One of my art goals for this year is to work more freely and loosely. I know that being so detail oriented in my art is more about me trying to exercise control in all the aspects of my life. I think this need for control and perfectionism is the cause of my creative blocks (although I did manage to eek out a little creativity at times). This affected my output; which meant creating less! I took steps this year to push myself completely out of the perfectionism zone, by creating smaller works, at a faster pace and I joined the 100 Artwork Challenge, so that I can create more, experiment and challenge myself. This does not mean I will be ... Continue Reading »
Self Care
Exploring My Truth…
I've been reading, Awakening the Heroes Within: Twelve Archetypes to Help Us Find ourselves and Transform Our World, by Carol S. Pearson. This book adds to the work of Joseph Campbell by expanding on the Mythic Heroes Quest, and giving one more tools to explore your true self. This book guides you in exploring the archetypes that live within each of us. It outlines the twelve different archetypes and explains both their strengths and shadow sides. Great reading as, I cozy up to avoid the cold and icy conditions that winter brings. Books like this help me to think, inspire me and hopefully strengthen my self-growth. Here are some thoughts ... Continue Reading »
The Life I Want…
I think the secret to having a joyful life is actually wanting the life you already have and being grateful for that life. Sometimes the desire for things – material things, relationships, jobs, experiences – makes us feel that our lives are not good enough. Like we somehow are failing because we do not have everything we want now! I think that the act of wanting can be good – it can be a driver, a motivator. It can drive and motivate us in two ways – positive and negative. Wanting can make us feel small or hopeless, or wanting can make us feel abundant and grateful. If we want more out of life from a starting point of wanting what ... Continue Reading »
Falling in Self-Love…
You and I celebrating you! If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place. Eckhart Tolle I found this quote at a time when I needed it, many years ago. In a world that places so much emphasis on our physical body, it is challenging to remember that the real work is done on the inside of us. Personally, I have spent many hours, at different times in my life trying to look a certain way…trying to fit a standard of beauty. I exercised like a maniac to fit into a certain size. I changed my hair numerous times and I spent a lot of money on clothing that was “in”. In fact, it took me until my mid thirties to recognize ... Continue Reading »
Wisdom Seeking…
All too often we doubt our self, our intuition, our own internal wisdom. We tend to think someone else will have the answers – and seek advice from friends, family, experts or gurus. It’s so easy to just assume that we don’t know the next step or the right answer. But we do. I'm not saying we shouldn't trust others or not seek them out, but often we have the answer within us. I've found that my real wisdom often, comes from deep inside. It's a mix of my experiences and knowledge that I've gained throughout my life. It’s hasn't always been easy to trust it – in fact, it is much easier to look for answers outside of ourselves. Often ... Continue Reading »
Beginning Again…
2014 came, conquered, and is over! I did what I could and grew in many ways and struggled in just as many ways, too! Yet, I am so grateful to be here for another new year beginning. The holiday of celebrating a new year coincides with my birthday; so it's always been a very special time for me on so many levels besides becoming older. But the one thing that stands out is how grateful I am to be in this place at this time, doing what I love to be doing...creating art in all forms that call to me. There is so much to be grateful for in this Life. So many blessings that are constantly unfolding before us, as long we keep our minds open ... Continue Reading »
Creative Blocks
With this time of the year, it's often challenging to find time and even when I do, it is limited. I have always managed to art journal, but I'm finding it hard to work on anything besides that! I have times when I'm creatively blocked and this looks like one of those times. For a professional artist, a creative block is not just frustrating; it’s potentially career-damaging. When you rely on your creativity to pay the bills and build your reputation, you can’t afford to be short of ideas or the energy to put them into action! A "creative block" is the inability to access one's flowing stream of inspiration and creativity. What was once an ... Continue Reading »
