“The times are urgent. Let us slow down.”
Bayo Akomolafe
elemental gods
mold the original gesture
leaving vortex marks
traversing our earthen body
through air and water
across heart valve, larynx and soft rock
the breathing of continents
as an extraterrestrial event
beyond our oxygen atmosphere
cyclones forming in response to
solar events
air vibrations bearing
the inner ear’s delicate form
like floods through
desert canyons
polar whirls
encasing migrating birds
in a spiraling wave
of elastic medium
expanding and contracting
in three dimensions
insect bodies built in reverse
around a coil of air
spiraling membranes
enlivened breath
as keeper of sound and color
humid seas
open whirlpools
like sense organs
a delicate curl
as mediating force
clouds moving what is
superfluous to one
bearing moisture
over great distances
to where there is need
finally impregnating air
with droplets
which push down into
the lanella
of porous ground
breathing through
earth’s mantle
There is a Spring rain trickling down the windows and the frogs are sounding from the overflowing pond. This landscape is thawing, dripping, awakening from a winter slumber, offering my body the feeling of the great mother bear.
I have been taking a big sip of simplicity over the last few months, as I step back from teaching classes to pause in midlife. This time has included a home silent retreat for a week, which I highly recommend as a reset for yourself and with any household members. No need to go to a fancy location.
We are all part of this pulsing web of life, exchanging information, nutrients, and feelings across time, species, and bodies. Here are some of the people I have been learning from over the winter, through books, images, and talks.
As well as, some wonderful artists I have seen in local art shows, this land I walk every day and each of you that I have worked with, past and present.
What does 'direct revelation' mean to you? Our white, Western culture emphasizes mediated encounters, we are told we need an expert or outside verification. But there is deep, vertical wisdom available to each of us through direct experience. My interest is in facilitating spaces and artwork to encourage this direct revelation, of what I am calling spiritual ecology, for myself and others.
I miss the warm gathering of our classes together but have decided to focus on 1:1 work, and a couple exciting upcoming collaborations (more soon!) in 2024. I have been working with a few clients in spiritual direction, Reiki therapy, and art therapy this winter. In the near future, I will open up this Vermont studio and land to in person work together, including forest bathing, a form of mindful woods walks.
This Spring I have been concentrating on making ceramic pieces for an upcoming group wood firing at the end of April and another barrel firing. I will have lots of new work available in May for Open Studio Weekend (May 25 and 26) at Applewoods Gallery. Stop in and say hello or visit my website or social media in a few weeks.
Here is a preview of some of the pieces headed into the fire!
Thank you for sharing this time with me - and take good care of yourselves.
Warmly,
Jess
