Ready to Let Go

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Sue Shanahan

Children are the Most Beautiful Flowers of All

And why are children the most beautiful flowers of all? Because they allow themselves to be who they are. Without agendas, they flourish in the now. Whether the sun shines or buckets of rain pour, it’s a good day. We are all born with a sense of wonder, but it soon fades. We learn not to trust our own nature. It happens to some earlier than others, but it’s rarely escaped. This lack of trust is the root of why we think we have to control every aspect of our lives. It’s not only self-defeating but futile. I’ve spent years praying for my hands to unclasp the control I hold so tightly. I have come a long way. I’ve discovered that I don’t know what is best for others or myself. I am open to what life brings me – most times.

An area I’ve found impossible to loosen my grip on is my creative process. I have a schedule in my mind that I’m never able to adhere to. Always pushing, I resist any interruption in my work flow. When something does get me off track, the wheels of reprimand begin turning in my brain. Why do I hold on so tightly? Because my creativity burns like a fire in me. I’ve guarded and protected it my whole life. I’m afraid to let it run its own course. If I do that, will it eventually die away?

Matthew 6:34 reads, “Therefore do not worry for tomorrow; for tomorrow will look after its own.” Does that mean if I let go, my commissions will be completed in perfect timing? Have my attempts to direct the flow actually interfered with the Creator’s plan? Why am I so insistent that illustrating is a 9 to 5 job anyway? My attempts to manage only seem to bring frustration.

I am ready to take a leap of faith and live like a child. That means being immersed in the now and turning my creative undertakings completely over to God. I’ve done that in other areas of my life. Remembering the peace of being guided makes this leap less scary. I’ve learned life works itself out and to count on the missing pieces coming to me. Stress is a sure sign I’ve taken control back. What spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle shared in a lecture makes good sense to me, “Enjoy the doing in the now. With the enjoyment of the doing also comes the power that flows into it. Enjoy the energy that flows into the doing and it becomes empowered. And then the goal looks after itself.”

Yes, I’m ready to let go. If flowers and children blossom at exactly the right time, then my paintings will too.

Is there anything you cling too?

Aine, my little muse.

www.sueshanahan.com

Gently the Snowflakes Fall…

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Sue Shanahan

Gently the Snowflakes Fall as if by Magic

When I am willing to step into the realm of uncertainty and ambiguity I open myself up to infinite possibilities. – Anita Moorjani

Make plans but be loose with them. Inflexibility can block wonder from unfolding. Be willing to be surprised.

The story behind the making of the above painting illustrates this perfectly. The two little fairies are my nieces Madi and Emma. Originally, I hadn’t planned on the younger one being in the picture. At her age, I didn’t think there was any way Emma would cooperate. While photographing Madi, to her mother’s dismay, Emma jumped in to have some fun with her big sister’s skirt. Luckily, I had my camera in hand to freeze that fleeting moment. Seriously, there is no way I could have orchestrated that event. By staying out of my own way and signaling for their mother to let Emma be, I was able to capture a twinkling of joy. In my world, it doesn’t get better than that.

Trust the flow. It’s the same wave that transports snowflakes dreamily to the ground. Airy, yet with purpose. Even if a gust of wind blows them off course, they still sparkle where they land.

Emma being Emma.

Madi practicing her bubble blowing skills.

Emma and Madi.

There’s Magic in the Air

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Sue Shanahan

Ring out the old, ring in the new. Ring out the false, ring in the true.

-From Ding Dong, Ding Dong by George Harrison courtesy of Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Yes, there is magic in the air. And hope. And possibility. Gone is the era of trying to fit into a box. 2013 is the year to celebrate our differences and revel in them. Like snowflakes, no two of us are alike. In our individuality resides the gifts we were born to express.

In grade school each one of my children put a lot of thought into what they wanted to be when they grew up. I urged them to figure out what they loved to do and simply point themselves in that direction. No need to have a concrete plan because their life’s work may not have even been invented yet. That has certainly proved true in my life. Always a visual artist, I had no idea my art would expand to the written word posted on a blog one day. Come to think of it, as a kid, the whole concept of a blogs and computers would have seemed like science fiction to me. Exploring what I loved to do led me through doors I could have never imagined.

In the freshness of the new year, blanketed by hope, enjoy the wonder of your dreams. They arise from the unique beauty that lies within. Embrace your quirks and foibles too. They just may be the oomph needed to bring those dreams to fruition.

There Is Nothing Better Than Being Yourself

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Sue Shanahan

“Allow your body to be exactly what it’s naturally supposed to be, and embrace it.”

-Portia de Rossi from The Conversation on Lifetime TVThere Is Nothing Better Than Being Yourself

When my daughter Bridget began going to Junior High it became achingly apparent that she had entered the world of “looksism.” How she looked on the outside was now more important than her beautiful mind and gorgeous heart. My reaction to her new way of moving through the world was to illustrate the above poster. Who decides what beautiful is anyway?

I like to think my art was the beginning of Bridget’s questioning and rejecting what the media was thrusting upon her. Today she is all grown up and secure in who she is – inside and out. She works in television as an anchor/reporter and it’s a joy to watch her confidently share her gift with the world. I want all girls to feel like that. 🙂

* What makes us beautiful? If you have a moment share your thoughts.*Bridget helping my little dancers get ready for the photo shoot.Molly, Amy, Ali and Malina, in all their glory.A pensive Molly. I love the soulfulness in her eyes. Mo is my niece and a lovely young actress now. Soon she will be off to LA to pursue her dreams.In this shot Malina is sweetness personified

Every Child Is Like a Flower

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Sue Shanahan

Once when I was feeling less than pretty, it occurred to me, “Who told you that you aren’t beautiful?” I began to wonder, what if our differences actually are a gift? What if what’s unique about us is what makes us beautiful? When we let go of our preconceived notions, we’re free to enjoy our individuality. I am thrilled with the trend of using children with disabilities in ads. I love that the world is waking up to the truth that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

The illustration above is based on a photo I snapped of a friend’s daughter, Clare. Her mother needed her photographed for a calender featuring children with Down Syndrome. After adjusting the layers of netting on Clare’s party dress, I saw a longing in her mother’s eyes. Maura had the same yearning every mother has for their child. She wanted her little girl’s beauty to be appreciated. I, in turn, was smitten with Clare. Looking at the photographs from the session, compelled me to design an illustration around her. Yes, being beautiful is no longer for the chosen few.