Hunkering Down

It’s the middle of January and this weather seems to demand that we hunker down. And, how could you not want to hunker down with the freezing rain and slippery sidewalks outside? It's a funny saying though, isn't it?

The definition of "hunker down" is to make yourself comfortable in a place or situation - OR - to stay in place for a period of time.

My family is currently hunkered down as the kiddos are home from school again today and I'm doing my best to accomplish my work tasks from home. That being said, over the holidays, I turned part of my kitchen into a temporary studio. Tubes of paint, paper plates serving as palettes, and brushes litter our countertops. Also on the counter, just a few feet away from where I sit, is the unfinished painting.

My intent with this painting was to reestablish my creative practice. I wanted to engage my hand again and reacquaint myself with my mark making. Whenever I look at the painting, my eye searches for the next starting point, my mind scrutinizes areas I want to pull forward or push back, and my heart seeks connection. In a sense, I've been hunkered down with this painting for weeks.

Now, I find that I'm becoming more comfortable in my creative process. The biggest take away from this effort is that it's no longer a question of if "I can" because now, I know, "I am".

When was the last time you allowed yourself to "hunker down"?

Thanks for reading!
Courtney Wasson, Executive Director