A Summer of Nature, Change, Growth and Profound Inspiration
This summer Audrey has been spending a significant amount of time out in nature when compared to the past few years. Whether it is time spent at Laughing Gull Cottage, in the woods behind her gallery home or out for a hike, it has all been a source of peace, joy, healing and inspiration to Audrey. As most of you know Audrey grew up surrounded by trees, creeks, lakes and nature. It is the inspiration for almost all of her artwork and such an important part of her life. Nature has helped her to not only mourn the loss of Donald, but also to spend some quality time with the people in her life and to reconnect with some old friends. This summer is an experience rooted in nature that is all about growth and change. Not to mention inspiring for any artist, but especially for one who draws so much from nature.
Back in July Audrey ventured forth on a hike in Allegany State Park to reconnect with an old friend which turned into a truly touching and beautiful experience.
As the two were driving into the park there was an unusual amount of yellow swallowtail butterflies about. It is rather unusual to see more than just a couple of them together which made them both take note of the experience. As they walked the trails they continued to see many more swallowtails.
Upon returning home, the beautiful experience prodded Audrey to look into the meaning associated with having yellow swallowtail’s near. In more spiritual cultures they represent joy, creativity, profound personal transformation. They are considered omens of hope, new beginnings and the free nature of the human soul. Very fitting for this time in her life. However, the bit of meaning that struck Audrey most is that they also represent the presence of a departed loved one who is at peace in the afterlife.
It was such a beautiful experience that it has inspired the latest artwork that is in Audrey’s studio.
Audrey’s perceptive nature is continually finding little messages in her life from Donald-and it would be just like him to send those little “love notes” to her.
Audrey has also spent a considerable amount of time at one with nature right at home. Along with a great friend, she has been working on cutting a trail through the trees on her gallery-home property that will take her back to the cliffs above the Chautauqua Gorge.
When working on a project like cutting a trail through the overgrown trees and vegetation it can be an overwhelming mess and headache or it can be a beautiful and fascinating blessing. It all depends on how you approach the task. Being a nature lover who sees the world a little differently than most, it is an experience in beautiful wonder for Audrey. She is like a child at play when seeing all of the “mess” created by Mother Nature. Where most people see a ton of work to be done, Audrey sees nature’s artwork to be lived with and enjoyed.
The canopy created by the forces of nature in the back yard is a young child’s (or adult child…) dream playground. Nature has created awesome architecture ideal for building a fort or even a whole village of forts. The dead fall has constructed structures ideal for climbing and exploring. Uprooted trees and twisted root systems make for fascinatingly beautiful sculptures.
Of course, where you have unspoiled nature you also have the wildlife. Nearly every day Audrey has seen her newest friend on the property enjoying her favorite apple tree while looking majestic.
Audrey and Donald both loved the time that they spent at their Lake Erie Cottage. When opening the cottage this year Audrey was a little unsure how it would feel to be there since losing Donald. Her apprehension immediately disappeared and turned into an even bigger blessing. Between running the gallery and connecting with friends, Audrey tries to spend as much time as she can with Sunny at Laughing Gull Cottage. The breeze through the trees, sighing of the lake and quiet serenity are a healing balm better than anything money can buy.
One can only imagine the artwork that will come from this time of growth and inspiration.
Life is truly good!
