I stumbled upon a quote recently that resonated to my core:
“Live less out of habit and more out of intent." - Amy Rubin Flett
Of the many habits I have, there's one I've been digging deep into lately, with the help of my painting mentor, Lori Putnam: My use of color.
In my art, I tend toward muted grays. As plain as it might seem, I love them — mixing warm and cool grays gives me immense pleasure and the opportunity for vast exploration.
In the winter months here in the Finger Lakes, when I’m thoroughly enjoying the spirit of hibernation and cocooning, it’s so easy to lean into the muted grays and earthtones that I love.
It’s the sense of ease that makes me stop, though.
Ease is not inherently a bad thing, by any means...but when I pause to question ease in this instance, I remember that I most thoroughly enjoy the darkness of winter -- and can benefit from its impact on my sense of introspection, rejuvenation, and renewal -- when I intentionally balance it out with the light.
The same is true for my use of color.
The muted grays I habitually go back to hold so much more impact when intentionally paired with more vibrant colors that can amplify them.
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to strategically interrupt my habit and positively disrupt my comfort zone of color a few weeks ago when I found myself back in California visiting my daughter, son-in-law, and our new grandson, Henry.
Surrounded by sun, blue skies, and an amazing amount of bold, vibrant colors, I naturally implemented an immediate shift in my typical painting palette. My paintings during that week were carried by oceanic, tropical colors versus the earthy, deep colors I immerse myself in here in the northeast.
Upon returning, I was reminded of the balance that needs to be struck; the intention I need to bring to my color choices so that the muted tones can amplify the bold ones -- and the bold ones can do the same for their counterparts.
In breaking my habits around color and bringing more intention in how I use it in my work, I can break down my barriers, feed my curiosity, and ultimately better express my messages.
Which makes me wonder: Where else can habits be broken -- with intention -- to bring more expression for us all?