What were they talking about?
Although excellent at any time, I am finding these new Art Adventures are best begun bright and early every morning. The sky was hazy today and reflected its dull grey colours on the sandy beach in front of me. The sun was hiding somewhere in the mist, and the morning was in slumber. I scanned the beach, and a few crows caught my eye. The dynamics of the crows as they walked and squawked to each other, intrigued me. Something important was obviously being discussed and there definitely was a ringleader. They paid no particular attention to me and appeared completely absorbed in their banter. The more I watched them, the more distinctive and though provoking their behaviours became. What were they talking about?
My mind scrambled to find a way to represent these winged souls on my canvas. They were absorbed by their own existence in the world and communicating with each other in a verbal language that was entirely foreign to me. But there were clues – albeit from a human perspective – body language, vocal tone, cadence, and emphasis, as well as directional movement – walking and hopping, not flying, across the sand. I observed: their familiarity with each other, confidence, leadership, attentive listeners, vocal interaction, co-operation, and movement as a group, in one direction towards the shore. Whatever they were discussing remains a mystery. But I caught a moment in time – a refreshing glimpse of an entirely different society, beginning its day, in a similar way to my own. Happy Painting!
