I discovered within me an invincible summer.

Painting: River Abstract

In the midst of winter
I discovered within me,
An invincible summer.
- Camus

. . .

These are the times that try men's souls.
      - Thomas Paine, 1776 

. . .

Like a compass on the bridge of a storm-tossed ship
We search for the inner strength, inner equanimity
To keep our bearings
When chaos prevails around us.

We pray for the inner peace
To live with calmness and serenity
And create our work and lives out of that invincible summer.

This post from the online publication Journal Meditations of a Working Artist (formerly known as The Journals of Archibald Campbell, Wild Artist) is sent to you as one in a series of five. In part it is offered as a thank you for signing up, and in part to acquaint you with the work of Heron Dance Art Studio.

  • After the series of five is complete, you will receive these posts, as a free subscriber, twice a month.

  • Paid Members (discretionary contribution) receive these two to four times a week. You can become a Member here.

  • You can order print editions of recent Heron Dance books, here.

  • Everything Heron Dance does and offers summarized here.

  • Projects and Random Thoughts: What’s happening behind the scenes at Heron Dance.

Heron Dance Books

Creativity as a Way of Life: Journal Meditations of a Working Artist

Inspirational thoughts on the creative process and an exploration of journaling as a method of accessing inner worlds. Includes questions important to the creation of unique work and a quality life and journaling tools useful in uncovering the hidden currents of energy and inspiration that affect our lives, often without us realizing it.

To be published in February or March of 2025.

A PDF of this book will be included in Membership for all who support Heron Dance. Print copies, wire-o, lay flat binding will also be available.

There are still a few copies of the first edition of Nurturing the Song Within available. This is a premium art book with a Smyth-sewn lay flat binding printed by on high. quality art paper. It explores the inner work underlying creative work and the creation of a unique life.

Each day two-page spread includes a painting and journal notes on living a creative, meaningful life.

  • Hardcover first edition with dust jacket. $95 including shipping and taxes. Order here.

  • PDF $9.99 including tax. Order here.

  • More information here.

Below, two sample pages from my recent art journal, and the related diary/planner
Nurturing The Song Within

There are a few copies of the first edition (hardcover, dust jacket, premium art paper) still available. After they are sold out, we don’t plan to republish, at least in that format.

A mockup of the first two pages of the new book, Meditations on Gratitude, Beauty and Mystery. It is available now as a PDF, and in the next few days as a hardcover.

A mockup of the first two pages of the new book, Meditations on Gratitude, Beauty and Mystery. It is available now as a PDF, and in the next few days as a hardcover.

A mockup of two pages of the new book, Meditations on Gratitude, Beauty and Mystery.

Front cover, The Pausing For Beauty Poetry Diary. PDF and Softcover (Lay Flat, wire-o binding) versions available. Visit here.

Two interior pages, The Pausing For Beauty Poetry Diary. PDF and Softcover (Lay Flat, wire-o binding) versions available. Visit here.