the music may be too loud,
there may be too many smiling teeth,
you may feel an uncontrollable madness in the night.
but do not fear the spinning lights,
the painted faces, the dizzying rides,
the smells and smoke and mirrors.
it’s only El Carnaval come to town
to break open the darkness,
summon the unexpected
and disrupt reality
briefly,
with magic.
Carnaval by Clinock. 17×14 in. 43×46 cm. Acrylic on paper.
Xochi Quetzal Artist and Writer’s Residency. Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. October 2019.
Self Portrait by Clinock. 17″ x 22″. Acrylic on paper. Paint applied with credit card. 2012.
The challenge – to create a self portrait without using a brush. I used only a credit card to apply the paint – what did I need the card for anyway? It ain’t photographic realism but hey, all credit due, it wasn’t an easy process. At least, I won’t be overspending this Christmas!
This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and attend them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. ~Rumi
Thank you to Cate at: http://www.beyondthefieldsweknow.org/ for the following poem:
Approach the gate as a pilgrim, a seeker,
wear sturdy boots for walking,
go cloaked and hooded against the wind,
blackthorn staff and lantern in hand,
an abundance of candles in your pack
for the long journey ahead.
Bring gifts and offerings for those who
dwell beyond the ancient gate, bundles
of sage, clear water, kindling, earth and salt,
bring flasks of tea, incense and bread,
bring tales and laughter to share around the fire
with those you will meet along the way.
Travel lightly and make your journey by the moon,
taking the owls, true kindred, as your
fierce and tender companions, feel
their breath along your own wings, share
their dark and mindful wisdom as you flow.
Let the song you sing as you are questing
be your own sweet music, and the stories
you spin by the fire in the nights ahead
be the narratives of your own wild and shining life,
this journey you are making into an unknown land.
Listen to the night and be content, for you are not alone —
around you is a vast and singing throng,
the very stars are singing with you as you go.
Painting: At the Gate. 11″ x 15″. acrylic on paper. by clinock.
art rat cafe 