The Doer

February, 2000
Acrylics on Paper
16” x 24”

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Multi-tasking, stomach roiling.

Sometimes we take on too much – try to do it all – risk overwhelm. I have a lot of fear about that and about running out of energy. I often face various levels of burnout. How does one balance all the stances that call?? I’ve slowly learned that the more I stay calmly centered and grounded in the face of what I do, the less likely any stance leads to burnout. The more creatively I can use the energy – and let it come through me – the better the outcomes. Sometimes I think I achieved that in this painting and sometimes it just makes me tired to look at. On the good days I recognize her as Isis – the Egyptian goddess so proficient at so many things. So giving to her community. Or Kali with all her arms, both destroying and comforting. Then I know that the various stances are not mutually exclusive.

This was done in the second Hero’s Journey I took in 2000 in the midst of a busy Cartm spring. My homework assignment from this mirrorless self-portrait was to choose one stance for the week. The result was the Magical Stance painting.

Written for the Out of the Ashes Show, North County Rec District, January 2004