CindyMichaudArt: Festina Lente

Several years ago we quit making new year's resolutions

in lieu of choosing a word we would try

to live by. It has been more

productive for us and we enjoy exploring that word and

all of its nuances for an entire year.

My word(s) this year is:

For the literal definition of this greek phrase and its latin translation go here. As I begin to focus on this term I am finding additional references to it almost everywhere: slow food (art), hurry slowly, meditative walking and so on. Even my favorite buddy Austin Kleon addresses the idea here. And I found a podcast devoted to the subject here.

I am trying to capture the essence of this word everyday not only in my work and pleasure but in my movement...my head has always been about a mile ahead of my feet and I'm finding that is not the best way to get around anymore. Join me in slowing down and getting more done! Or did you choose a different word for 2018?

Before I share my "slow art" I want to try an experiment. Many of you have noticed that you are unable to comment on my blog so that others can see it. I get many responses via email but it is nice to be able to have a conversation on reactions to a subject. I have tinkered with the settings a bit (all greek to me) and hopefully have adjusted that. Try commenting directly on the comment section of the blog (if you receive by email you may have to click over to the view on-line) and lets see if we can share our thoughts. Of course I love getting your private input but I often learn a lot from readers and it is nice to be able to see it all.

Finally, my "slow art" in January. We headed to Florida for a week of camping, beach strolling and reading in warm weather. I did not take my studio with me and of course my hands got itchy to create. So on a long leisurely beach combing walk I collected many shells which all had one thing in common: a hole! Most of course were made by sea creatures sucking out the little animals living inside but some had the wear and tear of the ocean creating a hole in them. A few sticks, some rocks for balance and a ball of jute from the dollar store....I was in creative heaven for several days working on my wind sculpture below. Slow, meditative, challenging, and satisfying. Festina lente. Enjoy.