Laurel Burch was a treasured friend and kindred spirit. She inspired me to use more of my own creativity. She showed us all that courage comes from your heart — for having passion for what you do. She created her art as gifts — when she first started making jewelry — but in my opinion her art was always her way of giving to others. Her beautiful, colorful, playful art makes people feel good. I will always remember the joy I felt each time I was able to spend time with Laurel. Her positive attitude and energy made her a joy to be near. I wish we had more time with her!
Please take a moment to visit Laurel's website and see her art.
The photo, below, is of me with Laurel at Book Passage, on February 2, 2002, at an all day event in her honor. My mom and my sister Tina drove to Marin to be there. My brother Duane was living here in Marin at the time and took this photo. My mom, sister, brother, husband, and son were all in the front row with me for this wonderful, inspiring, and joyful event. I will always remember the joy we were all feeling as we heard Laurel tell her stories, show a video by her daughter Aarin Burch, and then sign books and prints with her gold pen. I treasure the memories I have with Laurel — that day and all of the other times I was able to spend time with her in person, to hug her and talk with her, to hear her views on life, love, and how we are all connected through our love. Laurel was one of the most unconditionally loving people I've ever known. She inspired me to be more unconditional in my love and to feel a connection with all people, animals, and to savor my time here on Earth.
The illustration on the cover of my book, The Art of Living a Life You Love, was inspired by Laurel and her art. Laurel had given me permission to use her paint palette on the cover. When I was at her memorial I saw a beautiful painting of people with their arms connected and showing love and joy. My husband created the playful, colorful people for the cover of my book and they are dancing on Laurel's paint palette showing us that we can each be the color we are born to be and we can all play together, dance together, sing together, and love the life we are living.
Following are two of Laurel's playful, fun, and colorful paintings. I love her use of color. She has colorful art like these and also other palettes with earth tones. I encourage you to take a look at the art on her website and see the beautiful paintings, jewelry, scarves, coffee mugs, and other gifts created by Laurel.
I also encourage you to take a moment today to watch a short video of Laurel talking about her art. You will hear and see the passion Laurel has for her art and the love she exudes for all who are in her Circle of Influence.
Click here to see a 2 minute video about Laurel and her art:
Today, in honor of Laurel, please do something creative. What do you feel inspired to do? Sing? Write? Dance? Play music? Cook a beautiful meal? Decorate a room? Whatever you feel inspired to do, begin. Allow yourself to be the creative being you were born to be!
