Hello and Welcome

 PERSONALLY SPEAKING
~connecting with animals through art and story

Hi, I’m Blaze. I love to paint and write, and I’m shaped by the lessons life keeps offering me.
Animals have a way of bringing those lessons to life — reflecting back to me so I remain open and listening.
This space isn’t polished or perfect—it’s simply where I share my experiences, just as they are.

To start here’s a little about myself.
I paint stories. Stories that evolve from my own experiences.
I’ve always been deeply moved by animals—not only for their beauty,
but for the way true connection with them can change us.

They seem to open a still space inside me—a place that feels full and peaceful, like simply being myself.

Animals have helped me find my centre, so as a Trust Technique Practitioner, [check out the link] I endeavour to help them find theirs, even in the midst of disruption.
Sometimes I have found comfort in the face of sadness, insight beyond what I know, and
a sense of connection, healing if you like, in ways I could never have planned.

Humans have separated themselves from nature is so many ways. However we share so much.
Do we bond because we have that need to connect with other species.?
Animals feel emotions as real and deep as our own—
and they carry their own stories, shaped by experience and memory, just as we do.

As Jill Robinson of Animals Asia once wrote:
“Animals have emotions every bit as profound as ours –
and our duty to them all is to recognise this, help them, and work for the day
when we can look into their eyes without shame.”
Those words guide me, both in life and in art.

With animals, the real challenge is not in “making” something happen, but in allowing their story to become visible—
like deep listening and deep seeing. My painting process feels much the same.
It flows when I step out of my own way, when I stop trying to control and instead let something deeper come through.
It’s intuitive, challenging, and often surprising.
It asks for trust, and the willingness to see where it leads.

I used to think galleries were the answer. I spent years reaching out, trying to find my place.
For a while, I thought I had to offer healing, or be a voice for consciousness and change in a very direct way.
But over time, all of it began to feel noisy. Performative. Like it belonged to a world I didn’t quite fit into.

A mentor and friend, Susan Seddon Boulet, once told me:
“Take care of your art, and it will take care of you.”
That stayed with me.

So now, I’m doing things differently. I’m sharing what feels true—my lived experience, through painting and writing.
That’s all. Maybe that’s enough.

What matters most to me is being present. With animals. With the creative process.
It’s in those moments that something changes, heals, inspires—
and maybe, if I share that, it might resonate with someone else walking a similar path.

At best, I paint what I love. I write from the heart.
And I share my world—not as an expert, but as someone who’s learning to listen more deeply.

I believe animals open human hearts in ways we might never have imagined.
That’s why I share my experiences—through painting, through stories, and whatever else comes to mind.

A thought: What if open hearts have the power to bring peace into the world?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love these words – “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”
— Chief Seattle

Thank you for being here, it’s a gift to share my journey with you!!!.
Keep creating in whatever way is yours…blaze

 

Art,Kindness,Connection

Painting isn’t about control or perfection—
it’s about trust and surrender.
It’s when I stop trying to ‘get it right’
that something true begins to appear;
carried through by the stories animals
have shared with me.
Here, I share that unfolding journey—
messy, honest, without judgment or expectation,
and always surprising.

“Art is a celebration always “

Hi and Welcome back.
In my last post, I spoke about beginning this blog. I thought I’d follow that by sharing a little more about how I arrived here—and why animals and art continue to guide me.

Personally Speaking ~ Art. Kindness. Connection.

This journal began with an idea seeded from my own experiences, something I thought might be worth sharing—that animals can open something in us. Something real. Something deeply human.
Over time, I’ve come to see that what starts as a simple moment of connection with an animal often leads to a deeper shift in me. A surrender. Letting go of what I think I know. Seeing more clearly. Being in the world differently.

My paintings and my words are a response to those moments. They’re not about capturing a likeness—they’re about feeling into the essence of things. Honestly, it happens by accident. It’s not something I can make happen. One day I just noticed: there was something that happened between me and the canvas.

And yet—so often I get in my own way. I’m a great one for trying to get it right, to make it perfect. I’m sure you know that one!

It’s taken years to recognise this, to actually pause, and to let go. For a long time, even though I knew better, I would still ‘battle on’. Ridiculous, really—the battle with the canvas! Now I trust more. I begin in stillness. I listen.

When I spend time with animals in sanctuary settings, something happens in that quiet space—something I don’t always have words for. But I feel it. And somehow, it finds its way onto the canvas.

This isn’t about creating art to impress or decorate. It’s about surrendering my ego. Allowing my skill to simply turn up. Letting there be mess, and journey, and trust—until something real emerges. Each canvas teaches me as I allow it to flesh itself out.

In my private mind, I believe the animals I paint come through the canvas to communicate with me. I haven’t quite sorted that yet—it’s a little off-centre to share. But truly, each story carries a personal experience that has stayed with me.

Bottom line—you don’t need to ‘understand’ the art in any particular way. Just spend time with it. Notice what it brings up in you. There’s no right interpretation—only an invitation.
If my paintings stir an emotional response in you, that amazes me.

There’s so much more in this. So much we don’t know about energy. Being open is a good start I guess.

So for now, this is my way of sharing what matters to me:
Kindness. Connection. The vagaries of our human existence.

Thank you for being here—it’s a gift to connect with you.
Stay warm. [ it’s winter here] and keep creative …….blaze

My first white wall

Hello Again –
This is the story of how
I first stepped into the world of painting—
starting with a big, white wall and
a whole lot of fear and excitement.

“Some of the wall murals from my past. I learned to paint on the job!”

How I Entered the World of Painting – My first white wall
Now I am taking a risk.  This is a piece I wrote for my creativity mentor in California.  It is from the heart and a bit like prose, I guess, so please indulge me here.

Sitting in the middle of the floor, laying out my brushes in an orderly line on my dust-rug, paints in lines of color, all looking very professional and easy to see.  A sense of order descended into the room, as I breathed a sigh of relief, so nice to be back.  Now I felt in control only to look up at the seemingly huge white gleaming wall in front of me – the fear and anticipation gurgling in my stomach, the excitement of entering the unknown.  The only way to ‘Be’ within this fear was to slowly approach it, gesture by gesture, masking the wall, mixing the colors hoping ‘wall’ did not notice my quaking flesh.  Then finally I looked my fear in the eye and jumped in – a mark, a color, and a place to begin.  Without thinking I slowly made lines, boundaries around the wall, ‘cutting in’ to contain the impact of the energy building up inside me-and then’ splash’!  There it is, the vomit of my fear breaking into reality – a paint spot on the wall greedy for my attention.  As I worked rhythmically to the beat of the music from my walk-man, allowing my hand to flow beyond the control of my mind, a surge of joy rocketed through my bones, a sense of power, unbounded energy, a feverish movement unable to stop engulfed by the curiosity of creating….

“Above is an octagonal dining room painting with the life story of a wonderful author and bohemian spirit.”

So profound were these experiences that I grew to love the frightening expanse of ‘white unknown’ that became the palette for me to express what was there for me, absolutely in that moment. I never knew what would emerge and found that the result did not sit sleepily on the wall but rather engaged the audience with their own energy and individuality.  Within this happening there existed a space of intensity and peace that I could not describe.

I never expected it, but that first wall became a doorway. A place I returned to again and again—not to escape life, but to meet it fully.

PS. I didn’t have a camera in those days so not a lot of images!!!!

My next blog will share what happened when I left the wall behind… and picked up a canvas.

For now thank you for being here. Look forward to next time.
Stay creative ….blaze

Self-Discovery

Painting on canvas wasn’t what I expected—
sometimes messy, often surprising,
and always a little bit like a dance with myself.
Thanks for joining me as I share
what I’ve learned along the way.

Painting — A Journey of Self-Discovery

As I hold my little Smudge booklets in my hand, I am drawn back into my past—the origins of my creative journey.
When I started painting on canvas, I had no idea why I was compelled to paint the way I did.

I first learned to paint on walls, creating textures with complex brushwork, following the patterns as they evolved in the paint.
I endeavoured to develop faux techniqued): s like the old masters—creating texture, playing with colour.

It wasn’t until I spent time with Susan Boulet, a visionary artist in San Francisco, that a doorway opened.
A flicker of realisation shed light on the process I was drawn to.
I realised there was more to painting than intellect and technique.

When I started painting on canvas for myself, wall finishing techniques were all I knew.
While painting fantasy marble finishes, I would lay down transparent oil paint in my medium, then ‘break the surface’ of the colour with brushes, cloth, or other tools.
I allowed the patterns and imprints in the paint to guide me.

Applying this intuitive process to canvas was emotionally challenging.
What was happening in my life seemed to be played out on the canvas.
I found that instinctual reactions unwittingly presented me with ‘tools’ to work through my emotional turmoil.

Gradually, I realised that painting was not just an art—but a metaphor for life.
A process of self-discovery and transformation.
Could it be the voice of my soul breaking through, exposing my inner world, offering insights beyond what I knew?

The confronting emotions and suffering I experienced while painting often exhausted me.
I thought the pain would never end.

Then a miracle happened.
While painting, I answered the phone. As I focused on the conversation, my brush took over.
The painting came alive on its own—effortlessly creating imagery that was a balm to my soul.
I was dumbfounded.
For that brief moment, I was in the flow of bliss.
That half-minute became a minute, then two—and the sense of inner beauty and peace expanded.
It felt like the experience of present moment in the Trust Technique®—what I call Becoming Kindred Spirits.

Painting has become a powerful force in my life—my growth, my teacher, my sanctuary.
More times than I like to admit, I forget this and pick up the brush as if washing dishes.
That lack of reverence can lead to suffering and pain.
It takes time to come back—to remember all it takes is re-entering stillness, awareness.
Some of you may know this feeling.

Writing my little Smudge book felt like revisiting and consolidating my process and connection.
My art is not a thought-out concept—rather something that happens as I paint, in spite of myself.
All I have to do is stay open and trust the process.
A metaphor for life.
A metaphor for communion with art and animals.

I deeply believe artists influence the River of Life.
What I put into my art, you—the viewer—take away.
Kindness is my motivation.
Animals open human hearts.
Open hearts are kind.
So I paint animals. They show me all that is good in my world.
Through them, I learn to be kind to myself and others. Surely only good can come from kindness.

Thank you for reading. Keep creative in your world … blaze

My Muse

Some animals don’t just walk beside us—
they become a part of us.
Smudge was that kind of cat.
She wasn’t just a companion—she was the love of my life,
a steady presence, a guide, and a muse
who helped shape the way I see the world
and the way I create.
This is her story, and the story
of how she continues
to live in every part of my life.

The love of my life – the muse behind my artistic journey

There are some animals who don’t just walk beside us—they walk through us. Smudge was that kind of cat for me. She wasn’t just a beloved companion. Smudge was my soulmate in feline form.

Self-contained,  deeply present, and somehow always attuned to what I couldn’t even put into words, her presence threaded itself through the heart of my life—especially the parts where words or people couldn’t reach me. She knew. I remember the first time she came into my life—it was like I’d been waiting for her, and she just calmly arrived, as if to say, “I’m here now. This is where I need to be.”

Smudge had this steady, grounded energy. She was rarely pushy or loud. She saw me; though she always stated her needs. On days when I was falling apart or feeling lost, she would quietly settle beside me and just be there. No expectations, no noise—just a soft, anchoring presence. Her purring had a way of softening whatever pain I was holding.

She was always with me. When I wasn’t home, I felt part of me was missing. That kind of connection is hard to explain unless you’ve loved an animal deeply.


Personally Speaking-painting from my book

We shared little adventures. She had a harness, and we’d explore close to home. She loved trees, plants, and other animals. Once I saw her sitting quietly with magpies, bush rats, and even a fox. It sounds made up, but they were just together, like she belonged there.

She didn’t trust easily. Men and children especially would send her running. I think she’d been hurt before I met her and knew what felt safe, setting clear boundaries. Smudge travelled with us through many moves and landscapes. At first, I put her in a carrier, thinking it was right. She nearly died from the stress. Then I learned: front seat, cushion on my lap—that’s how she’d travel. She still hated the vet but would purr on the way home, finally letting go.

She was there through everything—the messy middle of life, the lonely parts, the joyful bursts of creativity. I talked to her more than I talked to most people—honestly, she probably understood me better too.

what she did best

What’s really wild is how much she shaped my art without ever saying a word.
[of course!]  When she curled up near my paints or walked across my sketches, she seemed to unlock something—a kind of intuitive flow I couldn’t always access on my own. I think she reminded me how to listen more deeply… to my inner voice, to the animals I paint, to the spaces between things.

Even when she was older, slowing down, there was still so much life in her eyes. That spark never faded. Saying goodbye to her was—well, I don’t have tidy words for it. It broke me open. I held her close, tears soaking my clothes as I whispered every thank you I could think of. Even in those last moments, there was a strange peace—a knowing that the bond we shared wouldn’t disappear with her body. And it hasn’t. Mind you, I worked at it, taking every interspecies connection course I could find, never trusting myself until I learned to trust.

Smudge is in everything I create now. She lives in my inspiration, in the pauses, in the love I pour into each painting and story. She is still teaching me that connection doesn’t end—it just changes form. I am a slow learner!

I created a book to honour her life with me, Smudge: Personally Speaking, because I needed a way through letting go. And also because I wanted to share her with others—her soul, her stories, her wildcat kin who speak through her voice.

 

Smudge is a companion I’ll never forget—but more truthfully, she’s a soul I’ll never stop loving.
She changed me. And she continues to guide me, every time I stop long enough to tune in.

May you know this deep love of another being.
Thank you for reading this long story. I do appreciate it!

For now keep creative in your world…..blaze

Seed Prayer for Smudge

I want to share a prayer I wrote for Smudge.
It surfaced in one of those quiet moments when I felt her near,
even though she wasn’t here.
It’s not refined—just as it came.
Sometimes, when the heart aches,
it speaks in poetry.

Somehow, Smudge always seemed to understand me better than I understood myself.She wasn’t just a cat who shared my home—she shared my life. Every little gesture, every quiet look touched me in ways I never realized- a thread connecting us. Even now, I feel that thread, even in her absence. So here’s my prayer …….

Seed Prayer for Smudge
(for my soulmate cat)

I feel you in my arms,
but you’re not there.

I weep the tears
of quiet despair,
while my heart expands—
into the great unknown
where life begins
and so it  ends.

Maybe you wait there.

I sit in stillness,
a silent prayer.
My body open,
my spirit bare—
still with longing
to feel you near.

In trust,
in stillness,
Our love holds us
Here

Grief has a way of tearing us wide open.
Writing this prayer was just me, sitting with the ache of missing her,
and the quiet comfort of still feeling her close.
Thank you Smudge. I love you always.

From the painting – Personally Speaking – in my Smudge book -check it out.

 

Thank you so much for reading this Prayer. I love to share with you and it isn’t always perfect.
See you again soon.
Keep creative in your world…blaze

Smudge Revisited

I post often about Smudge and the little book
that I created to honour her life and legacy.
It came to me in unexpected ways
and I am more than a little grateful for
this journey with Smudge that
added a richness to my world
I could not have expected.

Each time I pick it up I am in awe of what I hold in my hands. It truly seems like I had nothing to do with it. Ridiculous of course but I remember being so ‘out of it’ after her passing, I honestly don’t know where it came from. Ot rate I do now but didn’t at the time.   There is so much more to this reality than we know and I am so often gobsmacked by  the process of life, of creation, of how trusting, living in kindness and grace and above all gratitude for the little things can propel us into experiences that we could not have ‘made happen’.

So Smudge and her book were exactly this for me. collection of my own experiences of listening and feeling into Smudges experience of the world – or simply her world through my awareness.

The paintings flowed with ease which is not the norm for me. I have learned to get out of my own way often though after a metaphorical kick in the butt!!!

In hindsight I was so raw in my grief  after Smudge passed dissolving into drawing and writing  was not a thought process rather an energy charge beyond me a contagious pull consumed me. , Smudge, my art often feels like my reason for living.I felt ‘caught’ by the work.

There was no plan, it simply took over, holding my attention from one step to another and before long it was done; a work pulled through my deep sadness into life – a project to honour our time together and bring attention to other beautiful wild endangered cats.

This human experience we all share in some way. This book continues my own journey towards inner growth and expanded awareness. A way of releasing the aches , my story, and embracing a world of magical endless possibility.

Publishing the book was the challenge.
Out of this, my greatest joy is that now Smudge sits with others who take the time to slowly immerse themselves in the healing energy of her pages, as she healed me.

All things are interwoven including artworks and words.
They can  touch something inside each of us, differently.

If Smudge- personally speaking tweaks your interest check her out and the beautiful prints of all the paintings in the book -here on my website –  blazewarrender.com   – the book and prints for you to browse are in ‘SHOP’ – https://blazewarrender.com/product/smudge/

My life lesson from this project – mutual dependency – Smudge reliant on me to evolve and me on her to grow my awareness. This work touched me with inspiration, planted a seed, which got my attention. This is what is need for something to ‘grow’ in us—

Always thank you so much for reading my musings.Wishing you all things creative in your life……blaze

SEED PRAYER – chalk and pencil on kraft paper

 

SEED PRAYER – pencil and chalk on kraft paper – print available

The Seed Prayer is a simple yet powerful tool that came to me during my studies in Transpersonal Art Therapy. In moments of stillness, when my mind is quiet, this prayer naturally brings me into deep listening—especially when my ego takes over or I feel blocked creatively. It’s a gentle reminder to stop, ground, and release, guiding me back to my authentic self.

This prayer isn’t just for me; it’s for anyone, anytime. Whether you’re facing a challenge, feeling overwhelmed, or simply needing a moment of peace, the Seed Prayer can help you reconnect to your true self.

Try speaking these words quietly and notice how your energy shifts, bringing a sense of calm and presence into your day.
Have you tried it? Would love to hear your comments . Email me.

Thank you for visiting. Keep creative in your world….blaze

In Paradise Now – Moonbear


IN PARADISE NOW -Moonbear-    oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen
SOLD

This beautiful moonbear is a detail from a larger painting inspired by images of Franzi, one of the first rescue bears at that Animals Asia Centre in China. Her eyes turned out to be so engaging I surprised myself. There was no resource material for this purely a  profound experience of connection with the rescued bears.

Even though I did not Franzi nor try to paint her portrait, rather found her story touched my heart to see that such suffering could become such peace love.
Yet she has resilience beyond what we know. When we look into her eyes, she rescues us. Surely that is our responsibility, to allow her rest and peace. Connecting with a Bear opens our hearts. The light in their eyes reflects ours. Thru their eyes we recognize life as one and the same – every life has a right to be lived according to the laws of nature. This truth might rescue humanity.

THE COMMUNICATION I HAD WITH THE PAINTING
We are of one source. What you do to me, you do to each other. Once as you looked into my eyes you knew that I was a symptom of man’s inhumanity.
Today look into my eyes and see a part of yourself reflected there. See there a reflection of your human compassion. When you stop long enough to look deep into my eyes you will find nourishment. The loving connection between one species and another. Each lifetime can be heaven on earth for all beings.
Don’t stand by and watch suffering that you can help end.
Your actions matter.

Thank you for visiting. Keep creative – blaze

Loving Animals

LOVING ANIMALS – Elmo and Me

As far back as I remember I connected with animals as my friends and equals. From a tadpole in a pond to an eagle soaring high above the trees where we lived I can remember many conversations from the heart of my child. Life’s twists and turns drew me into painting. Decorating interior walls in houses. Exploring techniques by accident and finally finding a style that flowed for me. Later in life I engaged these techniques to help me express, on canvas, the connection with animals that has always informed every aspect of my life.  Often I wonder if the painting process allows me to re connect with the child who was so at one with animals. Or am I painting from those experiences. Whatever it might be, one day I will collect  stories together in a book and maybe others will also enjoy them. Meantime I continue to seek connection with wild animals, caring for them in even the smallest ways. Somehow my world seems right in the doing and I wonder what other purpose there is to my life than Loving Animals. Human and non-human, how empty the world would be with out them……blessings blaze

Sunfire

SUNFIRE – oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen – Mustang Stallion at Return To Freedom mustang sanctuary in California,USA.
AVAILABLE – contact me

Whilst working on a series of stories based on my experiences with horses, Sunfire was never out of my mind. His photo above my art space meant his presence was always with me. This majestic stallion is one of a herd of bachelor stallions at Return To Freedom Mustang Sanctuary in USA. He caught my eye from day one, not only for his striking tobiano roan colouring, also the sense of independence and strength I felt from him. I wanted so much to connect with him.

He grazed a hundred feet from me, head lowered, attention fully on me, sensing something unknown in his territory. Once he left the band and raced towards me, defiantly, warning me though not menacingly. Just exerting his presence I thought. Of course I got a fright and in that moment all my expectation dissolved. I felt empty, a bit shaken and sank into a sort of trance not watching, thinking or wanting anything.

When this seemingly endless moment passed I realized the big snowflake red horse was close behind me with his friends, inquisitive, grazing, quietly accepting my presence. Was I being as they were, in the moment doing just what they do.

This incident made an indelible mark on my life, my understanding of judgment and expectation.

Stay creative in your world – blaze

A Wild Heart


A WILD HEART  –  oil & mixed mediums on a recycled timber panel, hand-painted frame –
AVAILABLE contact me

This painting took shape after visiting Return To Freedom, mustang sanctuary in USA. During my time there I learned much about the mustang and the native peoples. Neda de Mayo, Director of RTF, showed me a photo of a warrior of the Choctaw Nation and his pony. So heartfelt was their connection that it inspired this painting. I felt there was a kinship that flowed through their story, both driven to the brink by forces beyond their control.

As always I never know what I will paint. I laid down the initial broken finish before my trip to RTF. It felt awkward without flow with an eagle as the central focus. There was no hook for me so I did not continue. On my return I jumped back into it. The imagery easily evolved this time offering me insight to that story in my heart still so alive for me.

It speaks to my own prayer that all sentient beings have the right to live as nature intended, a prayer for loving kindness and acceptance.

I borrowed the words in the title from Native American poet/musician/advocate for Native American rights,John Trudell, whose is so much part of this struggle. Thank you John for your amazing poetry.

Stay creative in your world – blaze

Somewhere A Snow Leopard Listens

SOMEWHERE A SNOW LEOPARD LISTENS   –  oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen –     
AVAILABLE contact me

Regal and protective she sits with her cub. The story here tells me of life as ancient as the land reaching back into the snow capped mountains of time. Is the shadow her past or her future, her destiny or her ancestry. Her future undetermined floats on the waters of time. Will there be a future for her kind. Imploring she reaches out stirring me with her quiet reflection.
Inspired by stories told by friends who work with the Snow Leopard Conservancy,  she is a part of a series of big cat paintings.

I created the cat large as life so that we, the audience, look up to her. Her home territory is Central Asia, also the home of Buddhism, coincidentally where much of my symbolism comes from.

Thank you for visiting.  Stay creative in your world – blaze

Emergence


EMERGENCE  –  oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen –
AVAILABLE contact me

This painting signified a pause in the restrictions of doing projects and a need to reconnect with my own creative process. Yellow, pink and turquoise created a starting point. My favorite colors, they help me connect with the feeling of beauty that I wanted to express in this painting. I knew it would be part of my horse project but had no idea what might evolve. I struggled to move forward feeling creatively blocked. I keep a beautiful hand-painted box for inspiring words and images. Opening the precious container of my inspiration, I knew it would hold a key to what was needed for this painting to flourish. Symbolically I painted a turquoise border around the image as though the box was open. There inside I felt the story take wings.
I found symbols appearing that had been present in earlier work, the stairway, the 7 moons, the eagle to mention a few. The winged horse was new. At the time I was reading about souls and reincarnation. Maybe there is a suggestion of this here. I do feel there is a birth in this. Or maybe it is the cycle of life-death-rebirth. This painting is always a catalyst for visitors to share their insights.

See you again soon.  Stay creative in your world – blaze

As Mowgli Sleeps

AS MOWGLI SLEEPS   –  28″ X 40″ –  oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen –
AVAILABLE – contact me

“As Mowgli sleeps the forest weeps tears of joy”  –  Several years ago I found an original edition of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. It gave me the idea of creating a series around the 22 animals in the story,enough for a large body of work.

The story itself is timeless, coming to life thru many generations. Usually seen through a child’s imagination, as an adult it gave me a deeper insight into my own dream of Mowgli’s inner world.
Beginning with a dark broken finish, I wanted to experience the story as if in reverie. The imagery speaks of the interconnection of all things. As I continued to layer color, the characters appeared. Jungle Book is not a wafty children’s story of goodness rather an often confronting reality of life in the jungle. A metaphor for our human jungle?

Bagheera, Baloo, Akela, seem to have a story of their own to tell. Nearly complete I sat as always quietly allowing the image to wash over me. Usually insights and ideas come from this. Mind you I do not always remember to do it. Words came through to me as I noticed a white space. Truth Love Compassion live here. The symphony of life serenades our dreams. So I added the music score and created the title.

Keep that smile on your heart and stay creative in your world – blaze

For The Love Of Life

FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE  –  oil and mixed mediums on Belgian linen – For The Love Of Topaz, my first horse and her foal Ma Fille.  –  SOLD

If you have watched mares and foals you will know that although the youngsters gallivant around, when they touch base with their mothers there is always a deep affection between them, a display of unmistakable love between a mother and child.

I wanted to explore this feeling of love and how horses might express it. To jump into the feeling myself I need something to look at.

I found a beautiful image that spoke to every feeling I wanted to capture. I rarely use direct resource material but this image was exceptional and I had never painted a horse. I discovered it was the work of talented photographer Sande Elkins of Gray Horse designs. Thank you for permission Sande.

Painting my first horse was daunting. I knew that it would be the beginning of a new journey and that this painting would hold a message for me. As I dived into the canvas I felt a deep ordering within myself, a letting go. I felt the shapes come through even without looking at the photo. This process stirred up feelings of love, loving what I do and allowing the unique message of my subject to come through.
Hence the name for this piece.

Reflection

REFLECTIONS  –  29″ X 31″ – unframed – oil & mixed mediums on board
AVAILABLE – contact me

Every lunch-time, in the balmy warmth of Vietnam in October, after morning chores were done, I would sit with the bears. A guest at the Animals Asia moonbear rescue centre in Tam Dao Vietnam, this was a gift beyond words for me.

This majestic moonbear would come to the window of the den, gaze into my eyes and make the ‘click click’ sound which seemed to be their form of communication. Something so ancient and knowing glowed in his eyes. So forgiving after the horrific ordeal of a bear bile farm.

I painted him several times but this image spoke most to me of emotional bonding between species, interconnectedness. Combining the oil painting techniques I used on murals I wanted to present the beauty and majesty of this guy, an ambassador for his kind. I asked AAF founder Jill Robinson how she protected herself from the heartbreak of seeing the condition of the bears she rescued. She replied that ’the bears rescued her every time’.   The recovery and joy in these rescued bears was palpable. They certainly reached out and grabbed my heart. Thank you Jill for an amazing experience!

Stay creative in your world – blaze

Soul Of Earthfire

SOUL OF EARTHFIRE  –  36″ X 46″ – oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen
SOLD

My creative journey took another turn when I visited Earthfire Institute wildlife sanctuary in Idaho USA. Offered the opportunity to interact with rescued wild animals changed the way I see life and my place in the world. There were so many experiences that all have a common thread, the circle of animals and their willingness to interact with us. This allowed for artistic exploration, animal or interspecies communication and immersion into animal spirituality.

I was particularly taken by a lynx ,Elmo, with whom I had some beautiful moments. Researching Lynx I discovered an Iberian cousin in Spain now critically endangered. Although I do not literally paint the experience, I do paint from the feelings of the experience that always opens up unknown or familiar insights.

In this painting I wanted to share this through the symbol of the circle, the web of life and the crow ever present in my garden, wherever I might be.

Stay creative in your world – blaze

For Our Future


FOR OUR FUTURE  – 28″ X 36″ –  oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen – beautiful image depicting harmony of species and natures innate wisdom.
AVAILABLE – contact me

This is another painting in my decorative series relating back to my mural painting techniques. Though rather formal in layout it emanates a decorative, symbolic quality. I created this to honour Dr. Jane Goodall during her 80th birthday visit to Australia. I love the juxta position of the elephant sculpture in the background of the photograph. This has been called a soulful portrayal of nature’s wisdom.

Stay Well.  Stay creative in your world – blaze

And The Mountain Speaks


AND THE MOUNTAIN SPEAKS   – 36″ x 28″  – oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen – intutive painting of expressive wildlife.
SOLD

Several years ago I joined a l retreat, ‘Walk On The Wildside’ with Rose de Dan at Earthfire Institute in Idaho USA. We spent time connecting with both the resident rescued wild animals and the awe-inspiring land of the Grand Tetons.

One evening at dusk, surrounded by sage and bathed in the yellow glow of dusk I fell into deep reverie, hands touching the ground feeling the essence of everything around me. As the stillness grew within me I remember hearing voices, sounds beyond any words, as if in a dream. This seemingly small experience changed how I see myself in the world.

When I put down the first layers of this painting, I had a vague idea about a horse wanting to become part of the imagery. As I relaxed and allowed the image to evolve the sage bush experience came flooding back to me. When I take the time to sit with the imagery, without thinking something magical happens. So it was in this painting where in reflection so much of my own symbolism appeared etched into the paint. Now that I paint medicine drums they always seem to appear which feels like there is a prayer offering in the story. Unlike much of my work this horse is not looking out of the canvas, rather gazing into the distance, maybe listening. This has me wondering what else the mustang might be wanting to share other than reminding me of my own journey. A painting to spend time with in contemplation.  Hope you enjoy this story.
Stay creative in your world – blaze

El Camino

ROAD TO SANTIAGO – A Personal Journey – 36″ x  34″  –  oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen canvas
an intuitive oil painting momento of a personal journey using transpersonal art therapy symbolism.
SOLD

This was one of the most wonderful painting experiences for me. I was asked to create a painted diary to mark a very important time in the life of an unusual young woman. She walked the Camino de Santiago and was changed forever. At first I was intimidated by having to interpret her story as a memento of meaning for her. We spent a lot of time talking and pouring over photos delving deeply into her journey from her own very personal insights. This gave me rich fodder for the interweaving of our combined contribution – Her story and my painting.

Stay creative in your world – blaze