Canvases

What is a canvas? I mean, I know the literal definition: a physical object, such as a closely woven, heavy cloth of cotton, hemp, or linen, used for tents, sails, etc., or a piece of this or similar material on which a painting is made. But lately, I have begun to expand on this definition, giving myself the freedom to create across a variety of objects and in different scenarios. For example, there is my passion for wood: collecting fallen trees of different shapes and sizes and seeing the potential to sculpt an idea into its own being. I have always been involved in the transformation of houses by remodeling, painting, scraping, knocking down walls, landscaping, and the like. Cooking is another canvas for my specialty dishes, for which I am well known among my family and friends. So many canvases I am constantly creating on. So, the whole point of this thought is that when I am not painting landscapes on a material designed to hold my moment of passion and insight, I am busy on another canvas; therefore, my creativity remains uninterrupted, and I continue to unfold my talents. Yes, that is a pat on the back, because this month I started to feel a bit discouraged about my work on remodeling our attic, which has been on hold since I purchased the home in 1987. It is very exciting, and I am in the midst of this creation, not wanting to feel as though I have put my painting on hold, but rather that I have temporarily diverted my attention to a different canvas. The larger definition of “canvas” can be defined as “a life.” Our life is a canvas that awaits us every morning, and we are privileged to give it the color, depth, texture, and perspective that reflect who we are and what we stand for in this world.