Blueberry Collection Now Available

HOORAY! The Blueberry Collection is now available! Check it out here. 

This blueberry collection is an ode to the longing of the sweet simple joys of summer. And I'm excited to share them with you. This has been a delightfully focused effort. Giving myself the assignment to focus again and again on this rich subject matter has helped me to step into more joy.

I'm thrilled about the names found in this collection, Blue Rhapsody, Pick Me, A Blueberry View, Little Wisdom, Tiny Reminders, and more. Many of these names were submitted from my online community-thank you!

Blueberries are a reminder to step into joy, to savor the moment, to open to tiny reminders of hope and possibility.

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand." Mother Theresa

Hoping that your summer is filled with moments of respite, joy, and ultimately wrapped in love.

Three things that make this collection special: 

1. This is my first online collection! Choose and reserve your favorite piece in my online store.
2. Free shipping on this collection (in the continental US)--Oh baby!
3. New sizes! This is my first time offering such a broad variety of sizes...don't have room for a 4' x 4' canvas?--maybe you have room for 6" x 6"?

Check out this blueberry collection!

Five Years | Letting Yourself Be New

This week I'm remembering five years ago. Five years ago I had swallowed a radioactive pill as part of treatment for Thyroid Cancer and was in isolation. Five years ago something opened up in me. Yes, a painting practice (in isolation I created my first large painting). But something else opened up in me. A softness. A compassion. A willingness to see my life with more gentleness. A willingness to see your life with more gentleness.

This elephant painting (on the left) is from 2013. Though this elephant is not my first large painting, it is a painting from this first year. I remember creating this elephant and immediately loving it. The novelty that I had done it! I had painted an elephant--it was recognizably so! Looking at it today I see vulnerability and rawness. I named this painting (on the left) "Strength". That is what I was longing for, that is what I was calling into my life. 

Remembering 2013, I revisited this same canvas size, this same subject matter. It is amazing to see how five years have shaped me. How showing up with compassion and gentleness has formed me. How showing up at the canvas despite my newness, despite fear and doubt, the way I see has shifted. The way I experience life has shifted.

It is stunning to see this painting on the right that I've been working on recently. Revisiting that same canvas size. That same elephant. Curious how I see differently. There is more texture, more color, more patience with myself to spend time in the joy of it. 

I believe that giving ourselves permission to show up, to do our best, to be new to something, to be more gentle and kind than we previously thought possible. Doing this will change us. I'm so grateful for the way these five years have shaped and changed me. I can't wait to see what the next five years bring.

#gratitude #lookingbackseeingbeauty#radioactiveiodine #isolation #thyroidcancer#curious #elephants #bronwenmayerhenry#remember #workinprogress

Blueberry Collection is Almost Ripe

HOORAY! My blueberry collection is ripening! Thursday June 28th is the date (preview for my studio newsletter list is on June 27th) that the collection will be available online.

Right now I'm surrounded by blueberry paintings big and small.

And I'm considering my ten year old's most recent question, how fast are we spinning? (1000 mph-holy smokes!) I'm grateful for the grounding and presence the creation and experience of art can bring to life. 

Do you feel like you are spinning through life too fast? Are you overwhelmed? Does summer time mean slowing down? Do you wish summer time meant slowing down? Me too.

This blueberry collection is an ode to the longing of the sweet simple joys of summer. And I can't wait to share them with you.

Sign up for my studio newsletter for early access.

A Prayer for Times of Change

A Prayer for Times of Change

I'm taking a leap and shifting things around in my life. Right now I'm feeling the vulnerability of these changes.

As a result of this feeling of vulnerability, I decided to take a break from blueberries to work on a butterfly. Sometimes imagery calls me. Few images speak as powerfully to transformation as the butterfly. The butterfly reminds us to be changed, to let go of old ways of living and thinking, to step into beauty and possibility. And to remember how fragile you are along the way.

This is my prayer today as I paint, written for anyone going through times of change.

As we move, may we remember stillness deep within. As surroundings shift and anticipation expands, may we dwell in this moment fully. As we say goodbye, may we go with the flow and the dance of letting go. As words are needed, may we speak truth. May we trust our gut, and lean on friends near and far. As the noises of negativity, fear and doubt present themselves, may we turn down the volume and remember how we are held in this moment. May we remember how our paths are unfolding already. May we remember that right here, right now, everything we need to step into possibility and love is available. Amen

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Maya Angelou


 

Write a comment...

Tour Bronwen Mayer Henry Display at Abington Art Center

I recently had a chance to share some of my reflections on pieces at the Abington Art Center in a video (below). If you weren't able to make it in person, this gives you a sense of the heart behind some of the pieces. I'll be taking this show down June 6 (sniff!). It was a great deal of fun to display work in such a gorgeous space.

Open Heart Studio Workshop at Abington Art Center

Over the years people have approached me and asked me to help them get started with creativity and painting. For a long time when I reflected on this I answered 'no' as I wasn't ready. I was still at such a fragile point with my practice that any free moments I needed to dedicate to painting.

Something shifted for me in the fall, and I felt open to creating a space to help people step into their creative practice, and Open Heart Studio arrived on the scene.

Since October I've led 8 of these works. The 9th offering is scheduled for tomorrow at Abington Art Center.

It is magical for me to share my experience of stepping into creativity and it is an honor to help others overcome barriers and experience the restoration and bliss at the canvas. I'd love to have you join us.

Sign up for my studio newsletter to be the first to know about new dates/locations of workshops.

Paint First (Not after the house is clean)

I had a small window this week to paint before a 9am mtg. I walk past the laundry (it actually looks like that from pre school clean clothes hunt), past the dishes and dive into the canvas.

I don’t paint because I have all my chores done and my life together. I paint because it grounds and centers me. 

It is so joyful to see these new berries arriving. 
.
.
.
.
#priorities #paintfirst #theoxygenmaskthing#spiritualpractice #creativityfirst #discipline#blueberrycollection
.
.
Want to see my blueberry collection when it is ready? Sign up for my studio newsletter in  to be first to know!

Announcing Blueberry Collection

I'm soooo excited to announce a new project I'm working on--which you may have already noticed if you follow my works in progress on social media--blueberries! I'm creating a blueberry collection. I'm going to see how many canvases I can create between now and when blueberries ripen with all different shapes and sizes. They will then be first available to my studio newsletter subscribers. 

Do you love my blueberry pieces?! You are going to want to stay tuned!

Sign up for my studio newsletter here and I'll keep you posted on how things are ripening!

http://www.bronwenmayerhenry.com/about/

Here is a sneak peak:

Blueberry Painting (4' x 4') #workinprogress

Finding Us

All fear is when we feel separate.

When we remember we are connected, fear dissolves.

As I created this painting I was preparing for the event Finding Hope 2018. I was meditating both on things that break my heart and also the healing power of connection. 

Painting this mother and baby elephant series was a concrete reminder of both the longing for refuge, shelter, and protection and also the deep truth that these elephants demonstrate of connection.

When we remember to walk together in life, though the greatest struggles remain, we are less alone. And finding this 'us' will be the path through. Stepping out of isolation and into the comfort and care of community.

This painting is created with permission inspired by the photography of national geographic photographer Ronan Donovan.

"Finding Us" 48" x 48" (c) Bronwen Mayer Henry (AVAILABLE) (Inspired by Ronan Donovan)

Art is Healing

Art is healing.
Art can transform the energy of the space and the energy in your heart.

I recently had an urgent request for a piece. After a few years of stability, my friend had a series of three seizures in close succession. Two of which her 11 year old daughter found her. Their family was shaken. They felt afraid in their own home, alert and wondering when it might happen next. She asked me to create one of my mother/baby elephants for them as a reminder of safety, shelter, refuge.

I put aside my current projects and created this piece. Before beginning I wrote a prayer with chalk on the canvas. Then I started painting. And I got the most gentle message. I share it with you here.

Let go of all expectation and hope.
Dwell completely in this moment.
Know that what is happening is an expansion of love.
There is nothing required of you but to show up, breathe, rest, and extend love however you can. 
The rest will take care of itself. That's all.

Certainty does not lie ahead for any of us. And yet meditating on the deepest refuge available. The place within us that can't be harmed. The connections between us that can't be broken. Meditating on this will change you and your ability to face your life.

"Held" 48" x 36" (c) Bronwen Mayer Henry (Acrylic on Canvas) 

#held #bronwenmayerhenry #elephantsheal#healing #artheals #letgo #meditation#visualprayer #truerefuge

Art Opening

Last week my first show at an art gallery, Abington Art Center opened! I tried to play it cool when they put my name on the wall, but it wasn't easy! What was easy? Chatting all night about my art. Here were the top three questions I was asked (and my responses):

 "How do I make the time?" I paint early, paint first before kids wake up if needed and before I go to work. I have a plan (just like you put out gym shoes at night if you are running in the morning) so I don't hesitate. I dive right in.

"How long have you painted for?" I've painted in a committed daily way for almost five years. It was great fun to tell the story of how I got started. Sharing my first painting "Radioactive" in the gallery was a real treat. 

"How do you choose your subject matter?" (Also sounded like, "Why flowers AND trees?") I described how I follow joy. I let nature inspire me, I let color speak to me and I go for it.

One thing I realized as I answered these questions and many others is that working on my book (still in pursuit of agent/publisher) has helped me to refine so many of my thoughts and approaches to creativity. Of course these are constantly evolving/growing and yet there is a strong foundation of ideas there. I look forward to sharing more!

Thank you to all who came out! If you are in the Abington area the next 6-8 weeks stop on by. The show will be up through the first week of June.

Missed the opening and want to connect? I will also be part of a morning program on Saturday May 12th 10-12 "Coffee with the Artist" together with local ceramicist Christina Orthwein.

To my delight I will be offering an Open Heart Studio IN the gallery space. This is a special one time offering on June 2nd 10am-1pm. Grab a friend and save your spot!

-- 

Bronwen and Christina

Here I am with one of the other featured artists, Christina Orthwein (not pictured: Mark Dixon)

Talking Art

It was so fun to hear people's questions and get to share some of my process.

Making an Impact

It was awesome to hear how the paintings spoke to people-I was moved watching other people be moved!

Taking in the Love

What a night! Soaking in all the love.

Laurel House Opens New Office

With each original I sell,  I donate 10% to non-profits making a difference. One of the non-profits I've been able to support is the Laurel House working to end domestic violence.

I'm touched that with Laurel House moving to a new office they chose to decorate with many of my Society6 prints. 

New Project Announcement (Something that Scared me as much as that first big painting)

I am pleased to share with you my newest project, Radioactive Painting (How a Cancer Treatment Lit Up My Creative Practice), a book I've written to share the profound turning point in my life of stepping into creativity and compassion. I hope it will help nurture the creative (and compassionate) spark in others.

Right now I'm in the hair-raising-prayer-inducing process of sending out my proposal to potential agents and publishers. (I welcome any leads!) Why did I feel compelled to write? How in the world did I find time to write a book, paint, and do my day job and spend time with my family?

When I was in isolation for thyroid cancer treatment, I created this painting (below), " A New Story Was Needed and So She Wrote It." In addition to painting, writing has been a core component of my healing.

I wrote this manuscript over a course of 18 months, much of my writing time was between 5-6:30am and also two self-initiated writing retreat weekends to do major in-depth edits and re-arranging.

Writing this book has been a work of the heart. I have felt compelled to share this experience. Writing has been a way for me to synthesize and digest the lessons learned through cancer and at the canvas.

While writing, I have wrestled self-doubt and discovered my humanity. I'm struck by the power of showing up daily toward a goal and actually making some progress (even when it doesn't feel like it). One of my grounding mantras was from Glennon Doyle, "What is the most beautiful and true story you can tell?"

I am open to sharing my story more broadly and curious what that might look like. If you or anyone you now might help me make new connections--I'm open!

Thank you for all the encouragement and support along the way. I'm excited about this new step in sharing my story and a message of compassion and helping others to step into creativity as well.

Big Milestone...Displaying work (in solo show) in Gallery for First Time

I am sooooo stinking excited to share with you.... that I’m displaying my work at Abington Art Center! A solo show! Filled with big beautiful white walls. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Please plan to visit April and May this year. With an opening on a Friday April 13th 6-8pm.

What a Difference Five Years Makes

This is a photo from a recent Open Heart Studio workshop I offered. You might notice it is at Valley Hair. You might notice the easels, the colors, the open heart mantras. 

It just so happens, that I five years ago, to the day I was in a different place. 5 years (to the day of this workshop) ago I had just learned about the possibility of having Thyroid Cancer. 

I am in awe of the transformation that has unfolded in my life over that period of time. Painting has been a gift that has helped me to find presence and compassion (as well as the pure joy of creation).

In Open Heart Studio, participants have the opportunity to safely step into silence and color, to open to gentleness and joy. The gratitude I feel for the opportunity to share my delight in the practice, the meditative practice of painting, is enormous.

I look forward to continuing this monthly tradition. Stay tuned for some exciting updates about upcoming sessions.

The juxtaposition of this anniversary (of diagnosis) and the way my life has filled with color and compassion is a reminder to me that for each of us beauty can arrive that is unexpected. I hold a hope and a prayer for each of us that though the hard moments of life cannot be avoided, there is comfort and hope (even beauty) waiting for us.

Blueberries for Peace

With each commission I work on I ask the collector if there is anything I can hold for them in prayer. This is an integral part of my creative practice. It centers me in the transformative impact of creativity to open compassion rather then slipping into the familiar yet tiresome act of performance and striving to be 'good enough'.

With these blueberries, the collector gave me an unexpected prayer request, to pray for world peace. What a humbling invitation. Who am I to pray for world peace? What does world peace have to do with blueberries?

I have experienced that I don't have to know how it all will weave together. That something unexpected will emerge.

And sure enough, to my surprise, these are blueberries for peace. As I worked I contemplated the deep longing for world peace and the simplicity (and beauty) of an individual blueberry. I mean honestly what is more perfect than a ripe blueberry warmed by the summer sun? If you could sit still and savor a blueberry you might experience inner peace. Which seems like a lovely stepping stone toward world peace.

As is often the case once I start something I am eager to do more. So I went ahead and created more blueberries for peace. These blueberries I call "Remember Peace I and Remember Peace II" 30" x 30" (c) Bronwen Mayer Henry. They are currently on display at High Point Cafe. 

I donate 10% of each original sold to a non-profit answering prayers in practical ways. I follow the inspiration of the painting content or prayer. For these blueberries I will be donating to the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia. So much of conflict has religious roots and the work they are doing of building bridges and conversations is definitely towards a more peaceful world. 

Let's Stay In Touch

Sign up Before February 1st and your name will be entered in a raffle to win a free set of 4 stationary cards. 

Peace in the Valley

Peace in the Valley

This painting was created with a prayer for peace in the valleys of life. As I worked so much peace washed over me. I was reminded that though there are rocks along the way there is a gentle force flowing, moving around any obstacles. There is movement and in that gentle movement, there is comfort. 

May you find peace in any valleys you are currently navigating. May remember to look at the delicate flowers along the edge of your path. May you trust in the flow carrying you along. 

Original available for purchase! Contact artist for details.
78" x 48" (c) Bronwen Mayer Henry (Acrylic on Canvas)

Prints (and products) available here: https://society6.com/product/peace-in-the-valley837532_print#s6-7833589p4a1v45

Facing Sacred Moments

I saw a woman stand at her daughter's memorial service, with grace and gratitude, honesty and vulnerability. She spoke hope into the face of great darkness. She heroically faced a sacred moment in her life (rather than hiding, numbing, denying).

And yet I also honor what is not seen. The smaller moments. The unobserved moments. Waking up repeatedly with the loss of a loved one. Looking into the dark abyss of your heartache and choosing to keep walking.

In our society we celebrate specific things. We celebrate grad school and running long distances, but do we celebrate the quiet, hidden, moments of courage? Do we honor the daily heroism present behind closed doors and locked in hearts?

Being alive is heroic. Being alive and willing to face sacred moments is a gift to everyone around you.

I created these irises inspired by this woman, in memory of her daughter. Honoring her journey. Honoring her daughters journey. I think of irises, at least the varieties that grow near me, they are humble in the way the plant grows. They spread easily. They are hardy. And yet. Once they flower you realize the royalty, the exquisite beauty present right there. That is what this painting honors. It honors the blow your mind beauty present in ordinary life. That beauty feels destroyed when a loved one dies. And that beauty is restored as we learn to see it all around us. The courage to face life after such tremendous loss is like that gorgeous purple iris opening. It comes in ordinary/modest way, and yet its impact is extraordinary.

(left to right)
"Facing Sacred Moments I" 30" x 30" (SOLD)
"Facing Sacred Moments II" 30" x 30" (AVAILABLE)
"Facing Sacred Moments III" 30" x 30" (SOLD)

Remember the Presence of Love.

This morning tears were dropping down my cheeks as I painted. I don't know if it was compassion fatigue. Overwhelm about people suffering from destruction of hurricanes. The despair of racism and the current presidency. Maybe it is the sadness over the new cancer diagnosis of a friend's son and the courage needed for that battle. The very prayers I am holding at this canvas, "open to new life" "accepting uncertainty" and "peace in between", touch me personally. Being alive is so courageous. Battling for your life is courageous. Letting go is courageous. Tears fall for my brother in law who died suddenly just 10 months ago.

I sit and look at these magnolias. They are as delicate and elegant as a flower could be. Even in this incomplete stage, there is a calm and comfort that comes off of them. 

And I'm reminded. Reminded that in the face of life's hardest battles, the darkest grief and deepest pain, beauty can help resuscitate us, and remind us of what is really true. If there is anything I know for sure, that this last year has taught me, it is that love keeps going. 

Love is the wind in the leaves. Love is the friend helping you through a hard time. Love is speaking truth, taking a knee. Love is holding your hand during a nightmare you can't wake from. Love is present with you in the emptiness. Love is calling to you through the noise. When I am still enough, a stillness that comes to me with brushstrokes, I remember this presence of love. 

#workinprogress