A Great Time to Find Your Bliss
Dublin Core
Title
A Great Time to Find Your Bliss
Description
As Joseph Campbell (professor of literature and comparative mythology) once said,
“Find Your BLISS.” —Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)
The past several weeks has been difficult and a time to do a deep dive into my “bliss.” And by bliss I don’t mean over-indulging in food, alcohol, unhealthy habits—but rather that one thing that takes me to a place I love and lose track of time while in that place. I describe it as entering into a cathartic experience. That bliss for me is creating art.
Although I work full time at RIT in CASTLE, I teach Pilates and have an art business on the side. My globally inspired jewelry with tribal relics juxtaposed with contemporary pieces are for sale in RIT’s Shop One and other local galleries. I am working with a company in Montreal who transfers my acrylic paintings onto wearable art clothing and home goods. But my “go-to” artwork during this introspective and personal growth time of the pandemic is my painting.
During this time of social distancing, fear of the unknown and isolation, I’ve found myself in my at-home studio painting more often on the weekends. My paintings have been most helpful in expressing myself through texture and large shapes—letting whatever comes out on the canvas be—and liking what originally, I would have seen as mistakes. During those times I think very little about the pandemic we are amidst – enjoying the experience of painting even more than the outcome of the final artwork. Sometimes I have Mark Knopfler, Lucinda Williams, Van Morrison or classical music playing in the background. Other times I work in silence, noticing I’m commenting out loud about what is happening on the canvas.
So, for me–this pandemic is unquestionably harsh, scary, and powerful. It is causing unconceivable pain, suffering and loss for so many. My heart aches beyond words. And daily I need to go to that place I call my bliss. I’m thankful I have found it.
Photos:
Necklace: Includes small print of yoga pastel aside trade beads and pieces from around the world.
Painting: 40 x 30 acrylic created during pandemic isolation
Skirt & Masks: Acrylic painting designs on masks and reversible skirt
“Find Your BLISS.” —Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)
The past several weeks has been difficult and a time to do a deep dive into my “bliss.” And by bliss I don’t mean over-indulging in food, alcohol, unhealthy habits—but rather that one thing that takes me to a place I love and lose track of time while in that place. I describe it as entering into a cathartic experience. That bliss for me is creating art.
Although I work full time at RIT in CASTLE, I teach Pilates and have an art business on the side. My globally inspired jewelry with tribal relics juxtaposed with contemporary pieces are for sale in RIT’s Shop One and other local galleries. I am working with a company in Montreal who transfers my acrylic paintings onto wearable art clothing and home goods. But my “go-to” artwork during this introspective and personal growth time of the pandemic is my painting.
During this time of social distancing, fear of the unknown and isolation, I’ve found myself in my at-home studio painting more often on the weekends. My paintings have been most helpful in expressing myself through texture and large shapes—letting whatever comes out on the canvas be—and liking what originally, I would have seen as mistakes. During those times I think very little about the pandemic we are amidst – enjoying the experience of painting even more than the outcome of the final artwork. Sometimes I have Mark Knopfler, Lucinda Williams, Van Morrison or classical music playing in the background. Other times I work in silence, noticing I’m commenting out loud about what is happening on the canvas.
So, for me–this pandemic is unquestionably harsh, scary, and powerful. It is causing unconceivable pain, suffering and loss for so many. My heart aches beyond words. And daily I need to go to that place I call my bliss. I’m thankful I have found it.
Photos:
Necklace: Includes small print of yoga pastel aside trade beads and pieces from around the world.
Painting: 40 x 30 acrylic created during pandemic isolation
Skirt & Masks: Acrylic painting designs on masks and reversible skirt
Creator
Debra A. Jacobson
Contributor
Debra A. Jacobson
Citation
Debra A. Jacobson, “A Great Time to Find Your Bliss,” RIT Pandemic Journals, accessed May 2, 2024, https://pandemicjournals.rit.edu/items/show/41.