Last November, I was lucky enough to be a guest blogger for http://www.mkebeardbook.com. Thanks, Jessica Kaminski, for letting me be part of your story. Just in case you didn’t get to see the post, I am posting it here. Grateful, as always, for the opportunity to reflect and share. http://www.mkebeardbook.com/blog/2016/11/23/beards-a-celebration-of-spirit-interview-with-sean-mizer
Recently, I went to the Grand Canyon.
It was a retreat, an intentional rebirth. I went there to learn my values, to learn to set new boundaries, to transition from anger to forgiveness, to create new goals, and ultimately discover my purpose. The trip helped me remember the magic/essence of life, reassuring me that it’s okay to dream, okay to play, and to be specific too… but mostly to love. Starting first to love within and then as I realize it’s okay, to share that with others, and then the universe.
I started the journey with a kind of nervousness. Ultimately for me, in the beginning, was anticipating a return to the source or a maybe just allowing oneself to, allowing myself to feel present, while at the same time embracing the infinite unknown.
Part of that unknown parallels the unknown of “Can I achieve the result? Will I achieve my intention? Can I do this?” By accepting my fears and making myself vulnerable to the possibilities, a transformation takes place. That’s the magic. Expand your spirit, find your castle, envision the grandiose.
I left the retreat feeling proud, confident, adaptable, protective, and kind. A lion. I left knowing that at the foundation of my being there is a need to expand my spirit, learn my story, to know my intent.
Returning to the shop, I have poured that spirit into each new project, fully investing myself into the work, remaining grateful that it not only keeps pouring in, but that my clients share my values.
To learn more about the retreat or to go on one yourself, click here:
http://liveboldly.simplesetup.com/live-boldly-adventure-coaching/
Well…
During a painting I go to a place that’s kinda dark.
Fear, pain, anger, and rage reside there.
Good or bad, it was a place one learns, necessary to survive.
A boy within the Dragon.
The problem is,regardless of predisposition it has become habitual and a learned reaction.
Maybe fight or flight,
Maybe addictive,
Maybe safe,
but also no longer necessary.
Unlearning is difficult without deciphering. Remapping.
I’m very good at surviving,
May be The Best,
but it comes with a growl.
While painting I must face it, go through it, and leave it lying there on the floor.
I don’t like be vulnerable ….
But I am trying.
My art has never been fragile. We have had a lot of fires. I think art/painting and such is about process, not a destination. I don’t think it should be on a pedestal. One may learn, discover, release, and grow. The beauty is in the process not product. It’s something to get you there. If you take a long trip and drive to get somewhere, when you arrive you don’t turn around and say “nice car”. Art is about life, not life about art. If you haven’t lived, you might as well not paint. Really, I hate talking about art and the intellectual/ego that seems to go with that because painting is a silent or loud interaction with oneself. Afterwards, take it for what it is, or leave it. It’s of no consequence.
Started off this week by seeing Slayer with Luke.
The metal love continues today with some custom railings. Over a thousand pieces. Sometimes it’s gotta hurt a little. The guys at the steel yard call me Santa.
As owners and entrepreneurs, we all want that next big job, but there is nothing better than collaborating with other artists. Happy to work with Matt Gramling this time, building the steel frame for his Tree of Life.
SEAN MIZER 