Leslie Montana & Dreaming Deva

Flowing Upward - Watercolor on paper.

Today while looking through files of artwork I came across a watercolor I did in the summer of 2008. I haven’t seen this painting in quite a while, and actually I never finished it, so I think it’s fitting that I call it a sketch at this point. The flowing lines and upward movement of the petals are articulated in a delicate yet clearly defined manner and describe this flower’s natural reverence for sun and sky. The water element so vividly present in these flowers once they reach full bloom exudes a unique fluidity and colorful expression of movement. It’s all part of a subtle combination of elements that nourish my desire to create like nothing else can.

Titled “Flowing Upward”, my watercolor sketch of a purple and yellow bearded iris in full bloom brings back happy memories. In my mind I’m back in the garden where that flower once grew, back at my drafting table with a smooth white watercolor paper under my hand, back in my former studio way across the continent — all that and much more in one long flowing moment. Any work of art you relate to can reveal the space of a continual moment, breathing room for when we are forgetful of what matters most. A painting that touches us in this way can have an almost magical capacity to thread intervals of time through longer passages of time weaving in the lost connecting points. It serves to direct us to what our heart knows is deeply meaningful and truly of value — and all because it’s created (like precious few other things) with authentic, highly specialized “Low Tech – High Touch” skills and animated through the current or “currency” of soul. Perhaps this is why art retains and gains in monetary value over time. Perhaps this is also why the arts tend to be the best way of identifying the core values of any given culture, or lack thereof as the case may be.

My experience shows me that art has the power to integrate the disparate and bring cohesion and harmony where it’s lacking. — Or on the other hand, depending on the focus, it can bring it’s opposite. A necessity I believe when a form no longer serves the truth it was created for.

And by the way, did you know that bearded irises have a lovely sweet and intoxicating scent? There is nothing like it and it really can’t be replicated. These flowers exude what I call subtle vitamins. As in — gorgeous! They feed the limbic system and help us attune to the seasonal vibe of summer. All plants and flowers have their way of doing this. The green world has deep and accumulated wisdom that can teach us a lot about life’s ever changing cycles. And the fact that flowers like these inspire us almost universally speaks to us of Mother Nature’s ability to reach across common boundaries with uncommon ease.

Described and interpreted through artistic medium here, a purple and yellow bearded iris in full flower titled “Flowing Upward” — my watercolor sketch may bring you a hint of what’s to come this or any summer. A joyful feeling, an inner tickle, spring fervor (fever)… For me feeling the warmth, color and form of the flowers with paint brush in hand is an experience that constantly reveals life to me. And the beauty I take in through my eyes usually makes me happy to the point of overflowing and therefore naturally inclined to share my creations with you. For instance my new archival mini-print of “Flowing Upward” which is currently available in my gift shop. A wonderful way to bring the qualities of this painting into your home or office. Enjoy!

Leslie Montana | aka Dreaming Deva

The moon’s gravitational pull has a powerful influence on all types of cycles. Associated with the element water, the moon rules the tides, touches our emotions and informs the very ebb and flow of life itself. It is long standing knowledge that the moon’s energy can be of assistance when the time comes for planting seeds, be they physical or metaphysical. For instance, on the new moon we can more easily plant our seeds of intention and have them take. As the moon grows so do the seeds! Similarly, on the full moon we can more easily release what ever we need to let go of. The full point has been reached and this makes for a significant jumping off point. There is momentum behind our efforts to release and let go. The moons energy helps!

In times past people were far more deeply in touch with where their food came from. Life and death cycles and the physics behind them were highly respected. The knowledge, which was extensive (and still exists) was considered sacred. People were more attuned to what emerged through the earth and what the animals and insects were up to in their vicinity — and most importantly the interconnectedness of it all. Respecting the balance was critical. Our survival depended on it. It still does.

The candle featured in this post is called  ”Depth of Intuition“. This candle can be used anytime you like to help you tune into your “inner teacher”. I believe it’s important to make space in order to consciously receive and register the higher octaves of guidance that come from within, ideally on a regular basis. This practice builds strength over time and a healthy interdependence with all of existence. It can be the guiding light and principal behind all that you do.

Currently, at the time of this writing (2/16/2012) it happens that planetary conditions are a little extra ripe for heightened intuition. You can use this to your benefit with or without a candle. Just get quiet and still your mind for a short while. That’s the key to receiving intuitive guidance. Inner quiet. The depth comes from your repeated visits into this space. It’s where you suspend absolute attachment to the stories and distractions going on around you. It can help to meditate on the flame of a candle — and that’s what my Fire Blessing candles are designed for. They are energetically charged to give you a little extra help with your focus. You can learn more about my products and services at www.dreamingdeva.com.

Make use of and amplify the knowledge revealed through Mother Nature. Enjoy my Lunar Light Fire Blessing Candles and be in tune with great-grandmother moon!

Leslie Montana
also known as Dreaming Deva

I really wish I knew how to customize this blog template. I know how I want it to look and yet it does not respond the way a paint brush does in my hand. Hmmmm…. Creativity wants expression, now. NOW. So then, moving right along to the low tech scene — I’ve been working on several new paintings that I began just before the new year. What you see here is a snap shot of the under-painting of one in progress. It’s a light acrylic wash on canvas made up of purples and blues with oranges and yellows at the center. Applying the paint to canvas is a silent process (no words), except for what might float through my mind while I’m enrapt. Fortunately, for the most part I am able to ignore the chatter. And that’s good practice for this noisy world we live in. It’s my meditation practice. As for the act of painting itself, it’s a process, and that’s a major point of distinction here. In this case it’s not object oriented (even though the end result is an actual object). Here I’m aiming to make the image as beautiful as what I feel and see in my mind, which is connected to my heart. The aim is to go deeper with each brush stroke. To refine the the heart-hand connection and turn up the flow. It leaves room for nothing but an experience of life itself. A journey through my interior landscape. It’s where creativity becomes something more than what I thought it could or ever would be. It’s where we creative types like me sound like we’re going off and into another world into “awe-speak”. You’ve heard it. Great poetry comes from that place… How it feels — It’s like being in love without any of the baggage. And that adds depth, luster and even some grit to my real relationships.

Leslie Montana
also known as Dreaming Deva
Learn more about my paintings at www.lesliemontana.com 

Wishing everyone a Happy Healthy New Year 2012!!