the only way to the way is the way

life is energy in motion, always moving towards balance. everything reaches a limit... and then it grows! as we, the individuals of expressed experience, change and grow, so must the spaces in which we co-exist. in the summer of 2010, i followed a call to Go West, young Shmee! and i left my life in new york city to adventure, explore and expand from arizona to oregon. i craved a direct relationship with the fruits of my labor and engaged in the WWOOF program, exchanging my heart-felt efforts for room & board on an organic farm. after my three week commitment, i continued on with a pack on my back and while, at the time, i didn't know what i was doing, i now see that all the pieces were in place and my humble pursuit was the thread of connection weaving ideas and ancient wisdom into a safe net that supported & encouraged my growth.

to chronicle my travels, i created a series of watercolor & ink illustrations. i painted and drew on buses, at burning man, in coffee shops, living rooms, libraries... e.v.e.r.y.s.t.e.p.o.f.t.h.e.w.a.y! it was such a grounding practice and helped me stay centered in midst of the unknown. i also wrote in my journal frequently, bringing clarity to the challenges and articulating the beauty expressed through some seriously magical moments. aside from the hand that penned the paper, what i wrote and what i drew were two separate acts - UNTIL NOW! squee! i recently read through my rambling passages and chose excerpts to pair with the stream-of-consciousness images. this album is a unique collaboration of Shmee's word and wordless spaces, brought together in hindsight. together they make the story more complete, expounding upon the details and complimenting the messages hidden in the vibrations of every line. i learned so much during this time and i hope it brings understanding to your own unique path.

thanks for being open to what i've got to share! i hope you enjoy this collection.
original paintings are 5 x 7 inches