Interesting, I'm still learning so much with this new ink. This was a blue black ink that I mixed and the paper turned it green. That's the adventure of making art. You never know what will happen. Happy surprises abound!
Today I had a really lovely studio visit, a nice couple. They purchased one of my favorite prints (I'll post the picture tomorrow) and when they left I noticed I had a huge thick swatch of dark ink on my upper lip. Basically I had given myself a Hitler mustache. Oy, is really the only word that adequately describes the feeling! Of course I was mortified. But then I reflected on the kindness they showed me in not mentioning it. Instead of beating myself up, I took their example and practiced kindness toward myself. The mortification (mostly 😊) turned to laughter. So many times in life we go to self-blame and miss the opportunity for kindness. Kindness really changes everything. Could I have made the same print tonight, if I was still giving myself a hard time? I doubt it.
Poem by Dogen
Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water.
The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great,
The moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide.
The whole moon and the entire sky
Are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.