Here are a group of paintings that I am currently working on for my grateful project! Most of them are almost finished. I originally started this project painting one piece at a time, but lately, the creative ideas are coming so fast that I end up starting several at once. Sometimes I get stuck and I need to take a step away from a painting for a few days. It sits on my studio table for a while and suddenly I know exactly what to do to finish it.
It is interesting to be aware of the creative process when I am doing so many paintings, one after the other. I am so certain that all of my creative ideas come from a power greater than myself (that I also believe is part of me- part of all of us.) It is almost like I can feel the creativity swirling around the room and suddenly it pops into my head. At first I was worried that I’d run out of ideas, creating so many paintings in a short period of time, but I am learning to trust that there is an endless supply of creativity. Through this project I am seeing my artwork in a whole new light. I believe my art is a gift that comes through me and I am so grateful to able to share it with others.
My guess is that this process, even if it is described differently, is familiar to all creatives in some way. I remember listening to the amazing TED talk by Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity, where she retells a story from Ruth Stone, a poet who is chased by poems- Ruth described feeling and hearing the poems come toward her from across the field. She had to stop and catch the poems by writing them down before they would move on to another poet. I love that story. I love to think of creative ideas floating all around us and we just have to be open to them and aware. Then, catch them and bring their love and beauty into our world.
Hello friends! I'm Lori Portka. I make art with the intention to radiate love and healing. 
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so exciting to hear about someone becoming so intimate with their creative process, and have it just expanding!
Beautiful, beautiful!
Sending love XO
Brooke
“I am learning to trust that this will always happen.”
Oh, Lori…this kind of trust is so very sacred. What a deep, deep spiritual experience this has been for you.
Just sinking into the goodness & beauty of you–such a gift you are, my friend.
I love your paintings – especially the cow in the field. Every time I finish writing something, I am always terrified I’ll never be able to think of something else to write – especially when it comes to blogging. So I can relate! Trusting creativity is key. And I love, love Ruth’s story about chasing the poems. That’s so lovely.
Wow! Beautiful work and I love how you put it…trusting in the process and that the creativity just comes forth…I do think that creating art…it’s a way of living…not just work!
Hi Lori, that is one of my absolute favorite TED talks, so inspiring and describes how I think of the creative process too….I completely agree with you, that it is something that is speaking through me! I have missed visiting you here, I don’t know why but I am having trouble subscribing to your new blog, but hopefully soon I’ll work out the kinks. I have loved watching your online presence grow and develop! xoFaith
Your paintings are so beautiful! I love to hear you describe the creative ideas coming so fast. It is fantastic, and so good to hear someone say that happens to them! Bless you in your creative process. Enjoy it and know that you are such a blessing to others. Imagine if we all let ourselves be open to the art and beauty? I am only just learning what this means in my life, but you are a teacher to me in my process. Thank you.
chased by poems…i LOVE that!
& love all of your pieces…
this morning especially drawn
to the purple-pants leaping girl.
grateful for you, dear one. xox
Thank you for sharing this project, your artwork, and your journey as an artist!
Beautiful work.
Amen! Creativity is everywhere. Always amazing how it comes alive and touches more people through art. Your paintings are beautiful. Keep it up! 🙂
Lori, great to start to see them in a group. They look wonderful. I love that creativity is magic divine mystery…. and something we cannot really take credit for any more than we can take credit for how we look. We can work hard though and use the creativity like you do. Brilliant Job, you are going to make a lot of people happy.
Hi Lori, I just had to say hi and I love your post and your art! Beautiful!. It’s a strange thing but last night I wrote this on my Facebook page ~I feel like I have come full circle! When I was a kid I loved to draw, paint, write poetry and sing! And Now I am doing it all again!!! :-)~ Then this morning I read your article!! Wow! There is definitly something in the air and I feel it big time! I feel SO excitied inside as all these creative things are starting to pour out of me! What a time for us all to to celebrate our creativity!! Thanks Claire!
Hi Lori,
These are just beautiful and wonderful!! I love the talk by Elizabeth Gilbert – just wonderful!!
Love seeing and hearing your progress!! It is wonderful!
Oh, so beautiful! We are such an amazing gift. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talents
xoxo
Oh, so beautiful!
You are such an amazing gift.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful vision. You shine, my friend.
xoxo
oh my goodness… i love these ALL!
like little comets blasting through my heart!
makes me want to do a project like this! so inspiring
you are incredible!!!
XOXO