Regina Calton Burchett - Art in Progress

Jo Castillo Art Show

I wanted to post one of my favorite Jo Castillo paintings today in honor of her fifth annual artist reception at Peppers Art Gallery, 100 E 1st., Magdalena, New Mexico, 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2008

We think of silence as a void - a lack of something in a particular moment, whereas it is actually a tangible presence. And a gift.

How often do we have complete silence in our lives? If there are moments or even hours in our day with no television, no radio, no co-workers nor conversations with friends - does it make us uncomfortable? Are we bored or do we feel the need for outside stimulus?

We grew up with television and sometimes we have to break the habit of having it on. But I enjoy the peace of silence. It gives me time to collect myself. And it also helps me to truly focus on one single thing, whatever that may be. An opportunity not to multi-task.

This concept of appreciating silence also applies to speaking. In a conversation with someone else, it is very difficult not to begin formulating what you will say next, or to interject with your own similar experience. One of the subjects a friend of mine discusses when she trains Hospice volunteers is how to be a better listener - that ‘attentive listening does not involve thinking of what you are going to say next!’

It is difficult but strangely uplifting to truly listen to someone – to set your ‘self’ aside, quiet your mind, and absorb their words and feelings, allowing the other person to finish before you decide what you will reply. The speaker is given the extraordinary experience of actually being listened to, and you are taking the time to slow down your interaction with someone.

Silence is the undercurrent to our lives. We often spend too much of our time in a world of never-ending noise, thinking we can exist no other way – that we need constant input from outside sources.

Maybe it is time to give the opportunity to be heard to the quiet voice that is always within us.

A few weeks ago, my young neighbor and I had a great “art day” together out in my studio. I have his permission to put his art on this blog and wanted to show his great work. Banner is 12 and the first piece was a sunflower he did last school year and I just love it! I wish I could be that spontaneous. The second is a pastel he did when we worked together - we both worked from the same photo. I think they are both exceptional!! (click on image for a larger view)

It was nice to take a day off and enjoy our family and our backyard friends:

Female and male Painted Buntings at the bird feeder, the resident cardinal resting in a live oak and also in flight, our rampaging squirrel taking a break in the 100+ year old oak tree, and a few of the 10 or so deer that we feed corn to - there were three baby deer the night before.

There were two male painted buntings at the bird feeder this morning. I haven’t seen them for at least two years, so was very excited that they were here. I’m not sure if the last two photos are of a female bird - anyone know what it is?

And my cat better leave them alone..

Thank you to Jo & Joanna, who know more about birds than I realized - it’s a house finch, although this guy seems younger than other photos I found online.  And thank you, Susan for checking them out…

I took an art day today, with my 12 year old neighbor. We had a good time, discussed a variety of topics, and I came close to finishing a Texas sky painting. I will add Banner’s pastel after I get his permission…

(revised - final painting)

I hope someone knows a cure to remove goats! The neighbor’s goat keeps jumping the fence and I’m spending my time making sure she doesn’t eat my plants! I have tried poking her (not too hard) with a floor duster, blowing a whistle (she doesn’t even turn around when I’m a foot away), waving my arms, playing a flute (which she did turn around to smell), yelling “booga-booga”, pulling on her collar (she lays down)……. argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m taking this to a gallery show I am in for the next couple of weeks, made a few last touches.. Geranios con un amiga

The gallery is “Real Gallery” on Real Street in Austin. There will be about 20 artists in this show, and I will have about 12 pieces there.

I wasn’t happy with the trees, then I didn’t like the grass. Now I pretty much like it all. Jo Castillo gave me some good advice, as she usually does, and I think it’s much better over all. And Larry had some good suggestions too!