With everything going on in the world today, I find myself wanting to disconnect more and more. Taking a few hours or even a moment to release helps keep my mind and spirit balanced. I find myself retreating to creative events, art installations or exhibitions, and anything else to stimulate my mind.
Checking out the Melinda Camber Porter exhibition on display at USD was the perfect release. Reading about Porter’s nomadic background and artistic approaches to her work had me intrigued. She painted these abstract and gestural triptychs that were vibrant in color and dynamic in composition. The thick layers of paint and textural qualities made me get lost in her work. I wanted to get up close, examine her brush strokes, and imagine how she applied them to the canvas.
This was the first time that I was fully engaged in viewing and capturing a piece of artwork. I have always been drawn to painters with an abstract and gestural aesthetic. Their expression is free and embodies movement. My love of being on the go, resonated with Porter’s work; I felt like I was moving while standing still. As my eyes followed her strokes, I was floating on her waves of cerulean blue and coral red.
This exhibition was a beautiful way to break away from the noise in the world. If only for a few minutes or for an hour, my mind and spirit were at ease. I was free for just a moment, indulging in Melinda Porter’s paintings, admiring her soothing strokes.
When you find yourself needing a minute away, take time to view an exhibition, go for a walk and let your senses absorb every sound, smell, and feeling, or be surrounded by nature on a park bench. This is not a sign of weakness but instead a sign of strength by knowing when it’s time to step away.
When we’re warriors for social justice, when the world is unkind to us, when we are mentally and physically exhausted, when so much is happening, we all need to take a break so we can re-charge and be prepared for the next battle we may face. Wherever your happy place may be, go there when you need it the most. Your mind and spirit will be stronger for it.
