I could be euphemistic or exaggerating, but I consider myself a vehement expressionist. As a function of my creative nature, I must express myself, speak my truth and illustrate my vision.
Some people are happy with quirky hats and 'Gas in rear' t-shirts. Adventurous folks even put streaks in their hair. Since I moved back to Weyburn four years ago, my hair has been blue, purple, bright red, platinum blond and completely shorn -the latter being my favourite. I still keep the back of my head shaved because I like having the best of both worlds - the cool feeling of the undercut balances the responsibility of maintaining my curly locks, which express my feminine side.
I have been doing tie-dye for years and I have been creating art my entire life, but lately my need for expression has led me to a more intense outlet - and a more permanent one. I can still make dream boards and paint motivational murals, but recently, I got my first tattoo.
Its meaning is entirely personal, as tattoos should be, but I chose my inner forearm because it will serve to remind me of things I easily forget - purity, wonder, trust, unity, truth, devotion, levity, wisdom and peace. Respectively in threes, each group represents one of three phases of life. To me, it's simple but beautiful. My husband never cared for tattoos before, but now I have him dreaming of his own inking. My son, however, was quite disgusted when he realized I'd have it forever.
My boy may not like tattoos, but he sure does like makeup - in a 'paint your own super hero face' way. He has located my special occasion makeup and has been regularly painting things on his face, such as giant eyebrows, a pair of glasses, spider-man masks, or an abstract expression. Each persona also puts his tickle trunk to good use as well. I enjoy being a part of the process, when he lets me. After I mentioned Captain Levity in my column a few weeks ago, he specifically asked me to mention Mr. Lightning - the guy with the bushy eyebrows and a lightning bolt that just had to be drawn on his shirt at that very moment. He loves attention. I wonder where he gets that from?
Although I haven't been able to commit much time to acting, the Crocus 80 Theatre did send me to a theatrical makeup course in January in Regina, where I learned some pretty cool tricks. I also learned to do basic stage makeup, which I put to use on the cast of 'Murder's Bad But Monday Can Kill You' in March. I just have to say, adults make believe in the most organized and amusing ways.
I taught Easy Sushi at the Signal Hill Arts Centre twice this spring, as well as Creative Scarves and Bandanas. Each class was a lot of fun and encouraged endless expression in easy, practical ways.
I love baking, but I'm also on a weight loss path right now, so I have been making everything into a much healthier version than before. Instead of flour, I grind gluten-free grains and coconut and it always come out with flying colours. Wheat flour was becoming a problem for me due to its scientifically-proven addictive nature. Now, I use coconut, rolled or quick oats, sometimes goji berries and cacao beans, and also often a grain like buckwheat that I have sprouted and dehydrated. I use organic sugar, free-run organic eggs and real butter in everything I bake. It's worth baking for yourself, knowing you're getting something better. Compromise does not always have to require a sacrifice of flavour either.
The vehement expressionists learn skills and then spend their lives exploring ways to use those skills infinitely, to affect others as much as they affect themselves. Expression is my healing and it is my purpose. I rejoice in this simple realization. But if I couldn't share it, would it be as healing?
Ask yourself what you'd say if you could be remembered for saying one thing. If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, have a conversation with a child. When it comes to inspiration, kids are like rampant viruses. They are primal, vehement expression incarnate - and they are a blessing.
If you could only be remembered for your smile, would anybody remember it?
The beautiful thing about self-expression is that we are all capable of it and the world would be quite boring if some of us didn't use it - for ourselves and for one other.
