“I see only forms that are lit up and forms that are not. There is only light and shadow.”
~ Francisco Goya
You open your eyes to a sunny day, and notice that the light is changing along with the seasons.
You change the way you’re standing in front of the mirror, letting the changes in light and shadow change the way your see yourself.
You turn your back to the sun, and see the shadow you cast on the ground. You turn around, face into the glare, and your shadow disappears.
You wake in the middle of a moonlight night, see the shadows of tree branches on the blinds.
You unleash your imagination and let the branches become the limbs of strange beings from other worlds.
You grow and change and come to realize that both light and shadows come in many flavors. You learn that light isn’t always ‘good’ and shadows aren’t always ‘bad,’ but that each gives dimension to the other.
You snap a photo, paint or draw a picture, write a scene, compose a song, and you find beauty in the contrast.
“Our job is to record, each in his own way, this world of light and shadow and time that will never come again exactly as it is today.”
~ Edward Abbey
Welcome to the 7th issue of Modern Creative Life:
Light & Shadow
When we planned the calendar for this year’s themes, we had no idea we’d be launching this issue on the day when much of North America will be witnessing a solar eclipse. Still, it seems as though the universe was – is – in synch with us as we make the transition from summer toward fall (or from winter toward spring).
For me, light and shadow aren’t opposites, but companions. Without one the other has little meaning.
As makers, as creators, we explore both, we appreciate both. We use the shadows in our lives to give the light times more dimension, and we embrace the light when the shadows encroach too far, or seem too dark. Art, in all its forms, is full of, and formed by, this duality.
We invite you to explore it with us.
In this issue, you’ll get a peek into the daily lives of other creative folk in our Studio Tours and Typical Tuesday series, and meet people walking fascinating creative pathways in Conversations Over Coffee. With photos and fiction, poetry and prompts, essays and enlightenment, you’ll find a deeper understanding into all the ways in which we all create.
“Life is a mixture of light and shadow, calm and storm, and it’s all good.”
~ Susan W. Krebs
As always, our mission at Modern Creative Life is to honor the pursuit and practice of joyful creativity. We believe that the creative arts enrich our everyday living, enhance our environment, create lasting connections, and sustain our souls. Please join us as we look to other creatives for ways in which they find peace in the shadows, or succor in the sunshine.
As we share the stories of other makers, we invite you to use their experiences as a guide on your quest for your own Modern Creative Life.
What lessons might you have to share with the world? Share your stories with us, serving as the example for others to learn from, and inspire them to explore the light and shadows in their own lives. We are open to single contributions as well as new regular contributors. Email us at moderncreativelife@gmail.com.
About the author: Melissa A. Bartell
Melissa is a writer, voice actor, podcaster, itinerant musician, voracious reader, and collector of hats and rescue dogs. She is the author of The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Holiday Tub. You can learn more about her on her blog, or connect with her on on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.