Rivers and Petals Watercolors

“Rivers and Petals” watercolors collection, copyright © Sophia Khan

A most beautiful message arrived in my inbox a few weeks ago. I would love to offer it forward to you, here. It is of poem, attributed to Khalil Gibran, in which he describes a river entering the ocean. It was shared within the context of feeling relevant to current times. It is titled, Fear, and it reads as follows:

It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path she has traveled, from the peaks of the mountains, the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

And in front of her, she sees an ocean so vast, that to enter there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

But there is no other way.

The river cannot go back.

Nobody can go back.

To go back is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear, because that's where the river will know it's not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean.

A pause....a moment to take in the breadth of this.

For me, this feels so special because it suggests that the decision has already been made. And the element of trust that the river has towards the ocean. The courage indeed, but also the inevitability of the river’s “Yes” to becoming one with the ocean.

My creative life often mirrors that of my spiritual life. (If you are also a creative and this idea resonates with you, do you have a look at the writings of Julia Cameron). And so the beautiful suggestion and invitation in this poem inspired a new color palette in my studio. The warmth of magentas, pinks, and reds. Shimmering gold pigment. And the softness, the gentleness of turquoise and undersea green. Yes, that indeed is the name of the lovely color :~)

The subjects being conjured with my watercolors, almost a bit on their own, were light filled rivers, oceans, and fragrant and vibrant petals. All the while leaving something to the imagination, to stir from one's own depths. Around me, the enchanted fragrance of Neroli & Rose, and the scent of freshly cut grass outside my windows.....as these watercolors were joyfully painted.

If it might delight you to peruse this new series, they are being offered here.

It’s beautiful to imagine ourselves as this river Gibran speaks of. But also to envision this life, this place we are blessed to inhabit as the warm ocean of grace that too invites us to its shores.....

Until next time, I wish you and your loved ones much serenity, wellness, beauty, and grace.

With my Warmest Regards to you,

Sophia