THE STORIES BEHIND THE THEMES
The drawings and handwritten themes from Gratitude Blooming are born of subtle moments of connection Arlene had with the plants in her garden.
“… the words joy and presence came up because I could feel the joy of this bird and all of nature around us when I was forced to become aware of the transience of this life.”
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“My hope was to create the reminder that if we are able to slow our minds and speed up time in a way, taking us beyond the intensity of life that we may experience at any moment…”
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“This flower seemed to be a reminder that in the end, all you really have to fall back on is trust in yourself.”
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“It’s like something was captured in this drawing that reaches beyond our individual experiences. It creates a moment where we know and sense the beauty and power of what is really possible in our lives.”
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“… Sometimes, we can almost relive the feeling of gratitude in our bodies and in our bones by remembering big moments of celebration we’ve experienced in life.”
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“The multitude of petals, overflowing in all directions is a reminder of the complexity and interconnectedness of the wounds and healing and beauty that is possible in our lives…”
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“While drawing a rose and its intricate petals, I was thinking about how each petal, so perfect, casts its own unique shadow which is in part what makes a blooming rose so alluring.”
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“The flower seemed to say to me in a very calm and powerful way…”I forgive you... but now you need to learn to forgive yourself, forgive your loved ones, forgive everyone & everything. Let go with nothing but love.”
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“This plant wanted to be noticed. It had such presence and strength despite the fact that most of us with lawns and yards see it as a weed. It truly seemed to say: “I don’t care what you think, I’m HERE and I’m going to do what I do best.”
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