Realms of Wonder

My latest collages are featured in a solo show at MS Rezny Studio/Gallery in Lexington, Kentucky from April 1- 30. The artist reception will be in conjunction with the LexArts Gallery Hop on April 19, 5-8 pm. Each Saturday of the month I will be at the gallery from 12-3 pm to talk to visitors about the art.

©2013 Kathleen O'Brien 3 Worlds, MM Collage 22x15"

Look for some samples I will post in the upcoming days. These collages—composed of abstract watercolors, drawings, and botanicals—are echoes of the healing realms I experience in meditation. Remaining in this state, the energy of the present moment guides me. The brush glides, making true marks playful and abstract, scribing a universal language or elements of sacred geometry. Serene and vibrant color fills the space. Each stroke leads to the next, revealing stories of time and place for you to inhabit in peace.

27 February

Yesterday, I meant to post one of my favorite postcards from the Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog. For one reason it is the birthday of one of my heroes, Rudolf Steiner, 1861, founder of Waldorf Schools  bio-dynamic farming, anthroposophy and so much more. All these spectral stamps to me represent the Rainbow Warriors, aka peacekeepers...

©2006 Kathleen O'Brien, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog, #30 front

©2006 Kathleen O'Brien, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog, #30 back

Dali Museum - a video

Dali was an early influence for me. It's not that I like all his images, it is the absolute mastery of his painting and his courage to paint from his inner life. Years ago I was astounded to see so many of his paintings at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. Then it was a rather plain rectangular building. Recently I visited the NEW museum. What a marvel it is, located on Tampa Bay.

As you will hear in this video, it is so loud. And don't make the mistake we made by going on Thursdays 5-8 pm when the entry is only $10, compared to the usual $22. Everyone had the same idea. I have never seen so many people at a museum and it was difficult to get close to his paintings. But when I did, tears came to my eyes experiencing his brushstrokes. And his huge masterpieces held me spellbound with the stories they tell.

sweet dreams

©2003 Kathleen O'Brien, detail of Sweet Dreams, collage from
Kentucky Arts Council Collection

I am pleased that "Sweet Dreams" is in an exhibit featuring the work of eight Kentucky artists on display through
April 22, 2013, in the office of First Lady Jane Beshear as part of the annual "First Lady's Exhibit" sponsored by the Kentucky Arts Council. For more information click here

Halcyon Days

Every year I strive to clear the decks so I may fully benefit from the Halcyon Days of peace and tranquility. It is a 2 week period with the Solstice at the midpoint. When I stop my running around and experience peace within and with others, I arrive at the true meaning of the Holiday Season.

©O'Brien, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog #320, front and back

The secret is, be brave to experience the deepening darkness so we can perceive the great return of the light.

12.12.12

Today's date is the last one of the century that has all three numbers the same. It is one of my favorite celebratory days of the season, for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The miraculous appearance of roses in December is such a hopeful image.

©O'Brien, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog # 318 front and back

Good Tidings

Starting on December 6, St Nicholas Day, there are so many reasons to celebrate this special season. For one thing, today is the birthday of Thomas Merton, who lived nearby at Abbey of Gethsemani. This prayer of his has been a helpful reflection.

©O'Brien, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog, #316, front and back

It is also Emily Dickenson's Birthday. This year the Geminid Meteor showers are on the 13th.