Fish Phenomena

Riding the waves… of the creative process! Who knows what I’m talking about? I admit that sometimes the creative process can get frustrating, such as when it feels like a big messy mix of beauty and chaos! Then, the magic happens when a painting seems to come together or evolve into something cohesive. It can also be pretty amazing to listen and learn from a painting! The painting below started as colors I enjoyed spreading with a palette knife. I loved the details in places, but it didn’t feel like much as a whole. As I focused on the areas I loved the most and let the others soften and change, it evolved. Now, it reminds me of schools of fish I’ve seen when scuba diving. It also had a fun and encouraging message for me: “It’s okay to make a splash!” 🙂

“Phenomena” on 11×14″ wrapped canvas ~ contact me to purchase

It prompted me to look up what it was called when a school of fish are so in synch. It was interesting to discuss with my teen boys as well. I really enjoyed an article by James MacDonald at https://daily.jstor.org/how-do-fish-schools-work. Here are a few highlights:

“Large, coordinated school of fish, moving and shimmering in unison, are mesmerizing to behold… Fish schools turn, contract, expand, even part and come back together all without missing a beat. Yet fish are individuals, not a hive mind… Fish schools are all the more amazing when one considers that there’s no leader… Each fish coordinates with its neighbors…”

That kind of reminds of our approach to homeschooling (funny since the fish phenomena is simply called ‘schooling’). We try to cover enough of what is considered appropriate and necessary by our society while also leaving plenty of room to follow curiosity and wonder. Apparently, each fish maintains a “zone of repulsion” and a “zone of orientation” with its neighbors according to the article mentioned above. It makes me think of balancing and harmonizing our energy and actions with others while still maintaining some personal space.

You never know where the creative process might lead! This one was probably influenced by the recent Zen Full trio of paintings and course that I was working on before finishing it. It feels like it has a similar zen energy. 🙂 The self paced Zen Full Painting online course is now available to start anytime.

Here are a few close-ups of areas that I adore.

The fun goldfish is actually a bell that we purchased at one of the Japanese gardens we’ve visited. I took the picture next to our own little zen pond in my front yard. Some computer screens (like my laptop) do not do justice to the vibrant colors in the painting! The original painting is on an 11×14″ wrapped canvas. Now, I just need a beach house to hang it in! 😉 I sometimes feel like a foster home for paintings instead of pets. I trust that it will find a loving home to appreciate it. I’m enjoying its energy, magic, and message for now.

Have you had any similar experiences with the creative process that lead you to do a little research and learn more about something? Have you been snorkeling or diving and witnessed the phenomena yourself? I’d love to hear in the comments!

Wonderful Wishes to You,

Jules

Julia Ostara

~ Author of The Girl Who Dances With Delight Book

~ Creator of the Heart of Life & Soul Songs Inspiration Card Decks

~ Artist, Presenter, and Hostess of Fun Creative Courses

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