Sunday 8 April 2012

what the I Ching told me

my sis has an I Ching book and sometimes we open it and throw the coins. I'm not sure about the fortune telling properties of it (in fact i don't know much about it at all) but occasionally it has been remarkably accurate. Never more so than when my Dad took part just before his cancer diagnosis and his readings were all about coming to the winter of his life and letting go of life. We were a bit taken aback at the time and I don't know about everyone else in the room but it brought a massive lump to my throat.

Anyway, for a while now (well, since January to be precise), each day I have been doing a tiny drawing in a small diary I carry around with me...it's true what they say about doing something daily for more than 21 days...it becomes a habit. It's become a little ritual, even on days that I don't feel like making art or on days when I don't have time to make art. Each space or day is only about 7cm x 4cm so it doesn't take much to fill it. I think it's a good way to be creative even when you're on the move and it's a nice record of days.

Here's a pic I took of the diary last week and a little picture of some figs that I drew on Friday.


Recently, I did another I Ching reading and I asked the I Ching how I can get through the challenges I currently face. Sometimes, it all seems overwhelming with so many problems colliding and sometimes it feels like I won't get through it. The I Ching told me loud and clear that creativity is the way. I was quite cynical when i first read the readings because I felt that art had become trivial and meaningless. Now I've had a few days off work and a chance to splat some paint about it does feel like it is a way through.
Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages on my last post and to Celestehttp://celestebergin.blogspot.com/ for encouraging me to blog. I'm not sure what the next months and years have in store for me but I will do my best to be here and at yours and to keep being creative whenever I can.

13 comments:

makiko hastings said...

I LOVE your creative diary, what a wonderful idea! Glad to see you are back here, despite the situation. sending my love to you and your family xm

Unknown said...

Your work is exquisitely beautiful. Delicate. Important. It makes me sad/happy/alive. I love it.
I've been acquainted with the I CHING since a friend gave me a copy in 1971. Oh how glad I am that the friend knew about the I CHING. It is accurate, truthful, magical all at the same time. I'm glad that your sister introduced you to it. Bless, and live life one hour at a time. *smiles* Norma

Jo Murray said...

It's a great habit to get into, and is working beautifully in your journal. Must get an I Ching book.

lynne h said...

well kate, i do know this - your art is a gift to those who see it. this i know...

xoxo

Carole Reid said...

I have to agree with Lynne, Kate! Your art is a gift and this journal will be a treasured keepsake of your strength and love and dedication.

Jeane Myers said...

I'm always so excited to see a post from you - your art has always inspired, thank you! xo

e said...

Your art is your gift and the piece you sent me has place of pride in my flat...

I am struggling with my creativity or lack thereof at the moment and dreading a return to the physiotherapist.

Hugs to you and your dad.

Anonymous said...

yep.. blog.. just write like stream of conciousness. Your followers follow you because you are you, and getting the stuff out of your head will be good.

And I love the diary sketches - one day you will look back on this document and it will be a treasure.

RosieK said...

I love the idea of doing a small drawing each day in a diary - it's ages since I've done the iching so it's good to be reminded of it's uncanny accuracy! And yes I agree with the others about continuing to blog - you were one of the first people I followed when I started blogging 4 years ago! I haven't used my little book yet but you've given me an idea for it! More about this later

Parabolic Muse said...

I'm so thankful to Celeste, too.

This is a great idea, these little drawings. I always think I have to make something big and it overwhelms me. Your drawings are filled with life.

Celeste Bergin said...

Hey notmass, thanks for the shout out. I have done the i-ching thing and also been taken aback by accuracy. Who knows if there is something to it...but certainly sometimes "a message is sent" that resonates with us on a profound level. I really appreciate your drawings/marks in your book. Looking at it lifts me up. I think that is the whole deal about art...it is healing for all involved, the maker and the beholder. :) Keep it coming .....for all involved! :)

Nellie and Neo said...

What a beautiful dairy and I love your Fig drawings, they are perfect. xx

Beanie Mouse said...

Just love your journally drawings!! I want an Iching book now....