how art washes the world from the soul

Picasso once said, ‘Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.’ And I’ve just been thinking about that recently. When I immerse myself in art, whether it’s creating a book trailer for my love story, ‘Love in Montana’, or being in the studio yesterday I created a couple of paintings for my upcoming exhibition Blossom and adding beautiful flourishes of pure devotion, it was like a meditation and washing over me, washing over my soul.

When I am creating I Just forget about the world and all its squabbles and wars and greed. It’s pure escapism, and there’s nothing wrong with that, because you can’t live in a trauma trough all your life. You have to find ways to care for yourself, because this world can be so brutal and punishing.

And so, art does wash from the soul the dust of everyday life, because you’re suddenly not thinking about the world at all; you’re thinking and feeling and breathing a different world. Whether it’s a fictional world of books filled with make-believe, or it’s a landscape of your mind—like a fictional flower garden as I’m creating for my blossom exhibition coming up in October 2024.

Or researching and writing about other artists. The other day I wrote a little short story inspired by something I read about one of Pablo Picasso’s mistresses, Françoise Gilot in the book “The Woman Who Says No.”

Talented, and feisty, and an accomplished artist in her own right, Gilot left Picasso after a ten-year relationship, the only woman to escape his intense attentions unscathed. She had two children with Picasso. She writes that he was very controlling and he tried to ruin her art career when she left him and take everything from her. He was wild and he told her she would never amount to anything without him.

art washed the words of Pablo Picasso off Françoise, and she became a truly successful artist in her own right

But art washed the words of Pablo Picasso off Françoise, and she became a truly successful artist in her own right.

And, of course, their daughter Paloma Picasso became a renowned jewelry designer, designing for Tiffany’s.

I am lucky enough to have been gifted, for my last birthday in 2023, a beautiful pair of her earrings, which I treasure very much. They were inspired by the olive tree and the message of peace that it embodies. So it would seem Paloma Picasso turned to her art to wash away the trauma of her parents’ separation.

You may enjoy my short story, Portrait of a Woman. A heartfelt exploration of the power of creativity and love to heal. Perfect for fans of Danielle Steel, Sarah Morgan, and Jojo Moyes.

Sometimes, the most beautiful transformations come after the deepest betrayals…

In this moving story of empowerment, Cassandra discovers the transformative power of art and love, rising above the pain of betrayal to rediscover her joy. Echoing the legacy of Françoise Gilot and Paloma Picasso, Portrait of a Woman is a heartfelt tale of perseverance, artistic expression, and the courage to begin again. Perfect for fans of inspiring stories of women overcoming adversity, this story will resonate with anyone who has ever had to reclaim their own power in the face of heartbreak.

So it doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, whether you’re scribbling in a coloring book or, as I did the other day, having such a good time learning how to playing my guitar, laughing and laughing until tears came out of my eyes. It was so magical.

As I write this, I’ve only had the guitar for three days and I wouldn’t say that I’ve made anything that perhaps could be regarded as true music but importantly I had fun and I had joy and that’s what I try to teach people on my art retreats: forget about making it perfect, just enjoy the process and enjoy the gift that art can give you, for a little while, washing away the dust of the everyday world.

Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, Botanical Abstract Art by Cassandra Gaisford, 2024

Available>>

Playful, spontaneous and gestural strokes imbue this painting with life, happiness and healing. I found so much joy in weaving together the exquisite beauty of nature and the powerful themes found in Pink’s song “Wild Heart’s Can’t Be Broken.”

Each piece I create serves as a celebration of strength and resilience, where the flowers I depict become symbols of endurance and authenticity, echoing the empowering sentiments of the song.

I chose a colour palette rich in pinks, deep greens, and sunny yellows, allowing the artwork to evoke feelings of hope and vitality. My intention is to create an emotional connection that resonates with those who view it.

I drew inspiration from Pink’s music, feeling her influence infuse the painting with encouragement and optimism as I painted. Just as her lyrics inspire listeners to embrace their true selves and confront challenges with courage, I hope my artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys, celebrating the beauty that emerges from perseverance.

To me, flowers symbolise the wild heart—thriving against all odds and blooming in the face of adversity.

When people bring my artwork into their spaces, I want it to enhance their environment and serve as a daily reminder of the inner strength we all possess. It’s not just decoration; it’s a celebration of life’s wild and beautiful journey. I hope to inspire moments of pause and reflection, encouraging a reconnection with one’s own wild heart and fostering a sense of empowerment and joy.

“Wild Heart’s Can’t Be Broken” is a one-off original artwork

COME AND PAINT WITH ME

Experience the joy of creativity in my one day woman’s art retreat

details>>