Artfest Reflections

I arrived home from Artfest on Sunday, April 1st and intended to post all about it the next day. Monday found me in a total, exhausted fog - much more so than I had anticipated and so my post was bumped to Tuesday. Between trying to get rested up (still trying) and having company come for this week, here it is ten days later and I'm finally getting around to it.

It's probably just as well I didn't report right away. I was holding a handful of sand where each grain was a memory I didn't want to let slip through my fingers. I would have tried to tell you about all of them (and I'm trying to outgrow my reputation and someone who talks too much.) What's left of the sand after sliding back into normal life is mostly just that expanding sense of thankfulness that I feel for all that Artfest and it's people have been for me over the years. It has been the fertile soil, the garden itself, and a bountious harvest all at the same time. Even now, there are seeds awakening that will mature into more rich and soulfull, art-centered gatherings. Mark my words.

My two classes were awesome - the students were amazing. Not only did they create brilliant and rich work, they were also light hearted and playful. Judy helped me on the second day - a day with 32 students - and the amazing energy was strong there as well. So much openess. So much willingness to get dirty and experiment. You students...man...in this very moment I want to thank you for your energy which is just such an insufficient expression of how I feel towards those who join me so enthusiastically. You teach me so much about how fun art making is supposed to be. So, thank you.

And thank you to my housemates. My darling, kind, encouraging, funny, playful, soulfull, housemates. I love you all.

So today, in my retelling of my Artfest 2012 experience, I will share pictures. I have more than I usually remember to take this time around. For me the Artfest experience is as much about getting there and back (8-10 hour drive each way depending on traffic) as it is being there. On the way up, my mind is full of anticipation for all that awaits. On the drive home, the experience settles in my soul as it finds it's way in to some sacred fold where it can remain safe there when normal life becomes my all again. That normal life greets me at the door without so much as a sneeze-worth of time allotted for my recovery unless I insist on it. I'm there now - in that space of wanting to keep resting up and wanting to step fully back in to my hours here at home. The tether to life itself keeps me from being gone too long. I'm back to pony wrangling as usual. Every once in a while I have to spray them off with a hose full of strong, cold water to get their attention so's I can get a word in edgewise. You fellow brood mares know how it is.

On my way home a rainbow painted itself for me. I'm pretty sure it arched clear to Port Townsend where we all left a little piece of our colorful selves for safe keeping.

 

 

Comments

[Beatnheart]

I love your beautiful positive slant on everything that happens to you.
You live a rich full life and it comes through in your words...hopefully, one day I can take a class from you at ArtFest...you have planted a seed ..

[Jodi Kincaid]

Oh girl you have done it again. Spoken my heart...
I'm afraid to say to much for fear I will lose the sacred that is in my heart's fold.

I too was pounced on at the door with all my wild ones' needs. Not given a moment to adjust.

I too had an amazing golden sunset to light my way home~one that seemed surreal.

Thank you for sharing so eloquently...xx

[Darlene K Campbell]

Ahh, don't work on talking less...your prose is beautiful and your photos are lovely. Would love to take one of your classes one day.

[carlanda williamson]

i am so blessed to have experienced the last magic artfest. what a treat in so many ways. spending some time with you was a treat, (as in champagne and chocolate cake) as always! they said...ease into real life slowly upon returning. i didn't get it, until i got home. I GET IT! i keep those memories tucked securely in my heart. love you. xoxo

[wanda]

u r so DANG SPECIAL, i don't know if i should laugh or cry..ok, did both! you speak to our hearts stephanie, ya' speak to my heart of hearts! xo

[heather]

the journey to and from ArtFest (as well as the journey of creating AT ArtFest) looks simply amazing! thank you for letting me attend vicariously thru one. One of these days...!!

[lulu]

Your photos of the journey are magical. Everyone had so much fun in your classes! I'm so glad I finally got to meet you, Stephanie, and hope to learn more from you in the future.

[Clarissa Callesen]

I so hear you on needing some TIME to recoup and rest. I so enjoyed your plaster sampler class. It was the perfect class to take on my "day off" from teaching. You do amazing work!