Over the last decade after creating large healing art installations for ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving tens of thousands of visitors, managing around fifty volunteers a year, figuring out how to financially sustain my art business, struggling to secure a venue to host my work, and buying over 335,000 interactive supplies for the ArtPrize audience, I needed time for solitude and creative rest.
The whole idea started while meeting a new friend for coffee at Union Station in Denver. While discussing all my exciting adventures in helping tons of people experience healing art over the last ten years, my friend, Laurie, simply said, “Pamela, I think you need to take time for rest and recharging.”
I admit I was tired. In fact, I was worn thin. I had worked really hard for a decade. For an artist, the creative journey is often uphill. I’m not whining here; I’m just making a statement about the typical artist’s way.
Laurie proceeded to offer me a week of solitude at her guest cabin on her ranch in the mountains. Wow! How could I turn down such an unusual and generous gift?!
So, this January with great anticipation, I packed my heavy snow clothes, boots with Yaktrax, journal, pens, and a few carefully selected books—and headed west. Before reaching Denver, I had arranged rides to my mountain retreat and back. Of course, my week of solitude was carless. I mean Ernest Shackleton didn’t have a car on his arctic expedition, right?
After driving into the mountains, a quaint, snow-covered cabin, my home for the next several days, came into view. Then a new and unexpected feeling prickled through me: anxiety. A week…alone and carless? I almost started crying as I watched my ride disappear back down the slope. But the discomfort passed within a few moments when I sat down to plan my schedule—and unplugged from social media.
Here’s a quick glimpse at my week: Life becomes very simple with no car and no Internet.
Day One: Put away my paintbrushes for a bit and fell back into the deep snow to stare at the big blue sky.
Day Two: Made a gratitude list.
Day Three: Watched a herd of elk disappear over the ridge and went snowshoeing later in the day—following the elk tracks.
Day Four: Read and reflected.
Day Five: Set goals and evaluated my art direction.
Day Six: Packed my suitcase and headed back to Denver with a renewed spirit—ready to create new art!
My friend had given me a valuable spiritual retreat. Although art had opened the door for many exciting adventures and many special new friends, I had needed something else. I had needed rest. As I headed back down to routine and busyness, I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving.
So glad you could have that special time Pamela !
We are studying Genesis in our neighborhood study and we have all been struck by the need for Sabbath rest – naturally God knows what we need !!!
My trip into the mountains was a great opportunity for a special time of rest, reflection, and thankfulness. We all need to return to Genesis moments every now and then. After being back home for a month, I have discovered that is it very easy to slip back into “overdrive.” Thanks for your comments, Nancy! So true.
Pamela,
Love this story! What so many of need but don’t do for ourselves and for the people that share our lives. Well done you!
Kris, my time for personal soul care was overdue. It took a new friend to challenge me to hit the “brakes” and “turn the key off” for a bit. I would love to take a solo trip like this once a year to refresh my spirit. Great to hear from you!
Thank you Pamela for giving us a peek into your week of much needed rest and regeneration. I am looking forward to what the future hold for you. May God bless you.
Thanks, Pam! Whatever the future hold — you’re part of the team!! Love you!
So well deserved, Pamela! You should take another week whenever you get the urge…
Mary! You made me laugh! I probably need a year! Great to hear from you. Really appreciate your creative investment in so many young lives! Thanks so much.