When I was in my twenties I had this inward and outward pressure to be some kind of perfect. Whether it be a perfect student, daughter, artist or even a woman for that matter.
I thought I could just get close to the ideals then happiness would sure to follow. In some ways it did and in other ways, I was looking far too narrow at life and art.
A few years later I gave myself the challenge to learn oil painting by reading, experimenting and failing over and over again.
“healing sisters” was born out of 4 years of relearning how to paint and how to see. Healing Sisters is the painting where I felt like I was really onto something new and where I surprised myself.
With are and life I learned.. Happiness isn’t something to chase or get its a place inside we are always able to tap into.
Embrace the messiness and magic in life and in art.
“Dragonfly spirit” is an oil painting on panel with gold leaf. I hadn’t painted on a panel or with gold leaf before, I was concerned I might make mistakes, ruin it or even fail. (See the before below and after above.)
I soon reminded myself that there are no mistakes or failures it’s all apart of the journey of who I am and whom I’m becoming.
Take a risk and give yourself permission to be imperfect and to make messes.
Making art is like making magic I feel vulnerable, alive, free and love. What are your messy and magical moments?
Much love, Le’Ana
“producing perfection from imperfection is, after all, the highest of art forms.” –
Life has not been a straight line for me. Nor, do I think it is for most people. Fear has held me back, protected me and kept me safe. Fear has also been a great teacher, a good friend and information. When I’ve gathered the strength and courage to rise above the fear and look inside. I know that “this” to shall pass and everything will work out for the best for everyone involved.
At this point I am able to step away from the fear long enough to ask myself.. “what is the lesson here? What is the fear trying to teach me?” Then I start on the path that’s has a lot of twists and turns but ends up showing me exactly what I needed to see.
Lots of Love, Le’Ana
P.S. For those of you interested, the full print of the image above it is available here.
Sneek peek..”Spirit wings” coming soon to my shop.
“I’m a passionate believer that art connects and heals us all. Indigenous peoples have been using art to tell stories and express culture since the beginning of time.”
“I’m proud to be apart of that legacy by painting the enduring spirit of contemporary Native Americans. I want the viewer to be drawn in to the emotions of the figure and connect to the story in each painting.”
Over here trying new things. New colors. New series. Evolving. I’m giving myself permission to change and to let go of the things that no longer serve me. Letting go of old worn-out beliefs or self-imposed limits. Permission to take more walks and spend less time in the gym. Taking the time to explore new ideas, new shapes, and new colors. Making space for new things to emerge, new ways to discover how I feel inspired.
“ Dragonfly Spirit” by Le’Ana Asher, 16 x20 oil on canvas 2018
During my daily walks with my dog, I’ve overcome by the beauty and grace of the trees, this autumn. Trees are lovely at letting go of what no longer serves them, making room for new growth. The beauty of this transformation is all around me. Creativity is all around us if we are just willing to open our eyes, our hearts a little bit more.
Over here trying new things. New colors. New series. Evolving. I’m giving myself permission to change and to let go of the things that no longer serve me. Letting go of old worn-out beliefs or self-imposed limits. Permission to take more walks and spend less time in the gym. Taking the time to explore new ideas, new shapes, and new colors. Making space for new things to emerge, new ways to discover how I feel inspired.
“ Dragonfly Spirit” by Le’Ana Asher, 16 x20 oil on canvas 2018
During my daily walks with my dog, I’ve overcome by the beauty and grace of the trees, this autumn. Trees are lovely at letting go of what no longer serves them, making room for new growth. The beauty of this transformation is all around me. Creativity is all around us if we are just willing to open our eyes, our hearts a little bit more.
