About the artist
My journey into the realm of painting came about quite by accident.
I had just bought a BMW when I was invited to participate in a Mandala Painting Workshop in Nelson, BC, facilitated by renowned artist and author Paul Heussenstamm. It was a perfect excuse to take myself on a road trip from Vancouver to test out the new wheels. The painting part was definitely an afterthought.
As a successful and happy author, speaker, seminar leader, facilitator, strategist, and corporate coach, I figured this would be one of those why not kind of exercises that I could add to my list of experiences, but that would be about it.
To my surprise and delight I stumbled into an unexpected passion…and a new creative outlet was born.
The workshop freed a part of me I didn’t know existed. I learned that painting was not about technique and rules; rather it was about going deep into my heart and connecting with what’s really there. I discovered—and continue to learn—that as I surrender into the mysterious (and, dare I say, numinous) process of letting go of my ego mind, and allow my brush and hands to flow where they will, I create beautiful works of art that speak to my soul…and often, to others’ as well.
Painting and making art fills me up, nourishes me, and inspires all areas of my life. When I gift myself with time to paint, the rest of my life comes into perspective in unforeseen ways. I make connections with, and find solutions to, some of the free-floating issues that are present in various areas of my life that might otherwise remain elusive.
Cross-connections and clarifications continually appear and present themselves in abundance; sometimes with richer, deeper nuances than I ever imagined possible. Surrendering to the images and ideas that flow through me translates into surprising and satisfying offerings. As I relinquish attachment to outcome and dive with ease and simplicity into this state of being, I find deep contentment and peace. Painting, for me, is a state of being rather than doing; it adds joy and depth to my whole life. In the process, I’ve discovered that I actually don’t paint…I am painted.
BILL CHALMERS
Who’s to say the effort to be real isn’t the beginning of wings?
- Mark Nepo