Horse

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The word I originally used to create Horse was “spicy” - because it’s the descriptor I tend to use when either Cirrus or Paloma (or both) feel the need to kick up their heels and toss their heads and generally celebrate in a horsey sort of manner.

But, in the end, I redrew this wild silhouette with the word…

Spirited.

While this is a word that tends to be used for outward expressions of energy, it is in horses where I most often see it balanced by a turn inwards as well. Sometimes this introversion manifests as deep concentration or intense worry, hard to see unless I take the time to slow down, look for it, ask. Other times, still, it radiates outwards as a great calm that is impossible NOT to feel in my own body. Either way, this inner energy carries just as much weight (or lightness) as any gallop or buck I’ve ever seen.

Now, in general, I’m pretty quiet - taking up space with sound or objects or even my own body is hard. And in a world where bigger and louder often seems to win the day? I can get to feeling like I’m “just not doing life right.” Horse is often my savior in these moments because he proves again and again that it’s ok to be all sparks on the inside while looking like cool, still water on the surface. Moreover, it’s ok to be burst into flames on the outside, too, when the feeling strikes.

Horse (and, for me, my horses in particular) proves to me again and again that our spirit is not only tied to the fire we share with the world - it’s also deeply connected with the inner fire that we burn just for ourselves.
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Original watercolor painting (8X6) available in December - date and time TBD