(wikiart.org)
“…she singled out a cedar, wide at the base, narrowing as it grew. If there was any kind of portrait worth doing, it would be the portrait of a tree. But a portrait had to convey character. The channels in this cedar’s raw umber all stretched upward, reaching toward light. It was more than a tree, however noble. It was the manifestation of the attitude that had brought her this far: reaching. Not just the tree, but that idea was her subject. The things in a painting were only bits of visible evidence of a still, small voice whispering a truth.”
– Susan Vreeland, The Forest Lover
I’m reading this novel based on the life of Emily Carr. It is speaking to me in so many ways, and when I came across this paragraph, towards the end of the story, it strikes home. As artists, aren’t we all reaching? No matter the medium, our work is a representation of a search, a need, a longing.
What is it you are reaching for? Maybe it’s a lens drawn (as mine often is) to line that stretches… or is it something stirring behind your words?
This week, let’s follow our instincts, or impulses, and try to capture that for which we are reaching.
All are welcome to participate, just create a post, link back here, and enjoy the creative genius of this rich community.
Looking forward to your responses.
One Woman's Quest II 
A battle I often fight! Well done.
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Thanks for sharing this inspiring paragraph !
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Appreciate your kind words.
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My muse has been avoiding me for a bit. She had turned into an icicle. lol https://odaciuk.wordpress.com/2019/02/07/unfrozen/
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Your muse has not lost her touch!
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Thanks, Olga.
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It was first time following one of your challenges and I enjoyed it so much!
Here is my contribution:
https://elysianandcynosure.wordpress.com/2019/02/07/reaching/
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You did very well!
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Thanks a lot!
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So welcome!
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Insightful post. Thanks for joining in.
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https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2019/02/07/some-day/
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Nice to have you here, Reena.
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Came across this through Helene Vaillant’s post.
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Awesome!
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Wonderful.
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So much to reach for!
http://oneletterup.com/2019/02/05/quote-of-the-day-hope-of-the-day
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This is just what I needed to hear – thank you so much. “Loving right back” we can do.
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Nice one! Here’s mine – https://myheart2heart.blog/2019/02/05/anxious-to-reach-home/
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What a beautiful dog! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you 😊
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Love it!.
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Great images and inspiring words – thank you.
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I love Emily Carr’s paintings! Your weekly prompt could lead to inner reflections over a much longer period of time. Good one!
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Thanks Jazz. I found the novel inspired me in many ways. So interesting to read of Carr’s process.
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