PAINTING THE INVISIBLE
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- After three years of filming, James Ruffato, Jill Steenhuis’ son, has achieved a captivating, inspiring, and insightful work of great beauty. In this full-length documentary film, the viewer is invited to enter into the quiet and intimate world of Steenhuis’ prolific, creative, spiritual energy. The film focuses on the artist’s journey from Atlanta to Aix-en-Provence, and how she found her raison d’être.
Every 'art' student needs to watch this, perhaps even everyone could benefit. Pure poetry..
Thank you for your feedback. Makes me happy.
After experiencing the ups and downs in life, at age of 46, I started drawing and painting. I won some prizes at local art juried competitions and had my solo exhibition. Then a long hiatus followed. Recently I began to draw again, but am scared of taking up brushes to paint again. Watching your video let me understand that to create art, you need to coerce yourself into the creative mental state, and seemingly mundane things such as setting up your palette is important in bringing you closer to that meditative state. Your personal experience in doing art give me encouragement to get back to art. God bless you and your family.
Thank you for your message. Yes, premixing the palette, making all kinds of colors can wake up the creative spirit. And if a certain color speaks to you, then find something to paint where that color is present. It makes me happy that my documentary inspired you. act upon it before the inspiration fades away.
Your dad was very in tune with what you needed after losing your mom. What a blessing to have a dad so willing to dare venture outside his own grief and perceive your young heart’s longings. It is in giving that we receive. Moving.
IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECIEVE.. THIS STORY WAS SO HEARTFELT.. I also became a widow @ a young age . My girls were 9,8& 6 yo. I found that art heals and have always loved painting . Now in my 60s have really engaged with it and have time to reset and I'm able to enjoy this passion of mine . Keeping the Faith
And painting with all my soul. Art heals. Thks for sharing such a Beautiful story. Remain perfectly imperfect.
Thank you for your message and for sharing a bit of your story. Keep painting.
This moved me to tears. I have an inner voice that tells me I cannot do things things or it’s not good enough especially in my textile art. Understanding that you go through the same is profoundly inspirational knowing that you work through that inner monologue and coming out the other side. Your art is amazing… thank you for making this moving film of how you work and what influences you. I have also written the Delacroix quote down to remember - I feel this was destiny for me to see this today to move forward in a more positive and freeing way with my art - Joanne UK
Merci for your comment. We give and receive and go away full from sharing. Hope abounds. Let us both go forward today and tomorrow and onward creating and seeking the unknown, waiting for the mystery to be revealed, trying to let go.....
I find textile art is wonderfully forgiving and goes its own way with me following, choosing colors, movement and layers as distance and time bring inspiration. It needs to breathe by itself and speak to me in its own time, then we work together, developing forms and allowing additional elements to blend in as needed or required.
The Invisible is speaking in every frame, every word, every subtle movement and shade of color in this deeply moving tribute. I am reminded of the Spanish proverb that goes something like; “Speak only when it can improve the silence.” This film and Jill’s work improve the silence….mightily. Thank you both for making this beautiful production. I wish I could hang it on my wall!
Very nice comment 👌
Stupendous talent, XXXX
Thank you. So grateful that you watched the film and gave us such wonderful feedback.
Your words make my heart sing and I am grateful. Thank you.
So beautiful!!! Wow, this speaks volumes to my artist heart. A heart that has been in flux, struggle, grief, and angst the last four years, all while seeking to regain my sense of self, inspiration for creativity, and once again wondering if I'm good enough or even too late to capture my dreams. BTW, I'm from Virginia ❤, had friends who attended Sweet Briar! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, truly inspiring.
It’s not too late ❤ I’ve had my share of issues that took years of my life and my creative life and it’s still not over. My progress is slow but is within reach. Wishing you all the best ❤
You are never too old and it’s never too late 😊
We are all on our own unique journey. Each one is valid and remarkable. Destiny speaks to us in many ways, often through art and nature and through our sufferings. With the loss of each of my parents to suicide, my loss has been great. My father's bankruptcy, nothing left, nothing. Poverty is the door to freedom. Poverty is the rich soil to finding one's way and enter into a compassion that one would otherwise not have. VG wrote that he had found his calling, that he wanted to paint paintings that give comfort and hope to those who suffer like music does. His letters and paintings as well as other great masters have given me comfort and hope that has lifted me out of my suffering.
I am coming to Virginia for shows in Richmond & Virginia Beach on Oct / early November. Hope to meet you.
@@jillsteenhuis4337such a tender, colorful soul you have.
@jillsteenhuis4337 I would love to meet you at the Richmond event, I'm just 30 minutes from there! Ah, I found on your website you will be at Crossroads!!! That's even closer. I have some art friends that will love to tag along as well!! We try to do something together each month to enrich our souls and inspire us!! Looking forward to meeting you.
Beautifully done, James. A tribute to yourself, to your mother, your family, and to Art itself.
Thank you for this captivating documentary film. Jill, your voice engages like a purely creative balm for the soul. This is a magnificent tribute to your art and your life. I can't imagine you in any other environment. Best wishes to you and your lovely family. Well done!
Completely, beautifully nourishing - on all levels. Thank you
Merci, Thank you for your feedback. We shared our spirits and we go away on a higher plane than when we started.
What a beautiful story/life. Your father painted your future from the beginning.
Our Heavenly Father does the same , It's all about TRUSTING HIM , and HE works in us and through us , especially when we let go and live in agreement with Him ❤The almond blossom counts with Our Creator , we're all That blossom , in His hands , an everlasting flower , of Aaron's rod . ❤
Beautifully done . I am amazed when I come across this level of biography story telling. I couldn’t stop listening and watching! Thank you Jill ! And thank you to your father for confirming your creativity !
Pure poetry! Thank you for bringing a moment of sheer joy and beauty into my life.
This documenty was wonderful.... it touch my soul and brought tears a couple of time. Thank you for opening up and sharing your life and thoughts. I look forward to hearing more about your painting and processes.
Spirit led ur doc to me, a wondrous reminder to be still, be simple, listen & become the instrument thru which joy flows.
Yes, we are speaking the same language. Thank you. Cheers.
I agree , there is a spiritual world in nature. I have to admit , I think she is living the perfect life. The country home , the horse and painting by the fire. I'm a painter but I'm painting in hell , NYC. Yes she has the life I want .
That makes two of us. I have to paint in a small kitchen.
@@louisegibler477 I know the feeling , some artist have roof tops they can paint on for extra space. I have one of those folding plain air easels with the slide out draw. Those you can take outside and paint in the park or wherever you like. Until it gets too cold.
We are all on our own unique journey. Each one is valid and remarkable. Destiny speaks to us in many ways, often through art and nature and through our sufferings. All is possible and nothing is possible. The choices are before us. May we share our spirits and go away on a higher plane by receiving the uniqueness of the other. Cheers.
@jillsteenhuis4337 well said , very esoteric. Beautifully put. 👌
Jill, this was one of the most beautiful and inspiring films I have ever seen. What a beautiful gift I found on my feed! I identified with your creative process and moments of solitude, and this fueled me to continue learning art, as it saves me daily. Thank you for being such a beautiful inspiration. 🌸
Appeared at the perfect moment. No coincidences. I was ready and this film was ready to meet me. Thank you!
Thank you. Your response touches my heart. Sorry for the delayed response. My little sister died suddenly of a stroke, so young, so beautiful. I was with her until her last breath. Now she is freed from the cocoon and is a butterfly.
This just made me cry and let go…thank you so beautiful
May your tears be the fertile soil for the next step in
your journey.
What a beautiful documentary of a beautiful approach to art and life. Thank you for revealing some of the magic in your way of life, and allowing us to share in it, as well as in the story of your destiny. Jill, you voice is serene, deep, wise like the mountains you carry within. I’m inspired by your devotion to your subject, your commitment to see the invisible in your subject and let it be known through art. It’s so important that your voice, story and art be known, and send its quieting waves of beauty into the hectic side of life. I feel inspired and encouraged to follow my own spiritual-artistic path, which I think has kinship to yours. Blessings!
Yes, a kinship! That's it. We are connected in the spirit, helping each other along, cheering each other along to find each one's own unique voice and vision.
Such a beautiful documentary! Jill, it’s lovely to “meet you” here on UA-cam. Your son has made a lovely film of you, your creativity and your life. Thank you for inspiring me and your title for this was perfect! God bless you and yours!
Thank you for taking the time to watch the film. Hope we meet in the flesh one day.
A fitting and elegantly presented film! Like the repetition of painting the most meaningful scenes over and over, we too and I, will view this film many times. A work of art ! Thank you for the meaningful thoughts you share with us. A valued inspiration for all artists and for all.
@@saraht4973 Merci for your comment. Let us both go forward today and tomorrow and onward creating and seeking the unknown, waiting for the mystery to be revealed as we hold our paint brushes in awe, trying to let go.....
She was just brilliant with her story..i feel as an artist myself ...l learnt a lot from her...i was absorbed in her world from beginning to end...and felt very relaxed afterwards...and i know now nitjing has to be perfect when you are painting imperfections they are part of the process and learning curve.....thank you for your story. You made my day and now want to start creating again....xxx
Thank you for this video, your descriptions are so real and actual one phrase stook with me! When you’re mixing your colours , the fear of painting, goes away. That resounds with me, I’m always in trepidation before I put paint on paper. Once I’m on the paper, it’s as though nothing else exists and it doesn’t matter anymore if it’s perfect. In fact some of my best pictures, are experiments. I’ve only been painting with watercolour for about 2 months, it’s my rehab after surviving multiple strokes, one of which left my sight compromised, so it can be frustrating. Yes there is a spiritual world which captivates the heart, I really loved listening to your journeys I’m sure I will take your voice and the peace it brings into my future paintings! Thank you again and God Bless you ❤️🌹💐🌹🇬🇧
That's true! Contemplating Nature brings peace of mind and spirit. It brings creativity into one's mind and soul. Seeking the Almighty, Creator of the universe, brings us to another dimension. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
What a gem amongst recommended videos, thank you for sharing with us about your creative process. Everything in our life is due to our own merits. And then there's gifts like support of a father who opened up a new doorway to change fate. Amazing story Jill. Your merit shines through your actions
Merci! You are so right. Cezanne said, if you have 90% discipline & only 10% talent, you can be hanging in the Louvre. If you have 90% talent & only 10% discipline, you will go no where. And then there's the Gift. Oui.
@@jillsteenhuis4337magnifique
In nature I find the God-created Ikons, the windows through which the invisible substance of being is glimpsed. Examining the beauty that first presents itself and attracts me, I can look beyond and see the quiet, spectacular eternal Love and beauty that placed that flower, that reed, that brook, that mountain, that tree. Thank you for this expression in film of the relationships we have with our world through making art.
Thank you so much Jill for sharing your beautiful life story and your artistic endeavour which held me spellbound. I think that it must be the best 53 minutes that I have ever spent on youtube. In our peculiarly troubled world, this video is a breath of fresh air and a profound meditation on what it means to be an artist. There is no formulaic and sensationalized talent competition format you get on the reality TV these days in the creation of this unforgettable portrait of an artist. It has little to do with popularity but everything to do with friendship, love, unwavering faith and a purpose in life. It has an echo of what the poet Wordsworth refers to as "emotion recollected in tranquillity". Your insightful way of critiquing your own work is just as eloquent and lyrical as the art writings of John Berger, Tess Jaray and Fairfield Porter.
Thank you for your words. It's like a 3 way dance. I wrote this a while ago and still feel it strongly: "Nature is my dancing partner and we are waltzing together to bring into being a new poetry on the canvas - one of sound and movement like music - wild brush strokes and freedom of spirit and then letting go….. But what about you, where are you in all this? You are with me in this creation, you are there waiting for the new. You are part of this wordless dialogue. With your own sensations, with your own soul, you contemplate my work and you complete the phenomenon. You go away on a higher plane, having received my poetry and having given your own poetic reaction to complete the dance. Hope abounds and we face our daily struggles with new strength." And that's what happen. Thank you.
Oh Jill, I went to Covenant College in 1977 on Lookout Mountain! I was a young girl from a home of alcohol abuse and trauma where God was non-existent. I found God on that mountain and part my heart is still there. A few yrs ago while traveling through, I stopped on my way home to Texas. As I wound my way up into the clouds and ascended, every memory, every experience came flooding back. It was on that mountain that I cultivated my love for Messiah Jesus and learned how to grow as a beloved daughter of The Most High God. I put my love for art on hold while I raised and homeschooled my children. It hasn’t been until the last few yrs that everyday I am privileged to go to my art studio that my husband lovingly built for me on our beautiful pine tree farm. I have finally gone beyond the fear of failing and spreading my wings in watercolor florals….big bright florals! I share on X not bc I’m accomplished 😂 but bc it has helped me get past my fear of failure. I’ve found a newly inspired joy from God in the quietness of my mornings putting water and color onto paper and standing amazed as it dances across the page! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. BTW…love love love the scene of your husband and you dancing! ❤ May you dance many more years! ❤
What a beautiful explanation of this woman's life and her appreciation of the gifts that life has to offer. We need more to open our eyes and view the world around us with a sense of anticipation and be open to it. Thank you for sharing. ♥️
Thank you from my heart and soul. What a joy and gratefulness to have been seeing this video. Thanks for bringing faith in to me today
Thank you. This beautiful story moved tears. All the invisible goodness in the world. The film like a painting in motion
Merci for your beautiful and poetic words. We give and receive and go away full from sharing and hope abounds.
This was a very beautiful and well done documentary full of wisdom, richness, meaning and food for thought. Thank you for sharing. 🙏
THANK YOU from a fellow traveller through the labyrinth of art making/ mark making; hand prints on cave walls.....
Today we create, tomorrow we create and onward we go.....
This is just beautiful…I cried, don’t know why, but it just made me happy and so peacefull. Thank you for this!
Tender, delicate and beautiful- such intimacy, such silence- so generous - moved me to tears several times. Such a serendipity. Thank you
This is so beautiful and touched my heart in so many ways. It came to me from a friend at the right time and I’m so grateful to have witnessed this enchanting story of life and art. Thank you for sharing ❤️🙏🏻
Great insight and courage on the journey of learning by doing and knowing thyself. Thank you for sharing parts of the creative journey.
What a wonderful relationship! What a wonderful match and west a wonderful gratefulness ❤
Merci. Destiny came forward and somehow I heard the inner voice.
Thank you for being so open and honest. Truly inspirational.
A Beautiful story❤️😘
Lovely! As an artist it was great to hear that I’m not the only one who feels fear before I start painting after being away. Very lovely and warmed by heart. Thank you for your gift.
My goodness, this was food for the soul. Thank you Jill for sharing your deep thoughts, and your passion, and to James for his work of art also. Sending thanks and love to kindred spirits......Alioban ❤
You are so welcome! Your comment cheered me as I start my day. Now off to paint.🥰
I was sad to read of your bereavment. lts a truly difficult time ❤
Yes, it goes in waves: the sadness, the Light, the Love, the tenderness, the emotions up and down. And yet there is a certain profound beauty, living fully my sister’s departure all the way to her last breath.
Beautiful poetic, romantic, natural human emotions so many feelings expressed in one video. Brilliant!
Thank you. Your thoughts and practice of making art is very helpful and inspiring. I live in the rural Japanese mountains for 20 years now, we farm, and make clay sculpture and paint. I am similar age, with family, and fortunately, same Japanese husband too (international marriage of 36 years!). I feel grateful and lucky. Thank you again for your inspiring artist life practice and story, your beautiful drawings, and paintings.
Thank you Beth for your message. Though you are in Japan and I am in the south of France, it feels like we are sisters bound by a love of family, art and nature. Surely we will continue to cheer each other along in spirit.
Wow you are amazing. I have been buying paints and setting up my loft for a studio for the last few monthe months and you have inspired me to want to go out and paint. You need to wrote a book. I would so challenge you to do this. Your words are so insightful. Your thoughts are slow and so carefully put to others. They are welcoming and encouraging. Your painting is so wuick and rushed so different that your story telling. I wish I had more formal training but I just may have to dip into the paint and get going. I have never painted or drew with the fears and fast energy that you do but I do get a feeling of connection from my subject matter, like you speak of. I love tye press that you have. It is an old soul. I paint landscapes, pet and people portraits. Mostly people that have passed. Especially when I paint the eyes I feel that the person is in the room with me. I will be sharing this and look forward to more of your videos.i think we ate similar in age. I hope I can get quite a few painting done soon. I would like to fully retire to paint. Thank you for the inspiration!
This was absolutely lovely to watch.❤ I revisit often to watch when I am looking for peace and inspiration. 🙏🏾
Beautiful, poetic and inspiring documentary! Thank you.
Lovely. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight and quiet reflections
🌸🌺🙏❤️🙏🌺🌸
Thank you for creating and sharing! An inspirational gift to us all.
Lovely, peaceful film, thank you.
Thank you Jill I loved this documentary and reflection of your work and creative process xx
Gorgeous film. What a wonderful life you have! The title is so fitting. Thank you for the reminders of faith and letting go when it is time. Peace to you.
Thank you. This video reads like an art movie. Beautiful
I could not help, but crying at the end of this video. Thanks so very much for this sharing your story of faith and heart. 🌻
Ver esta presentacion me alegro y confirmo mi corazon. Gracias por mostrar tu camino. Gracias por inspirarme. Seas muy bendecida en tu vida.
This was truly wonderful to watch, to be blessed to have such insight into art after such hard work..
Just lovely. Jill's inspirational words on life, but particularly painting, will influence my own painting in a new creative way. Thank you Jill and James.
What an inspiring doco. Your perspective is a beautiful one. Thank you 🙏
11:17 the studio! This is my dream, working off my kitchen table is very "stop-start", not fluid.
This is so lovely and moving. God Bless you and keep you, and give you peace.
I appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Thank you so much!
Your video is Truly a Gift to me. Showing me where I am at present. My Truth.
Early in the video when you are painting the Mountain among the trees. Your Youth just ✨ glowed ✨.
I did notice from the first 'drawing' you show your talent shine through prior to you explaining how art tutors said this was you.
I am taking away your description of Faith avidly and your experience of the almond Blossom just hits deep down. Beautiful knowing.
I will be watching the video again I am sure with such wisdom throughout.
Much Love ❤ 🍃🌿🐝🍥
Your message today makes me happy. We have spoken to each other soul to soul.
Oh my goodness. I absolutely loved this film. What a beautiful gift and blessing it has been to see the world and love THROUGH the lens of your eyes and your soul. As someone who is a multi dimensional artist, I find it difficult to put what I see onto just one medium.thank you for your share and dedication.❤❤❤
Thank you so much! Receiving and giving are not too far from each other. You received then gave back with your beaurtiful comment. Cheers.
This was so captivating and so moving Profound ❤️ thank you for sharing your soul with us x
What a beautiful work this film is. Just luminous.
Your word have touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing. ❤
I so enjoyed this documentary. As a budding artist, this piece has given me inspiration as well as direction in what I need to do next. I wish I could meet Ms J. Steenhuis (in France!) someday.
So glad you enjoyed Painting the Invisible. If you come to Provence, come see me in Aix.
This is beautiful! This is a gift to the world! Thank you!
I went to Aix en Provence last year for the first time. I love the contrast with Marseille and Aix! I could retire there from NYC!
Thanks so much for your inspiring and poetic story. The stillness and quiet is essential for the creative soul. One feeds the other and defeats the fearful thoughts and self doubts that haunts so many of us. Painting is a fairly new creative outlet for me and has given me that quiet and soft demeanor that helps me grow spiritually and musically. Namaste.
Absolutely loved watching your documentary. I can see it is discipline I need! What a most beautiful story. God bless.
Beautiful isn’t enough of a word, but it was!!
Thank you, love you comment!
This is a lovely vignette. ❤ thank you.
I don't know how this came up on my recomended but I am glad it did and that I clicked and watched the whole thing. Such wise observations and interesting life story. You and your son are both very talented. I feel very calm after watching.
Thank you. Van Gogh wrote that he had found his calling, that he wanted to paint paintings that give comfort and hope to those who suffer like music does. His letters and paintings as well as other great masters have given me comfort and hope that has lifted me out of my suffering. We share through art and we go away on a higher plane than when we began. Thank you for taking the time to watch our film.
Your lovely film appeared at the top of my feed this morning. So thankful for that and for some reason I was drawn to watch it. What a beautiful and inspirational life. It inspired me to always remember to let natures voice guide me. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this wonderful film
Glad you enjoyed it
Wonderful video! Thanks for sharing.
So very true and so beautifully expressed 🙏🎶🐦⬛🎵🖤
Merci for taking the time to watch Painting the Invisible. Your comment makes me happy.
Magic!
Wisdom and grace; such a beautiful soul!
So sweet and strong! Thank you!
This was beautiful. Your words and work remind us how truly exquisite this Planet is. ❤️
This video is a work of art. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Incredible ..inspiring ..sensitive..full of love. Beautifully filmed and presented . Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you so much! We give and receive and go away full from sharing and hope abounds.
Lovely lovely lovely. What a joy to listen to your story and the manner in which you told your story. We must see beyond…
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are not seen are eternal. I Corinthians 4:18
Painting the wind is about losing myself and going beyond. It is the perfect illustration of what painting the invisible means to me. The enveloping all-encompassing wind beckons me into a dance with nature and ignites my inner soul. The invisible through visible brush strokes, making a new poetry on the canvas.
This video was stunningly crafted from beginning to end. It was a spiritually moving experience to quietly watch, listen and float along with Jill’s self-discovered perspective on shared human truths that I had forgotten. Many thanks to documentarian, James Ruffato, who so artfully pared together, through his art form, the artist with her thoughts.
Thank you for your amazing feedback. We gave, you received and gave back in your beautiful response. Therefore, we shared our spirits and we go away on a higher plane than when we started.
@@jillsteenhuis4337 Thank you for your lovely unexpected response. As I read through the all the other comments you are receiving, it is not lost on me that you have quietly attracted a sweet and gentle community of the ‘invisible us’ standing with you. I will think of you and your lived artful philosophy often. I have learned much.
You had so much trust in the living God that's why you went to church searching... So beautiful ❤❤❤
absolutely lovely moving story and images. thanks 💙
Thank you for taking the time to watch the film and for responding.
I wish that most people had access to this type of life . I understand the necessity of peace ..especially of spirit ….unfortunately there are too many who never get to realize and enjoy what she has at her disposal due to circumstances over which they have to fight daily and have no way of overcoming.
It's really interesting seeing other creatives "do their process", for want of a better expression. I find a lot of my peace in a seaside suburb of a small city, it's a pretty good place for what inspires me. Seeking nature, I find it in my neighbourhood. Backstreet are fairly quiet. I start painting and sketching when something catches my eye, and I somehow tune out everything around me. Except the beauty in front of me.
We are all on our own unique journey. Each one is valid and remarkable. Destiny speaks to us in many ways, often through art and nature and through our sufferings. All is possible and nothing is possible. The choices are before us. The beauty is that each one is different. Peace comes in many ways.
What a wonderful documentary of your art life. You inspired me to draw more to improve my painting. Thank you, Jill.
“Drawing is at the root of everything”, wrote Vincent Van Gogh
I draw with paint to begin my painting. But I also draw as a habit. I might draw for 3 hours or I might paint for 3 hours. I do both. Drawing is quick, only need a pencil and paper, keeps me working and developing my way constantly. It is my habit of being. Drawing can be equatated to walking and painting to jogging for me.
O so concisely conveys the essence of life itself...universal yearning to connect with the hidden kernel of all life
Thank you for your honesty...
A really great story great and great artist
Beautiful, beautiful!! Moved me to tears…
May your tears be the fertile earth to inspire you in your own journey.
Thank you 🦋
You are so welcome
Beautiful story, thankyou.
Thank you for sharing your beautifull and deep process that really resonates and inspire to search and inspire how drawing and painting are a kind of Silent dialoque with Nature and intense sending of life 🎶🩶🤍🖤🎵
Wow. Amazing story. I am thankful for this opportunity to see what you do.
Beautiful. Everything.
Thank you for taking the time to watch it.
Love your work! Do you have a video in which you talk about your favorite colors and color mixes in you work. The colors are always so brilliant and beautiful.