Through practice we can get to the point where some disturbance may occur but the negative effects on our mind remain on the surface, like the waves that may ripple on the surface of an ocean but don’t have much effect deep down.
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
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I’m finally getting into a bit of a better work groove here in the studio and it’s proving to be a nice distraction from the crapfest taking place here in our government. During both the actual painting process and just looking at it afterwards, pieces like this new 12″ by 12″ canvas are proving to be a great tool in making an escape from the chaotic idiocy of it all. I think that’s why I am calling this new painting The Calm Surface.
It feels very placid and calm, as though the storms that may rage far away will not shake it’s tranquil demeanor.
And that’s what I want for myself. I want to be, as the Dalai Lama advises above, that deep ocean water where the rough waves on the surface don’t reach down to the calm depths.
But I am not there. I don’t have that kind of depth yet and maybe I never will attain it.
But at least in works like this I have a tangible goal, a target for which I can set my bearings.
And that’s what I need right now– something to really work for.
Redtree Times 
Oh this is such a happy piece! Thank you again for sharing your fascinating work and thoughts….I wish there could be a video of some of the creative process, how you make such beauty. I remember long ago being enchanted by a film of Alexander Calder at work. I wish you well in your quest for calm in the deep.
Thank you again, Brooke. I don’t know how exciting a video would be. Most of the time it’s a slow, incremental process and when it’s working really well, involves either an absolute absence of sound or something akin to a steady drone.