West Meets East©

Change Your Art, Change Your Life (Part II)

Paintings, artwork and images in homes and businesses can make or break the energy of the place. Last week I described some of the dos and don’ts of choosing pieces for the home and corporate world. It is disturbing when I find people living and working with disturbing images within inches of their computers, in hallways, in bedrooms and in children’s bedrooms. It is not only the responsibility of the parents, bosses, school systems, doctor’s offices, and hospitals, etc., to take a look at what they are projecting into the environment and into the minds of those who live and work in these spaces, but also the artists who put out such depressing images.

I was asked to do two watercolor demonstrations at Daniel Smith’s Artists Supply store in Seattle, and through this invitation was able to educate artists on Feng Shui and its meaning, and hopefully give them an energy boost to create uplifting art. Here are some of my observations of those who paint and those who buy paintings. I am explaining right-brain and left-brain thinking.

Satisfying both types of students is not easy, but this was an art demonstration, so my audience would be mainly right-brain creators who “see” the picture in their head and “fill in the blanks.” I decided to go with the flow. “Feeling” what the majority wants is necessary for a successful workshop. I brought in a huge canvas of the Bagua Map in color. In each Gua or colored section is a picture of one of my Feng Shui Element paintings. For example the Wealth Gua was colored purple (the color for Wealth) with my painting of lilacs overlaid on the section. Each of the nine pieces of the octagon (eight sides and one in the middle) has a color and an element such as Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Art representing these elements and aspects bring life and vitality to spaces that need enhancement. Beautiful art by itself can “cure” a space if it matches up with the proper colors and elements for that space. For example, the middle left side of your home or business should show the Wood element for balancing that space. The painting to be used in that area (for Family issues) would want to emphasize lively green colors, or a picture of beautiful forests with lots of light, or a lovely picture of the family, matted with green and a frame of wood. I gave both classes a journey through the nine sections of the Bagua with reflective paintings for each section or Gua.

With this message in mind, I begin the introduction of the class titled “Painting With Chi.” All of a sudden it was as if everything I planned to talk about went away and my mind was filled with a more serious subject. I heard myself ask, “How many at this demonstration are artists?” All 30 hands went in the air. At that moment I determined, most of them are right-brained. Other artists such as graphic artists who are detailed-oriented in their creativity need graphs, rulers, lined patterns, etc., to feel at ease and are mainly left-brained. Putting all of this aside, I decided it didn’t matter any more that I felt the need to please everyone. My Career shifted at that moment, and my next comments came directly from the heart. Ego melted away, with the constant issue and years of trying to please. A freedom filled by body and mind as words came out of my mouth.

“You, as artists, have the biggest responsibility, as never before, to create beautiful, meaningful images. You do not have permission to paint ugly pictures which hurt and ruin the Chi of any structure. God didn’t give you this talent to put people in pain. He gave you the gift of healing. What are you going to do about it? Right now people are losing their jobs, their families, and their money, and are getting sick. Begin to paint as if you are saving the world! If you want to paint your pain with dark, distorted, agonistic, depressing images, keep them to yourself. Help aid the world with your talent. Paint light with meaning and passion, bring hope and love to your pieces. Heal homes with lively, correct colors. Place them in the correct areas to bring vitality and growth. Each color has a vibration, musical note and assignment. Why is nature filled with this glow? Don’t waste another minute. It is time to learn the reasons why and apply them to your artwork.” The room was silent and the point well taken.

(If you are experiencing unresolved issues at work or home, please check the images hanging in your home and workplace. Are you placing a Fire element painting in the front entryway of your home? This is a Water section. The aspect of this section is to bring opportunities to you through Career, Knowledge and Helpful People and Travel. “Fire” could burn-up those possibilities. Call if you need help. The number is 360/424-1501. There are special prices for special cases at this time via phone consultation.)

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State and is an experienced Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art, private mentoring for serious student, lectures, does book illustrations, art demonstrations for Daniel Smiths Art Supplies and writes a weekly newspaper column for the Benicia Herald in California and other publications. Call (360) 424-1501 for her availability for speaking, teaching and consultations in the U.S. and abroad, or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com. Visit her websites: www.fengshuiartistry.com to view her special Feng Shui artwork designed especially for cures and corrections and enhancements of the 5 Elements (some for sale) and www.moongateschool.com for West Meets East archives.

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment.

Note: Caroline Patrick BorNei (pronounced Bornay) is Caroline's Chinese name give to her by her Master Teacher His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin.