I’m feeling frozen and powerless.
I finally decided ritual was a path.
When I am feeling powerless I turn to ritual…
Gamblin sent the Equality Orange Oil Paint on the day I was so upset about the news, worried about the protesters and infiltrators, and pushing to figure all this out.
I opened my watercolor book, and shellacked two pages.
I painted them in oil paint (!) yes oil paint in my watercolor journal.
I did not know where it would lead, and had to wait several days for
the paint to dry so I could begin to work with those pages.
Meanwhile they sat open next to my studio workspace and I saw these pages as
I worked, feeling sad, depressed, old, powerless, angry, hopeless,
and in solidarity with the many people of color who are marching for their lives.
After two weeks, I realized I had nothing to say.
My creativity has run dry (though I continue to do it).
I decided to make a message page of the bits of poetry or
rallying cries that are moving me to tears.
Rituals involve faith;
they are a lot like creativity in that way.
You don’t know WHY you are doing it, but you are moved to do so.
You don’t know the effect before you start and maybe there is none…
“Peace” is written in a Pilot Parallel pen
with PenBBS #153 Burning of White House 1814 Ink.
I don’t know where this will lead, but my energy calmed in doing it.
I don’t know if this will help the people marching in the streets,
and my intention is set to add my energy to their rallies, peacefully.
I’m Listening. I will continue to add these pieces.
I’m proud of our local Gamblin Paints raising monies. From their email:
“All twenty of us have been working hard through the pandemic.
We’ve been trying to make a difference, and we’re making changes.
Thanks so much to all of you who joined us! In a matter of days, our community of painters purchased every single tube of Equality Orange that we made (1,090 in total). Together we raised $14,715. And as promised, 100% of what you spent on this color has been invested in non-profits that fight for equality and justice.
Besides donating our time and materials, we decided to contribute alongside you, bringing the total raised to $21,000. We listened to you, we researched, and we are proud to announce that we equally divided donations among The Equal Justice Initiative, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the ACLU Foundation (donation designated for Police Reform). As a colorhouse with a mission to lead painting into the future, it’s also important that we look at ourselves and our own community of painters. And we did. In addition to the contributions mentioned above,
we also gave $2,000 in cash and painting materials to @blackgirlswhopaint.
Many of you have asked: “Will you guys make Equality Orange again?”.
We would love to make more and to continue donating to support the fight for equality and justice. When we have more on the way, we’ll be sure to let you know.”
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“Memory is more indelible than ink.”
Anita Loos, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
“I think not….”
Me… why I journal!
Hahnemühle Toned Watercolour Book, our own mixed platina shellac,
Gamblin’s Equality Orange Oil Paint,
Pilot Parallel pen with PenBBS #153 Burning of White House 1814 Ink,
Lamy Joy with DeAtramentis Document Black ink
and DeAtramentis Document Ink Urban Grey ink,
Platinum Carbon Pen with Platinum Carbon ink waterproof cartridges.
My images/blog posts may be reposted; please link back to dkatiepowellart.
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I teach architectural sketching,
art journaling (art+writing), creativity, watercolors.
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D.Katie Powell Art 