There is something about fire that fascinates me. 🔥 Fire can be cosy in a fireplace and at the same time has the ability to destroy so many things. To me, there is a link between the elements and emotions. In my artwork, the elements are often my way of expressing emotions because I like to go back to basics. Going back to basics means to me going back to nature so I can give my emotions that raw edge and power that the elements inhibit. In this painting, I want to portray vivid fire, passion (whether that is in a relationship or for projects). Just like emotions, the elements occur in different states, from ravishing to calming. Last year, I wrote a paper about water symbolism in a certain poem. Even the Ancient Greeks used the element water to portray emotional states.
According to Emotional Intelligence, it is convenient to name what you are feeling in order to take action so you can prevent getting stuck in your feelings. Knowing what I am feeling and placing it onto the scale of intenseness really helps me. You probably wonder what emotions have to do with slow living. Well, slow living is about feeling it all and not only the “nice” feelings. Suppressing “negative” emotions to prevent dealing with them turns out ineffective and you’ll surely have to deal with them later.
To be brutally honest, I can get overwhelmed with sadness and stress but luckily there are techniques for addressing those feelings and moving forward.
How do you cope with your emotions? Do you want to know more about EQ?
Have a nice day and don’t forget to soak up some sunlight! 🌞
Best wishes, Laura
Laura van Cutsem 