Beautiful writing Samantha. I also love the deep dark blue painting. I appreciate how you weave a contemplation of grief in with movement into the night world; and the balance required in colour; and the fear. Gorgeous work.
I felt I was with you walking into the dark and how it connected to a creative journey, also loved the idea of relationship between darkness and colour, thank you, a lot to keep thinking about.
Yes, once you ‘see’ it, out in the world in the sky and clouds, you never quite think abut darkness in the same way again, thanks to Goethe’s poetic science.
So many many points in this lovely essay I would like to comment on, Samantha. I will only 👏 for this excellent description of what the creative impulse feels like:
"Any creative work is a walk into the dark, moving out towards uncertainty, trusting those quick darts of feeling, the almost physical twitch of recognition, the bubble-float dip that says ‘pay attention here’. "
Exactly.
And so the title that suggests itself to me for your wonderful canvas in progress is "Glimmer". You'll do one better.
And your nighttime photography is terrific. Thanks for a rich experience today!
Hi Sam, I was fascinated to read about your partner’s Aurora Alert, then immediately considered the state of knowing that all the loveliness and splendor can take place behind dense clouds, unseen by our eyes.
I enjoyed reading and hearing Aurora from The Clearing, anew, I visualized this scene: an older woman (not accurate) called out to my younger self (also not accurate), “Come over here and look through my telescope! You’ll be fascinated!” Which of course aptly describes my enthusiasm to read each Wednesday’s new illustrated essay that you share.
Seeing the Aurora is always an amazement, a wonder...I love your take, that even just knowing it’s up there, behind the clouds, can be a source of wonder too.
Thank you for writing this journey. It brought me to tears. Bitter, sweet. Helpful with my own internal wrestles around darkness, grief and family relationships.
You have such a gift to draw the viewer/reader in to another world. I am reading The Clearing at the moment. Your honesty and articulation both visually and verbally are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
This is writing that glows Sam and brings all of us, I’m sure, to the other side of darkness. Which of us doesn’t know / carry that shifting weight of grief.
Beautiful resonant piece Samantha, thank you. I’ve been seeking out the dark too, of late. It is such a tender active force I’m finding.
Beautifully put, Layla - a tender active force, yes. Thank you!
You write beautifully. I was completely absorbed while reading this. And moved. Thank you.
Thank you so much Linda. It's wonderful to hear that my writing touched you so deeply.
Beautiful writing Samantha. I also love the deep dark blue painting. I appreciate how you weave a contemplation of grief in with movement into the night world; and the balance required in colour; and the fear. Gorgeous work.
Thank you so much, Kirstie, it really means a lot to hear this.
I felt I was with you walking into the dark and how it connected to a creative journey, also loved the idea of relationship between darkness and colour, thank you, a lot to keep thinking about.
Yes, once you ‘see’ it, out in the world in the sky and clouds, you never quite think abut darkness in the same way again, thanks to Goethe’s poetic science.
So many many points in this lovely essay I would like to comment on, Samantha. I will only 👏 for this excellent description of what the creative impulse feels like:
"Any creative work is a walk into the dark, moving out towards uncertainty, trusting those quick darts of feeling, the almost physical twitch of recognition, the bubble-float dip that says ‘pay attention here’. "
Exactly.
And so the title that suggests itself to me for your wonderful canvas in progress is "Glimmer". You'll do one better.
And your nighttime photography is terrific. Thanks for a rich experience today!
Wonderful to hear how much this post resonated with you, Baird. “Glimmer” is a good suggestion too!
Hi Sam, I was fascinated to read about your partner’s Aurora Alert, then immediately considered the state of knowing that all the loveliness and splendor can take place behind dense clouds, unseen by our eyes.
I enjoyed reading and hearing Aurora from The Clearing, anew, I visualized this scene: an older woman (not accurate) called out to my younger self (also not accurate), “Come over here and look through my telescope! You’ll be fascinated!” Which of course aptly describes my enthusiasm to read each Wednesday’s new illustrated essay that you share.
Seeing the Aurora is always an amazement, a wonder...I love your take, that even just knowing it’s up there, behind the clouds, can be a source of wonder too.
Beautiful.
Thank you Maria!
this exploration of darkness through different mediums and images is so beautiful
Thank you Daniela!
Fearless, brave and beautiful. I too found this very moving.
Thank you, Eileen. I’m so glad to hear it resonated with you.
This is mysterious, beautiful and so moving. Thank you!
Thank you Paul. I was little hesitant to share this one as it’s very personal in places. I’m glad you found something in it for you.
Thank you for writing this journey. It brought me to tears. Bitter, sweet. Helpful with my own internal wrestles around darkness, grief and family relationships.
Thank you Lorna. Yes, family legaices are complex. It can take a lifetime to learn the lessons they hold.
You have such a gift to draw the viewer/reader in to another world. I am reading The Clearing at the moment. Your honesty and articulation both visually and verbally are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Roberta!
This is writing that glows Sam and brings all of us, I’m sure, to the other side of darkness. Which of us doesn’t know / carry that shifting weight of grief.