WEEK 90-CULTIVATE THE soft 3 C'S OF ART.
Courage: To make space between the things that happen in our lives, situations, people, events and the way we respond to them.
Curiosity: Find new ways to adopt a curious mindset. Let's ask ourselves this: Why am i struggling with this feeling or situation? What would it feel like to be the other person?
Compassion: Call to mind people in our lives and consciously appreciate them by seeking their inmate goodness. This cultivates feelings of tenderness, gestures of care and love for others.
WEEK 89-ART MAGIC
Artists are miniaturists of grandeur, determined to make every littlest thing the very best it can be- not out of egoic grandiosity but out of devotion to beauty, value of time, thought and to the raw materials of our art life.
WEEK 88-WHAT'S THE BUZZ ON ABSTRACT?
Abstraction is about making art that deviates from real life. If the goal is to do abstracts, one needs to improve our art mindset. We need to build good, even fantastic foundational drawing skills before choosing abstraction as our genre.
Let's practice drawing beautifully and as we evolve, we can let our art evolve and become increasingly abstract.
ART LIFE built on non objective goals, made in simplified shapes and forms showing no visible can be satisfying.
WEEK 87-ART AND INNOVATION
Art and innovation are two vital activities of life dating back to our very beginnings. Through A&I, our society unites, shares and innovates. Both encourage creativity, expression and risk taking. They help build vibrant communities. Art and Innovation record where we have been and open up our minds to where we can go. It is this intimate connection with the experiences of others that built the unique perspective built on our own reflections.
WEEK 86-ART BONFIRES
Our creative fires can often burn low, sputtering and smoky if we do not tend to them. They can become uncontrollable raging bonfires.
"Art is not just for the privileged, the special, the anointed. It is the natural creative expression that is the birthright of each one of us."
What makes art hard to create is our tendency to elevate it and think that if it is not perfect to us and to others.... it is not worth making. I kick dirt on this idea, I stomp on this idea
WEEK 85-EMOTIONS TO CREATIVE FUEL
We need to let go of "making a great and pretty" painting, instead make a "feeling" painting. Artists have a deep well of fervors waiting to be tapped and released. We need to gently reroute the urge to impress...with the intention to express. Always paint for ourselves..
Get messy, get aggressive. Paint on a larger surface, jump around, let it all out. Paint with rags, knives and close your eyes. Let your heart and soul guide your hands. Most importantly....just make ART.
WEEK 84-COURAGE
Art journaling/sketching is the thermometer of an art life. Days or weeks without journaling or sketching typically mean we have fallen into a simmering well of chaos. In order for art serenity to radiate, we need to turn to our stockpile of places to find COURAGE in our art mind. We all need sacred places that exist to hold us up when our artist legs wobble a bit:
1- COURAGE IN THE PAGES OF FAVORITE BOOKS. The pages we revisit from time to time are reflections of our lives. We embrace and find inspirations in the boldness of each pages. A few reread words can be blessed for our art souls.
2- COURAGE IN OUR FRIENDS OWN WORDS. Do not shrug off our confidantes' compliments. When they tell us the art if amazing....believe them.
3- COURAGE IN OUR ART CLOSET. We all stash away magical art ideas, why let them stagnate in the back of the dark closet?
4- COURAGE IN OUR FAILURES. Nothing is truly lost unless we let pass away without meaning. Let us reframe the stumbling blocks as lessons learned.
5-COURAGE IN NATURE. We can easily appreciate our environment, sitting by our windows to witness a bird stretching its wings.
WEEK 83-from NOTHING
Being an artist means always starting from nothing. Our work as artists is courageous and scary. There is no brief, no problem solving given to us as a task. Our work is entirely inquiry based and self regulated.
We embrace the fragile process of teaching ourselves to work alone, focusing on honing our quirky creative obsessions so they can eventually become so oddly specific they can only be our own.
An artist's success is difficult to measure since we have chosen a practice that is entirely dependent on being willing to possibly fail, over and over again, regardless of any successes that do come our way. Such is art life...from nothing.
WEEK 82-ART STYLES
Art styles evolve daily as we engage with different materials and techniques. New interests and influences will fold into our art lives.
We need to keep our passions and curiosities close by to guide us in assorted directions. Boldly use watercolour with oil, acrylic, fabrics and ceramics.
The more we focus on process and follow the thread of curiosity, the more exciting the process will develop and the more we will enjoy the outcomes.
WEEK 81-ARTLYSING
-use art to analyze life as it affects us.
-integrate art in therapeutic ways.
-when we do art, we are engaged in the world that surrounds us; this is how we find meaning and fulfilment in our art life.
-"artlysing" will lead to patience, love and compassion towards our art making.
WEEK 80-ART NOTES
Writing about our art helps us organize our thoughts, collect and capture ideas. When feeling under-inspired, go back to the writings. Capturing the fleeting observations before they escape is crucial in our daily routine. This habit creates a useful resource, a map of inspiration and ideas. my latest prompts:
-How do i want my art to feel?
-What am i interested in exploring?
-What processes do i need to explore further?
-What material do i need and have on hand?
-What advices do i need to give myself?
-How do i continue to nurture my desire to make art?
WEEK79-WHAT DO ARTISTS DO?
We paint, draw, sculpt, make prints, illustrate, weave, make collages, design print materials, invent, build, make functional art, make art to be worn, perform, transform objects, transform spaces, make public art, create illusions, communicate, make gifts, tell stories, record moments, use shapes and lines, use colour to express mood, use humour, use words and letters in our art, create from found objects, use unconventional objects to create art, develop art making skills, learn how to use tools and materials, take care of our studios, develop a style, observe AND explore playfully.....always.
WEEK 78-3 P's of everyday ART
1.Permission: once we decide that we are worth the time and have a few supplies, nothing/no one can stand in our path.
2.Preparation: have supplies surround us wherever we are-make a travelling art kit and do not leave home without it.
3.Playfulness: it is about immersing oneself in the creating process-make art because it is fun.
The positive feedback loop is: MORE ART PLAY=MORE PRACTICE=BETTER SKILLS=BETTER ART=MORE ART MAKING.
WEEK 77-NEW YEAR..NEW INTENTIONS
Artists welcome the solitude needed to grow our inner creativity. Silence becomes the fertilizer of our imagination BUT we need to find respite in our routine structure and familiarity to start each new year full of intentions:
-Love: engage and connect with families and friends.
-Breathe: deeply and routinely.
-Write: everyday in order for our thoughts to become real. Be honest even if we are afraid of the answers. Our minds easily dismiss our dreams and pains, but our eyes and hearts cannot.
-Paint, Draw, Sew everyday: keep creating visual habits to stimulate productivity. Capturing our surroundings helps define our art lives.
-Gratitude: All that we are grateful for is in front of us...be gracefully grateful.
WEEK 76-WHAT, HOW, WHEN, WHY
my 4 wishes when someone looks at my art:
WHAT can i see just looking at this art?
HOW was this actually made?
WHEN was this made? what was happening in art and broader history at the time?
WHY did this artist create this work? Is there a message for the viewer?
WEEK 75- M. M. A. make more art
There are those who believe "quantity in art making leads to a lack of quality". Some of us believe the opposite to be true, quantity leads to quality in one's work. Make More Art and the better our art becomes, therefore:
-the more we discover.
-the more we find hidden gems.
-the more we find confidence in our decisions.
-we are better in spotting patterns, connections and themes.
-we discover fascinations.
Best of all we are better equipped to identify what is within our own art that excites us to Make More Art.
WEEK 74 -ART EMOTIONS
At times, doing and creating art requires us to arbor emotions we just can not explain but should still embrace in our daily work... Here are a few:
SONDER-the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as you own.
RUBATOSIS-the unsettling awareness of one's own heartbeat.
ELLIPSISM-a sadness that you will never be able to know how history will turn out.
NODUSTOLLENS-the realization the plot of your life does not make sense to you anymore.
OCCHIOLISM-the awareness of the smallness of one's own perspective.
MONOCHOPSIS-the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place.
LIBEROSIS-the desire to care less about things.
WEEK 73-PROMPTED
Creativity is a fickle state of mind. Much like a tide, it goes up and down, rises and falls, swells and recedes. Artists wonder how it affects us, perhaps we ought to wonder how and why WE ARE affecting it.
At times the ideas are pouring out easily and effortlessly, feeling natural and at peace. Yet other times, it is dry and barren, like a desert. Our beloved " self doubt demon" awaiting to take over the moment.
It is helpful to have extra guidance, a fun challenge to fulfill. PROMPTS are ideal- it can be a word, a phrase, quote or a song; they affect us, acting as jumping off point into a sea of creativity. Read the prompt, close your eyes and dive in.
WEEK 72 AN ARTIST'S RULES OF ACQUISITION.
1. Reconcile yourself that every trip to the art store will require at least 1 hour.
2. If something is on sale for 80-90% off, buy it. If it comes in multiple- buy it all.
3. Never turn down a free art item; even if it is broken or seemingly irreparable.
4. Do not succumb to the lament of " i have no room to store my art supplies".
5. Artists forever remember that ART is essential to the success of our World.
6. We promote the back to basics and fundamentals which are essential to the enjoyment of the arts.
7. We believe creating art is making marvelous out of the discarded.
8. No one is allowed to borrow our tools without our explicit permission.
9. It is not only our right to do/make ART, it is our national duty.
WEEK 72 DO ART INTENTIONALLY
Each day take time to touch base with:
MIND: learn something new, think with care and revisit your point of view.
BODY: stretch, reach, extend and be mindful about what you choose as fuel.
HEART: be thankful and give more than you get.
SOUL: find a moment in life's chaos and just breathe.
Whatever art we choose to do, embrace it, commit fully to it, else why are doing it at all?
WEEK 71 REASONS TO MAKE/DO ART
Learn new things-Expand our visions-Learn from someone else-Increase worldview-Makes us think-Kills boredom-Keeps us inspired-Increases attention span-Helps problem solving skills-Mostly inexpensive-Travel to new worlds-Easily portable-Never ending inspiration-Brightens our days-Makes us wonder-It is fun and BECAUSE WE CAN.
WEEK 70-AN ART STYLE
An art style is a mix of identity, taste, experiments and experiences.
IDENTITY: one's identity can not be changed, like who our parents are and where you were born.
TASTE: this what we genuinely love, small and big things that light up our lives to the gut. This is not about skills and what we can do. It is about our receptivity and what we simply love.
EXPERIMENTS: this encompasses all the things we try, the job we have had. It is the sum of every trial and errors we have achieved to teach us about strengths, successes, mistakes and weaknesses.
EXPERIENCES: are all things that ever happened to us. Memories, wounds, where we grew up, our friends, our grieves and joys.
WEEK 69-COLOURS
oh magical, fascinating and mysterious world of colours...how I revere you. While preparing a colour theory lesson plan for a young artist friend, my spinning colour wheel reminded me how much the infinite colour permutations remain an enjoyable life-long pursuit of an artist life.
WEEK 68-UNDOINGS
Our ART life as we know can not be undone. The strokes of our sketches, the words writ on the pages of our journals are an artist tenuous belongings and through them...life lives and will repeat thriftless times.
WEEK 67-ART SAGESSE
Creativity is caring and empowering. Art, craft and literature uplift and inspire. They make the world a better place.
WEEK 66-C'EST LA VIE
Approach your art with a soft don't care attitude-expectations of a great outcome may damper creativity. Just play. Try many different artistic endeavors, at least once. This mindset conjures ease, freeness and sprinkles a little bit of magic in our art.
WEEK 65-CREATIVE LONGEVITY
The creative process can be messy, take a deep breath, summon courage and begin anyhow. We are allowed to evolve our art. We cannot be at the finish line at the beginning. be ourselves with vengeance. If we get stuck, go outside feel the wind, stars, nature and breathe. Write down our ideas before bedtime, mind dump so to rest peacefully. Stay inspired, explore side interests. Learn, make and do.
WEEK 64-WHAT DO ARTISTS DO.
artists paint-artists draw-artists sculpt-artists weave-artists are architects and inventors-artists build-artists perform-artists transform space-artists tell stories-artists record moments-artists use shapes and lines-artists use colours to express moods-artists use humour-artists develop art skills-artists learn to use tools-artists take care of their studios-artists observe-artists explore playfully-artists look for ways to make creativity part of their lives-artists have the grit to get up and try again and again.
WEEK 63- Hallmarks of life
In art life, we realize there is a role in everyone we meet. Some will test us, some will use us, some will love us, and some will teach us. But the truly important ones, will bring out the best in us. They are the rare and amazing people who remind us why an art life is worth living.
WEEK 62- PPP: Passion, Prudence, Practice.
"The art supplies does not make the artist." I am passionate about this phrase. The prospect of creating gratifying pages with minimal, inexpensive materials that can be found in unconventional sores is about experimenting. For example, if you love opaque paint, a luxury brand will do nothing for you if it is transparent. Even the local hardware store may hide art material gems.
On the other hand, there are outstanding art supplies that are one of the kind gems to me:
-Sennelier oil pastels
-Van Gogh watercolour
-Handmade indigo paper
-Spray adhesives that do not smell.
We just need to experiment and discover what sit our style of art. our creative talents are defined by our PPP.
WEEK 61-BUILDING A STASH
The magic of mixed media is that you do not have to create "inside the box". I enjoy working on many layers with an end piece in mind from watercolour to acrylic, pens, oil pastels and the list goes on.
An eclectic artist enjoys many ways of creating. Working in batches is stimulating and efficient. Some days, i may just want to work on background pieces. This way i create a stash, i can pull from later. Other days i will work on sketches and inks only. My stash of goodies grows.
WEEK 60-CREATIVE ART LIFE
Artists yearn to live their creative passion, yet they live in the uncertainty of the outcome of what they create. They are ultimately still fulfilled by the mere act of producing something despite that uncertainty.
WEEK 59- ART ACTION VERBS 2
Create: invent-construct-imagine-assemble-develop-design-curate-build.
Apply: change-practice-demonstrate-assign-implement-engage-teach-interpret.
Remember: memorize-reproduce-identify-repeat-recall-locate-define.
WEEK 58-ART ACTION VERBS 1
Evaluate: appraise-decide-assess-choose-select-reflect-recommend-defend-judge-criticize.
Analyze: explain-examine-contrast-differentiate-integrate-inspect-point out-break down.
Understand: describe-ask-associate-perceive-explain-articulate-follow-observe-discuss.
WEEK 57 ART INTIMIDATION
A way to overcome art intimidation is to go at it with paint flying and scissors cutting. Adapt to new things to your own way of thinking and always come out with new arsenal.
WEEK 56 INBORN TALENT
Everyone is "creative". A trait not restricted to visual artists, musicians and authors. Creativity needs to be cultivated in order to grow. At heart, it is about problem solving, about finding ways to connect things together to come up with new possibilities.
Building on each other's ideas, making tweaks and giant leaps into new innovations....it exists in everyone of us.
WEEK 55 WHAT WE CAN NOT SEE.
" the hand is the visible part of the brain" Immanuel Kant
I find this quote appealing, especially when i yearn to start a mini creation. Working small keeps me hyper-focused to explore the many layers of textures and mediums used.
Small art...Mighty art
WEEK 54 LET GO
Nothing is perfect in Art life. Learning to let go is growth for us mortal artists. Enjoying getting my hands paint dirty is my favorite therapy. My hands are my best directive tools. Blending, gluing, painting and splattering can all be done with the tools you never leave home without.
WEEK 53 TIME AS AN ASSET
Time is a constant presence. It gives us a sense of order, clueing on where we are throughout the day. It guides our actions, shapes our choices and will influence where we place our attention. The freedom is all ours to decide how we fill and shape the space within ours days. Artists believe the greater asset is the HERE and NOW.
WEEK 52 HOPEFUL WHISPERS
One never knows how art journaling will impact your life- my art journals provide me Peace, I call them "hopeful whispers". Sadness often manifests itself when a journal is full, binding falling apart at the seams. Hope grows in hard places, in souls searching for light, and in the unfolding of a dusty, precious journal that holds fears, tears and a helping of grace.
WEEK 51 ART JITTERS
To ease art anxiety when i start to feel jittery and jangled, I find comfort in noticing my surroundings. Calling on our five senses helps create awareness of the present. While sitting, standing or walking, take a few cleansing breaths, then:
1-Notice 5 things you see.
2-Notice 4 things you can touch.
3-Notice 3 things you can hear.
4-Notice 3 things you can smell.
5-Notice 1 thing you can taste.
WEEK 50 COMPROMISES
All art, like life itself is a compromise-a compromise between what we would and what we can. On the one hand, our minds to which come our thoughts, ideas and fancies-half comprehended, never yet articulated; on the other hand, is the stubborn world of media, rough material of colours to be used, made in order to convey our ideas.
WEEK 49 ART WORD PROMPTS
clouds-moon-stars-emptiness-blues-hope-shapes-rain-butterfly-patience-soul-sharing-vision-secret-grateful-wings-oasis-time-light-home-calm-justice-peace-darkness.
WEEK 48 VIGOUR-Energy and Enthusiasm.
In the realm of art and expression, cultivating VIGOUR will give our art its power and allow it to prevail. When we create shapes of beauty, colours and tones; it is also necessary to make them live. Without vitality our art will loose the ability to develop and grow.
The ongoing search and yearning for VIGOUR in my art is necessary for its personality, body, mind and spirit.
WEEK 47 2022 ALPHABET
acknowledge the Amazing, trust the Believable, allow Childlike, honour the Divine, nourish Energie, embrace the Fallible, treasure Gifts, be with Here...now, delight with Innocence, appreciate Joyful, learn from the Kindhearted, cherish Lovable, fly with Magical, esteem the Noble, respect Open mindedness, value the Precious, encourage Questions, support Resourceful, enjoy Spontaneous, believe in the Talented, affirm the Unique, protect the Vulnerable, recognize the Whole, celebrate the eXtra special, listen to Youth, live life with Zestfulness.
WEEK 46 QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
1- To be creative with our time, substitute some habits for extra time.
2- Make everything we do a project-Every day steps can turn out to grand things.
3- Turn small questions into small actions-If we desire to draw/paint more, draw 1 small art each day.
4- Keep small resolutions to ourselves-Sharing them at times fools the mind into thinking they are already done.
5- Solutions can run amok in one's brain- We should take inventory of our thoughts.
WEEK 45 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
...-An ellipsis allows us to trail off, to zone out with everyday noises in the background.
! -An exclamation gives us regular opportunities to have inner-guidance systems in check. We can take a pause and be positive by: make art, take a brisk walk, meditate and write journal entries.
WEEK 44 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
()-Parentheses provide an interlude. A meditation reminder. 60 seconds is all we need at times.
;-A semi-colon allows us to take a pause in our thoughts and perhaps re-evaluate them before finalizing them.
WEEK 43 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
.-A period allows us to be present throughout the day, a reminder not to let our minds go galloping forward too quickly.
:-A colon tells us to pause before embarking on our daily task list. The need to create buffer zones around us is important.
WEEK 42 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
A-Medieval scribes would mark new beginnings of manuscripts with capital letters elaborately decorated and embossed in gold. Most artists yearn to create a morning ritual to illuminate the day. Sit quietly, engage in a soothing hobby (read, a journal entry, knit and doodle). A luxury which carries into the rest of the day.
?-A question mark offers an invitation to reflect a the end of a sentence. Let's try to take time for inner reflection.
More punctuations next time.
WEEK 41 CAPTURING JOY
In challenging times, our art becomes our refuge. we can escape in our creative world, suspending our sadness and worries in space and time. The shape of JOY is in the power of ordinary things we use to bond happy art so let's grab brushes and pens to create whatever we desire.
WEEK 40 WEEK 40 ART CHOICES
Where you choose to draw and paint can have a significant impact on your artistic experience. I keep the following three points in mind:
-Convenience
-Comfort
-Privacy
The most important items are my supplies. It is easier when they are within visual sights. I am most efficient when uninterrupted.
WEEK 39 PEACE ON EARTH
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means." author unknown.
Words that come to mind: Nostalgia, anxiety, contentment, melancholy, understanding, delightfulness, gleefulness, comfort and tranquility.
WEEK 38 WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO?
Why make art? I have been interested in and practicing art for so long, the reasons and intentions towards it have morphed and evolved over time. As a young artist, my main concern was the academic side of art . I wanted to learn how to create art realistically; to render an object or human form and learn how to control my materials. Later, in school, I discovered art can give you a voice. Through design and choice of matter, I could verbalize a thought, emotions, concept and more. This side of art is powerful.
Today, I am an artist for all those reasons. Yet it occurred to me that after all these years, the real motivating factor is simply for my own personal happiness and fulfillment. I am blessed to have been able to do art throughout all the stages in my life thus far.
WEEK 37 STOCKING UP Cross pollinating disciplines is a brilliant way to create new pieces of work. This mind frame can zhuzh up one's daily art practice. My evolving leaning towards abstract and expressive work rather than realistic creations lead me to literally build up a varied assortment of stock ideas.
WEEK 36 WORDS TO SPICE UP YOUR ART WRITING
Influence, spontaneity, contrast, structure, refine, smooth, exaggerated, intricate, smudge, delicate, angular, silhouette, expressive, intense, dominant, complex, muted, fluid, balanced, blended, vibrant, hatching.
WEEK 35 BEND THE RULES
In challenging times, doodling can be an artist's refuge. Doodling is not considered real art. The dictionary defines doodles as to behave in a frivolous way. There are no rules for doodling and nothing has to be real-it can be small or take over the whole page. I view many doodles as mini abstract compositions of shapes, lines and colours.
Doodles express and stir up emotions, stretch artists' comfort zones by challenging us to reveal what is going on in our subconscious mind. In other words, doodles can be art.
WEEK 34 HOPEFUL WHISPERS
One never knows how journaling will impact your life. My journals provide me Peace amid chaos. I call them " my Hopeful Whispers". Sadness often manifests itself when a journal is full, binding falling apart at the seams. Hope grows in hard places, in soul searching for light, and in the unfolding of a dusty, precious journal that holds fears, tears and a helping of grace.
WEEK 33 CHAOS
We yearn to embrace chaos to bring resolution. Art then grows to be a necessity rather than a choice. Artists try to find meaning in this hurried world. Some of us fight to be inspired to contemplate, reflect and renew.
WEEK 32 ART ECO-SYSTEM
I am tickled about children doing art of all varieties. Every sound and movement they make will reverberate beyond imaginings. When we expose children to the Arts, we really do not know what the effect will be; one thought for sure is the tiny utterance and vibration may awake an entire Art Ecosystem. Art is a cause, I suspect the result will be a lot of effect.
WEEK 31 TWEAKING
Recently, at my annual Optometrist visit, my thoughts ventured beyond the realm of usual process. As she asked: is it better like this? or like this? over and over, the result of this laborious and almost obsessive process helped me realize that one's intention for a piece of art requires repetitive incremental adjustments, constant tweaking till we sign the art.
WEEK 30-OBSESSION
My latest art obsession is layering materials- textures, paper, fabric, matte gel, gloss gel mixed with sand, beads and metals. Playfulness is key in daily art.
WEEK 29-REVERIE
There is blameless joy in doing art, delighting in painting, sewing, drawing and designing. The pleasure of my art life is behind the walls of the atelier in sunshine and seclusion while the world goes by with all its drums and pennons. Others do what they will, my soul prefers the Peace and Quietude of my atelier.
WEEK 28-ELICIT ART
I often anguish over my love of combining different mediums in my art endeavors. Swinging back and forth between representational drawings, non objective (abstracts?) paintings and handstitched fabric collages can feel like a whirlpool art effect.
My new found keenness for watercolours keeps evolving, along with oils, they have become my YIN and YANG mediums, and provide a balance in my daily art.
Somedays... feeling dazed and confused can be inspiring.
WEEK 27- LISTEN TO YOUR ARTISTIC RHYTHM
Some artists move in the slow, uncertain, meandering rhythm, while others are quick, deliberate and hurried. How do we survive? The prime rule is to stick to one's own rhythm tunes. Be sincere and simple to yourself. Betraying our true rhythm will point us towards hysteria.
WEEK 26- TO DO OR NOT TO DO
"Collage is not a true art form", a professor once told me. Never use collage/montage in art he proclaimed, yet collaging remains a significant part of my art. I am drawn to the layers of textures and interests. Its 2dimensional surface satisfies a need to feel in control of my chosen materials. Combining layers with traditional painting provides a balance I strive for.
WEEK 25- A NAIL ON THE HEAD
Drawing cultivates our studies of Proportion, Form, Light and Shadows. From simple doodles, geometric patterns to realistic sketches, a drawing habit will result in a wide range of styles and intricacy. Essentially, drawing sets the groundworks to help us see the world as artists.
WEEK 24- VISUALIZATION
Getting our own thoughts to quiet down can be a challenge at times. I often try to practice what is called Gazing Meditations. Grab a rock, leaf, stick or other natural object and GAZE at it for 5 minutes. Take it in with all of your senses. How does it feel? is it bumpy, smooth, flat, hard or soft? does it have a scent?
See how much you can notice in the details-What are the colour variations, patterns or irregularities?
WEEK 23- NOT KNOWING.
Being an artist is about NOT KNOWING, continually evolving. It is about searching and finding your way as you experiment and create.
WEEK 22- THOUGHTS TO TRIGER ART CREATIVITY
- did you know...
-what would happen...
-what do you think...
-remember when...
-what did you see...
-what do you hear...
-what is that smell...
-when...
-how does that feel...
-what if...
Explore the answers, even ridiculous ones.
WEEK 21- AN ART THOUGHT
When does a drawing shift to being a painting? Is it the media used or is it the intention? A drawing is an enquiry, it pulls the information from the mind/imagination and it is a method of thinking- a literal drawing out.
A painting for me is what is done when the thinking has happened.
WEEK 20- TODAY
Our internal art shifts can help us find peace with our day to day, not always chasing the someday, but learning/ desiring to paint in the moment. Leaning into the unknown and trusting that even as life shifts and changes, our art may not be exactly where we envisioned it to be, but it is exactly where it is supposed to be.
WEEK 19- CONTRAINTS
"multum non multa" in Latin translates to "much, not many". In employing much, not many in our everyday art, we allow ourselves to go deep rather than wide.
WEEK 18- ORDINARY CREATIVES
To be called "creative", one must create. So we imagine, conceptualize, experiment and eventually we make something intellectual, physical or experimental.
"Creatives" make or think of something that previously did not exist. Where does the inspiration comes from?
It is all around us, in the everyday, the ordinary and the mundane. It is in the cracks, messes and failures that are part of Life. Some overlook or deny these events but by doing so, they stifle an integral ingredient for creativity. Most of us, use these experiences to express ourselves and reflect upon human conditions.
We aim to accept the world as a gift, imperfections and all.
WEEK 17- CELEBRATED EARTH DAY- APRIL 22
"Green is the prime colour of the World, and that from which its loveliness arises"
Pedro Calderon de la Barca
WEEK 16- LANGUAGES OF NATURE
Languages of the World have words to evocate Nature. They convey the sounds of the Wild and weave themselves into our hearts.
-Komoredbi: beams of sunlight filtering down through the trees. Japan
-Feuillemort: an autumnal term, used to describe the fading colour of the dying leaf. France
-Rudenja: the way nature begins to feel as autumn takes hold and summer fades away. Lithuania
-Turadh: the break that comes in the clouds between showers. Scottish Gaelic
WEEK 15- INTERVALS
An intervening time or space.
Courage: To make space between the things that happen in our lives, situations, people, events and the way we respond to them.
Curiosity: Find new ways to adopt a curious mindset. Let's ask ourselves this: Why am i struggling with this feeling or situation? What would it feel like to be the other person?
Compassion: Call to mind people in our lives and consciously appreciate them by seeking their inmate goodness. This cultivates feelings of tenderness, gestures of care and love for others.
WEEK 89-ART MAGIC
Artists are miniaturists of grandeur, determined to make every littlest thing the very best it can be- not out of egoic grandiosity but out of devotion to beauty, value of time, thought and to the raw materials of our art life.
WEEK 88-WHAT'S THE BUZZ ON ABSTRACT?
Abstraction is about making art that deviates from real life. If the goal is to do abstracts, one needs to improve our art mindset. We need to build good, even fantastic foundational drawing skills before choosing abstraction as our genre.
Let's practice drawing beautifully and as we evolve, we can let our art evolve and become increasingly abstract.
ART LIFE built on non objective goals, made in simplified shapes and forms showing no visible can be satisfying.
WEEK 87-ART AND INNOVATION
Art and innovation are two vital activities of life dating back to our very beginnings. Through A&I, our society unites, shares and innovates. Both encourage creativity, expression and risk taking. They help build vibrant communities. Art and Innovation record where we have been and open up our minds to where we can go. It is this intimate connection with the experiences of others that built the unique perspective built on our own reflections.
WEEK 86-ART BONFIRES
Our creative fires can often burn low, sputtering and smoky if we do not tend to them. They can become uncontrollable raging bonfires.
"Art is not just for the privileged, the special, the anointed. It is the natural creative expression that is the birthright of each one of us."
What makes art hard to create is our tendency to elevate it and think that if it is not perfect to us and to others.... it is not worth making. I kick dirt on this idea, I stomp on this idea
WEEK 85-EMOTIONS TO CREATIVE FUEL
We need to let go of "making a great and pretty" painting, instead make a "feeling" painting. Artists have a deep well of fervors waiting to be tapped and released. We need to gently reroute the urge to impress...with the intention to express. Always paint for ourselves..
Get messy, get aggressive. Paint on a larger surface, jump around, let it all out. Paint with rags, knives and close your eyes. Let your heart and soul guide your hands. Most importantly....just make ART.
WEEK 84-COURAGE
Art journaling/sketching is the thermometer of an art life. Days or weeks without journaling or sketching typically mean we have fallen into a simmering well of chaos. In order for art serenity to radiate, we need to turn to our stockpile of places to find COURAGE in our art mind. We all need sacred places that exist to hold us up when our artist legs wobble a bit:
1- COURAGE IN THE PAGES OF FAVORITE BOOKS. The pages we revisit from time to time are reflections of our lives. We embrace and find inspirations in the boldness of each pages. A few reread words can be blessed for our art souls.
2- COURAGE IN OUR FRIENDS OWN WORDS. Do not shrug off our confidantes' compliments. When they tell us the art if amazing....believe them.
3- COURAGE IN OUR ART CLOSET. We all stash away magical art ideas, why let them stagnate in the back of the dark closet?
4- COURAGE IN OUR FAILURES. Nothing is truly lost unless we let pass away without meaning. Let us reframe the stumbling blocks as lessons learned.
5-COURAGE IN NATURE. We can easily appreciate our environment, sitting by our windows to witness a bird stretching its wings.
WEEK 83-from NOTHING
Being an artist means always starting from nothing. Our work as artists is courageous and scary. There is no brief, no problem solving given to us as a task. Our work is entirely inquiry based and self regulated.
We embrace the fragile process of teaching ourselves to work alone, focusing on honing our quirky creative obsessions so they can eventually become so oddly specific they can only be our own.
An artist's success is difficult to measure since we have chosen a practice that is entirely dependent on being willing to possibly fail, over and over again, regardless of any successes that do come our way. Such is art life...from nothing.
WEEK 82-ART STYLES
Art styles evolve daily as we engage with different materials and techniques. New interests and influences will fold into our art lives.
We need to keep our passions and curiosities close by to guide us in assorted directions. Boldly use watercolour with oil, acrylic, fabrics and ceramics.
The more we focus on process and follow the thread of curiosity, the more exciting the process will develop and the more we will enjoy the outcomes.
WEEK 81-ARTLYSING
-use art to analyze life as it affects us.
-integrate art in therapeutic ways.
-when we do art, we are engaged in the world that surrounds us; this is how we find meaning and fulfilment in our art life.
-"artlysing" will lead to patience, love and compassion towards our art making.
WEEK 80-ART NOTES
Writing about our art helps us organize our thoughts, collect and capture ideas. When feeling under-inspired, go back to the writings. Capturing the fleeting observations before they escape is crucial in our daily routine. This habit creates a useful resource, a map of inspiration and ideas. my latest prompts:
-How do i want my art to feel?
-What am i interested in exploring?
-What processes do i need to explore further?
-What material do i need and have on hand?
-What advices do i need to give myself?
-How do i continue to nurture my desire to make art?
WEEK79-WHAT DO ARTISTS DO?
We paint, draw, sculpt, make prints, illustrate, weave, make collages, design print materials, invent, build, make functional art, make art to be worn, perform, transform objects, transform spaces, make public art, create illusions, communicate, make gifts, tell stories, record moments, use shapes and lines, use colour to express mood, use humour, use words and letters in our art, create from found objects, use unconventional objects to create art, develop art making skills, learn how to use tools and materials, take care of our studios, develop a style, observe AND explore playfully.....always.
WEEK 78-3 P's of everyday ART
1.Permission: once we decide that we are worth the time and have a few supplies, nothing/no one can stand in our path.
2.Preparation: have supplies surround us wherever we are-make a travelling art kit and do not leave home without it.
3.Playfulness: it is about immersing oneself in the creating process-make art because it is fun.
The positive feedback loop is: MORE ART PLAY=MORE PRACTICE=BETTER SKILLS=BETTER ART=MORE ART MAKING.
WEEK 77-NEW YEAR..NEW INTENTIONS
Artists welcome the solitude needed to grow our inner creativity. Silence becomes the fertilizer of our imagination BUT we need to find respite in our routine structure and familiarity to start each new year full of intentions:
-Love: engage and connect with families and friends.
-Breathe: deeply and routinely.
-Write: everyday in order for our thoughts to become real. Be honest even if we are afraid of the answers. Our minds easily dismiss our dreams and pains, but our eyes and hearts cannot.
-Paint, Draw, Sew everyday: keep creating visual habits to stimulate productivity. Capturing our surroundings helps define our art lives.
-Gratitude: All that we are grateful for is in front of us...be gracefully grateful.
WEEK 76-WHAT, HOW, WHEN, WHY
my 4 wishes when someone looks at my art:
WHAT can i see just looking at this art?
HOW was this actually made?
WHEN was this made? what was happening in art and broader history at the time?
WHY did this artist create this work? Is there a message for the viewer?
WEEK 75- M. M. A. make more art
There are those who believe "quantity in art making leads to a lack of quality". Some of us believe the opposite to be true, quantity leads to quality in one's work. Make More Art and the better our art becomes, therefore:
-the more we discover.
-the more we find hidden gems.
-the more we find confidence in our decisions.
-we are better in spotting patterns, connections and themes.
-we discover fascinations.
Best of all we are better equipped to identify what is within our own art that excites us to Make More Art.
WEEK 74 -ART EMOTIONS
At times, doing and creating art requires us to arbor emotions we just can not explain but should still embrace in our daily work... Here are a few:
SONDER-the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as you own.
RUBATOSIS-the unsettling awareness of one's own heartbeat.
ELLIPSISM-a sadness that you will never be able to know how history will turn out.
NODUSTOLLENS-the realization the plot of your life does not make sense to you anymore.
OCCHIOLISM-the awareness of the smallness of one's own perspective.
MONOCHOPSIS-the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place.
LIBEROSIS-the desire to care less about things.
WEEK 73-PROMPTED
Creativity is a fickle state of mind. Much like a tide, it goes up and down, rises and falls, swells and recedes. Artists wonder how it affects us, perhaps we ought to wonder how and why WE ARE affecting it.
At times the ideas are pouring out easily and effortlessly, feeling natural and at peace. Yet other times, it is dry and barren, like a desert. Our beloved " self doubt demon" awaiting to take over the moment.
It is helpful to have extra guidance, a fun challenge to fulfill. PROMPTS are ideal- it can be a word, a phrase, quote or a song; they affect us, acting as jumping off point into a sea of creativity. Read the prompt, close your eyes and dive in.
WEEK 72 AN ARTIST'S RULES OF ACQUISITION.
1. Reconcile yourself that every trip to the art store will require at least 1 hour.
2. If something is on sale for 80-90% off, buy it. If it comes in multiple- buy it all.
3. Never turn down a free art item; even if it is broken or seemingly irreparable.
4. Do not succumb to the lament of " i have no room to store my art supplies".
5. Artists forever remember that ART is essential to the success of our World.
6. We promote the back to basics and fundamentals which are essential to the enjoyment of the arts.
7. We believe creating art is making marvelous out of the discarded.
8. No one is allowed to borrow our tools without our explicit permission.
9. It is not only our right to do/make ART, it is our national duty.
WEEK 72 DO ART INTENTIONALLY
Each day take time to touch base with:
MIND: learn something new, think with care and revisit your point of view.
BODY: stretch, reach, extend and be mindful about what you choose as fuel.
HEART: be thankful and give more than you get.
SOUL: find a moment in life's chaos and just breathe.
Whatever art we choose to do, embrace it, commit fully to it, else why are doing it at all?
WEEK 71 REASONS TO MAKE/DO ART
Learn new things-Expand our visions-Learn from someone else-Increase worldview-Makes us think-Kills boredom-Keeps us inspired-Increases attention span-Helps problem solving skills-Mostly inexpensive-Travel to new worlds-Easily portable-Never ending inspiration-Brightens our days-Makes us wonder-It is fun and BECAUSE WE CAN.
WEEK 70-AN ART STYLE
An art style is a mix of identity, taste, experiments and experiences.
IDENTITY: one's identity can not be changed, like who our parents are and where you were born.
TASTE: this what we genuinely love, small and big things that light up our lives to the gut. This is not about skills and what we can do. It is about our receptivity and what we simply love.
EXPERIMENTS: this encompasses all the things we try, the job we have had. It is the sum of every trial and errors we have achieved to teach us about strengths, successes, mistakes and weaknesses.
EXPERIENCES: are all things that ever happened to us. Memories, wounds, where we grew up, our friends, our grieves and joys.
WEEK 69-COLOURS
oh magical, fascinating and mysterious world of colours...how I revere you. While preparing a colour theory lesson plan for a young artist friend, my spinning colour wheel reminded me how much the infinite colour permutations remain an enjoyable life-long pursuit of an artist life.
WEEK 68-UNDOINGS
Our ART life as we know can not be undone. The strokes of our sketches, the words writ on the pages of our journals are an artist tenuous belongings and through them...life lives and will repeat thriftless times.
WEEK 67-ART SAGESSE
Creativity is caring and empowering. Art, craft and literature uplift and inspire. They make the world a better place.
WEEK 66-C'EST LA VIE
Approach your art with a soft don't care attitude-expectations of a great outcome may damper creativity. Just play. Try many different artistic endeavors, at least once. This mindset conjures ease, freeness and sprinkles a little bit of magic in our art.
WEEK 65-CREATIVE LONGEVITY
The creative process can be messy, take a deep breath, summon courage and begin anyhow. We are allowed to evolve our art. We cannot be at the finish line at the beginning. be ourselves with vengeance. If we get stuck, go outside feel the wind, stars, nature and breathe. Write down our ideas before bedtime, mind dump so to rest peacefully. Stay inspired, explore side interests. Learn, make and do.
WEEK 64-WHAT DO ARTISTS DO.
artists paint-artists draw-artists sculpt-artists weave-artists are architects and inventors-artists build-artists perform-artists transform space-artists tell stories-artists record moments-artists use shapes and lines-artists use colours to express moods-artists use humour-artists develop art skills-artists learn to use tools-artists take care of their studios-artists observe-artists explore playfully-artists look for ways to make creativity part of their lives-artists have the grit to get up and try again and again.
WEEK 63- Hallmarks of life
In art life, we realize there is a role in everyone we meet. Some will test us, some will use us, some will love us, and some will teach us. But the truly important ones, will bring out the best in us. They are the rare and amazing people who remind us why an art life is worth living.
WEEK 62- PPP: Passion, Prudence, Practice.
"The art supplies does not make the artist." I am passionate about this phrase. The prospect of creating gratifying pages with minimal, inexpensive materials that can be found in unconventional sores is about experimenting. For example, if you love opaque paint, a luxury brand will do nothing for you if it is transparent. Even the local hardware store may hide art material gems.
On the other hand, there are outstanding art supplies that are one of the kind gems to me:
-Sennelier oil pastels
-Van Gogh watercolour
-Handmade indigo paper
-Spray adhesives that do not smell.
We just need to experiment and discover what sit our style of art. our creative talents are defined by our PPP.
WEEK 61-BUILDING A STASH
The magic of mixed media is that you do not have to create "inside the box". I enjoy working on many layers with an end piece in mind from watercolour to acrylic, pens, oil pastels and the list goes on.
An eclectic artist enjoys many ways of creating. Working in batches is stimulating and efficient. Some days, i may just want to work on background pieces. This way i create a stash, i can pull from later. Other days i will work on sketches and inks only. My stash of goodies grows.
WEEK 60-CREATIVE ART LIFE
Artists yearn to live their creative passion, yet they live in the uncertainty of the outcome of what they create. They are ultimately still fulfilled by the mere act of producing something despite that uncertainty.
WEEK 59- ART ACTION VERBS 2
Create: invent-construct-imagine-assemble-develop-design-curate-build.
Apply: change-practice-demonstrate-assign-implement-engage-teach-interpret.
Remember: memorize-reproduce-identify-repeat-recall-locate-define.
WEEK 58-ART ACTION VERBS 1
Evaluate: appraise-decide-assess-choose-select-reflect-recommend-defend-judge-criticize.
Analyze: explain-examine-contrast-differentiate-integrate-inspect-point out-break down.
Understand: describe-ask-associate-perceive-explain-articulate-follow-observe-discuss.
WEEK 57 ART INTIMIDATION
A way to overcome art intimidation is to go at it with paint flying and scissors cutting. Adapt to new things to your own way of thinking and always come out with new arsenal.
WEEK 56 INBORN TALENT
Everyone is "creative". A trait not restricted to visual artists, musicians and authors. Creativity needs to be cultivated in order to grow. At heart, it is about problem solving, about finding ways to connect things together to come up with new possibilities.
Building on each other's ideas, making tweaks and giant leaps into new innovations....it exists in everyone of us.
WEEK 55 WHAT WE CAN NOT SEE.
" the hand is the visible part of the brain" Immanuel Kant
I find this quote appealing, especially when i yearn to start a mini creation. Working small keeps me hyper-focused to explore the many layers of textures and mediums used.
Small art...Mighty art
WEEK 54 LET GO
Nothing is perfect in Art life. Learning to let go is growth for us mortal artists. Enjoying getting my hands paint dirty is my favorite therapy. My hands are my best directive tools. Blending, gluing, painting and splattering can all be done with the tools you never leave home without.
WEEK 53 TIME AS AN ASSET
Time is a constant presence. It gives us a sense of order, clueing on where we are throughout the day. It guides our actions, shapes our choices and will influence where we place our attention. The freedom is all ours to decide how we fill and shape the space within ours days. Artists believe the greater asset is the HERE and NOW.
WEEK 52 HOPEFUL WHISPERS
One never knows how art journaling will impact your life- my art journals provide me Peace, I call them "hopeful whispers". Sadness often manifests itself when a journal is full, binding falling apart at the seams. Hope grows in hard places, in souls searching for light, and in the unfolding of a dusty, precious journal that holds fears, tears and a helping of grace.
WEEK 51 ART JITTERS
To ease art anxiety when i start to feel jittery and jangled, I find comfort in noticing my surroundings. Calling on our five senses helps create awareness of the present. While sitting, standing or walking, take a few cleansing breaths, then:
1-Notice 5 things you see.
2-Notice 4 things you can touch.
3-Notice 3 things you can hear.
4-Notice 3 things you can smell.
5-Notice 1 thing you can taste.
WEEK 50 COMPROMISES
All art, like life itself is a compromise-a compromise between what we would and what we can. On the one hand, our minds to which come our thoughts, ideas and fancies-half comprehended, never yet articulated; on the other hand, is the stubborn world of media, rough material of colours to be used, made in order to convey our ideas.
WEEK 49 ART WORD PROMPTS
clouds-moon-stars-emptiness-blues-hope-shapes-rain-butterfly-patience-soul-sharing-vision-secret-grateful-wings-oasis-time-light-home-calm-justice-peace-darkness.
WEEK 48 VIGOUR-Energy and Enthusiasm.
In the realm of art and expression, cultivating VIGOUR will give our art its power and allow it to prevail. When we create shapes of beauty, colours and tones; it is also necessary to make them live. Without vitality our art will loose the ability to develop and grow.
The ongoing search and yearning for VIGOUR in my art is necessary for its personality, body, mind and spirit.
WEEK 47 2022 ALPHABET
acknowledge the Amazing, trust the Believable, allow Childlike, honour the Divine, nourish Energie, embrace the Fallible, treasure Gifts, be with Here...now, delight with Innocence, appreciate Joyful, learn from the Kindhearted, cherish Lovable, fly with Magical, esteem the Noble, respect Open mindedness, value the Precious, encourage Questions, support Resourceful, enjoy Spontaneous, believe in the Talented, affirm the Unique, protect the Vulnerable, recognize the Whole, celebrate the eXtra special, listen to Youth, live life with Zestfulness.
WEEK 46 QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
1- To be creative with our time, substitute some habits for extra time.
2- Make everything we do a project-Every day steps can turn out to grand things.
3- Turn small questions into small actions-If we desire to draw/paint more, draw 1 small art each day.
4- Keep small resolutions to ourselves-Sharing them at times fools the mind into thinking they are already done.
5- Solutions can run amok in one's brain- We should take inventory of our thoughts.
WEEK 45 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
...-An ellipsis allows us to trail off, to zone out with everyday noises in the background.
! -An exclamation gives us regular opportunities to have inner-guidance systems in check. We can take a pause and be positive by: make art, take a brisk walk, meditate and write journal entries.
WEEK 44 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
()-Parentheses provide an interlude. A meditation reminder. 60 seconds is all we need at times.
;-A semi-colon allows us to take a pause in our thoughts and perhaps re-evaluate them before finalizing them.
WEEK 43 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
.-A period allows us to be present throughout the day, a reminder not to let our minds go galloping forward too quickly.
:-A colon tells us to pause before embarking on our daily task list. The need to create buffer zones around us is important.
WEEK 42 DAILY ART PUNCTUATIONS
A-Medieval scribes would mark new beginnings of manuscripts with capital letters elaborately decorated and embossed in gold. Most artists yearn to create a morning ritual to illuminate the day. Sit quietly, engage in a soothing hobby (read, a journal entry, knit and doodle). A luxury which carries into the rest of the day.
?-A question mark offers an invitation to reflect a the end of a sentence. Let's try to take time for inner reflection.
More punctuations next time.
WEEK 41 CAPTURING JOY
In challenging times, our art becomes our refuge. we can escape in our creative world, suspending our sadness and worries in space and time. The shape of JOY is in the power of ordinary things we use to bond happy art so let's grab brushes and pens to create whatever we desire.
WEEK 40 WEEK 40 ART CHOICES
Where you choose to draw and paint can have a significant impact on your artistic experience. I keep the following three points in mind:
-Convenience
-Comfort
-Privacy
The most important items are my supplies. It is easier when they are within visual sights. I am most efficient when uninterrupted.
WEEK 39 PEACE ON EARTH
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means." author unknown.
Words that come to mind: Nostalgia, anxiety, contentment, melancholy, understanding, delightfulness, gleefulness, comfort and tranquility.
WEEK 38 WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO?
Why make art? I have been interested in and practicing art for so long, the reasons and intentions towards it have morphed and evolved over time. As a young artist, my main concern was the academic side of art . I wanted to learn how to create art realistically; to render an object or human form and learn how to control my materials. Later, in school, I discovered art can give you a voice. Through design and choice of matter, I could verbalize a thought, emotions, concept and more. This side of art is powerful.
Today, I am an artist for all those reasons. Yet it occurred to me that after all these years, the real motivating factor is simply for my own personal happiness and fulfillment. I am blessed to have been able to do art throughout all the stages in my life thus far.
WEEK 37 STOCKING UP Cross pollinating disciplines is a brilliant way to create new pieces of work. This mind frame can zhuzh up one's daily art practice. My evolving leaning towards abstract and expressive work rather than realistic creations lead me to literally build up a varied assortment of stock ideas.
WEEK 36 WORDS TO SPICE UP YOUR ART WRITING
Influence, spontaneity, contrast, structure, refine, smooth, exaggerated, intricate, smudge, delicate, angular, silhouette, expressive, intense, dominant, complex, muted, fluid, balanced, blended, vibrant, hatching.
WEEK 35 BEND THE RULES
In challenging times, doodling can be an artist's refuge. Doodling is not considered real art. The dictionary defines doodles as to behave in a frivolous way. There are no rules for doodling and nothing has to be real-it can be small or take over the whole page. I view many doodles as mini abstract compositions of shapes, lines and colours.
Doodles express and stir up emotions, stretch artists' comfort zones by challenging us to reveal what is going on in our subconscious mind. In other words, doodles can be art.
WEEK 34 HOPEFUL WHISPERS
One never knows how journaling will impact your life. My journals provide me Peace amid chaos. I call them " my Hopeful Whispers". Sadness often manifests itself when a journal is full, binding falling apart at the seams. Hope grows in hard places, in soul searching for light, and in the unfolding of a dusty, precious journal that holds fears, tears and a helping of grace.
WEEK 33 CHAOS
We yearn to embrace chaos to bring resolution. Art then grows to be a necessity rather than a choice. Artists try to find meaning in this hurried world. Some of us fight to be inspired to contemplate, reflect and renew.
WEEK 32 ART ECO-SYSTEM
I am tickled about children doing art of all varieties. Every sound and movement they make will reverberate beyond imaginings. When we expose children to the Arts, we really do not know what the effect will be; one thought for sure is the tiny utterance and vibration may awake an entire Art Ecosystem. Art is a cause, I suspect the result will be a lot of effect.
WEEK 31 TWEAKING
Recently, at my annual Optometrist visit, my thoughts ventured beyond the realm of usual process. As she asked: is it better like this? or like this? over and over, the result of this laborious and almost obsessive process helped me realize that one's intention for a piece of art requires repetitive incremental adjustments, constant tweaking till we sign the art.
WEEK 30-OBSESSION
My latest art obsession is layering materials- textures, paper, fabric, matte gel, gloss gel mixed with sand, beads and metals. Playfulness is key in daily art.
WEEK 29-REVERIE
There is blameless joy in doing art, delighting in painting, sewing, drawing and designing. The pleasure of my art life is behind the walls of the atelier in sunshine and seclusion while the world goes by with all its drums and pennons. Others do what they will, my soul prefers the Peace and Quietude of my atelier.
WEEK 28-ELICIT ART
I often anguish over my love of combining different mediums in my art endeavors. Swinging back and forth between representational drawings, non objective (abstracts?) paintings and handstitched fabric collages can feel like a whirlpool art effect.
My new found keenness for watercolours keeps evolving, along with oils, they have become my YIN and YANG mediums, and provide a balance in my daily art.
Somedays... feeling dazed and confused can be inspiring.
WEEK 27- LISTEN TO YOUR ARTISTIC RHYTHM
Some artists move in the slow, uncertain, meandering rhythm, while others are quick, deliberate and hurried. How do we survive? The prime rule is to stick to one's own rhythm tunes. Be sincere and simple to yourself. Betraying our true rhythm will point us towards hysteria.
WEEK 26- TO DO OR NOT TO DO
"Collage is not a true art form", a professor once told me. Never use collage/montage in art he proclaimed, yet collaging remains a significant part of my art. I am drawn to the layers of textures and interests. Its 2dimensional surface satisfies a need to feel in control of my chosen materials. Combining layers with traditional painting provides a balance I strive for.
WEEK 25- A NAIL ON THE HEAD
Drawing cultivates our studies of Proportion, Form, Light and Shadows. From simple doodles, geometric patterns to realistic sketches, a drawing habit will result in a wide range of styles and intricacy. Essentially, drawing sets the groundworks to help us see the world as artists.
WEEK 24- VISUALIZATION
Getting our own thoughts to quiet down can be a challenge at times. I often try to practice what is called Gazing Meditations. Grab a rock, leaf, stick or other natural object and GAZE at it for 5 minutes. Take it in with all of your senses. How does it feel? is it bumpy, smooth, flat, hard or soft? does it have a scent?
See how much you can notice in the details-What are the colour variations, patterns or irregularities?
WEEK 23- NOT KNOWING.
Being an artist is about NOT KNOWING, continually evolving. It is about searching and finding your way as you experiment and create.
WEEK 22- THOUGHTS TO TRIGER ART CREATIVITY
- did you know...
-what would happen...
-what do you think...
-remember when...
-what did you see...
-what do you hear...
-what is that smell...
-when...
-how does that feel...
-what if...
Explore the answers, even ridiculous ones.
WEEK 21- AN ART THOUGHT
When does a drawing shift to being a painting? Is it the media used or is it the intention? A drawing is an enquiry, it pulls the information from the mind/imagination and it is a method of thinking- a literal drawing out.
A painting for me is what is done when the thinking has happened.
WEEK 20- TODAY
Our internal art shifts can help us find peace with our day to day, not always chasing the someday, but learning/ desiring to paint in the moment. Leaning into the unknown and trusting that even as life shifts and changes, our art may not be exactly where we envisioned it to be, but it is exactly where it is supposed to be.
WEEK 19- CONTRAINTS
"multum non multa" in Latin translates to "much, not many". In employing much, not many in our everyday art, we allow ourselves to go deep rather than wide.
WEEK 18- ORDINARY CREATIVES
To be called "creative", one must create. So we imagine, conceptualize, experiment and eventually we make something intellectual, physical or experimental.
"Creatives" make or think of something that previously did not exist. Where does the inspiration comes from?
It is all around us, in the everyday, the ordinary and the mundane. It is in the cracks, messes and failures that are part of Life. Some overlook or deny these events but by doing so, they stifle an integral ingredient for creativity. Most of us, use these experiences to express ourselves and reflect upon human conditions.
We aim to accept the world as a gift, imperfections and all.
WEEK 17- CELEBRATED EARTH DAY- APRIL 22
"Green is the prime colour of the World, and that from which its loveliness arises"
Pedro Calderon de la Barca
WEEK 16- LANGUAGES OF NATURE
Languages of the World have words to evocate Nature. They convey the sounds of the Wild and weave themselves into our hearts.
-Komoredbi: beams of sunlight filtering down through the trees. Japan
-Feuillemort: an autumnal term, used to describe the fading colour of the dying leaf. France
-Rudenja: the way nature begins to feel as autumn takes hold and summer fades away. Lithuania
-Turadh: the break that comes in the clouds between showers. Scottish Gaelic
WEEK 15- INTERVALS
An intervening time or space.
Intervals have the feel of writers' short stories. They cover a relatively short space of art time, a small unit in a lifetime. Often they become "Pastiches", a combination of materials from assorted sources.
When my children were young, intervals became intervening parallels to parenting. I painted in bits and pieces in the slivers of time available with limited expectations. Churning out little artwork pieces (up to 5"), was a satisfying break in my routine.
My intention was not to keep painting intervals, yearning for larger than life pieces but they break up in thoughts along the way. Simply a matter of expediency I suspect.
Painting larger sizes are often my commissioned works. Intervals remain my favorite painting size to work with.
HERE, THERE, ONCE IN A WHILE.
WEEK 14- DOING NOTHING
Learning to do NOTHING is a valuable tool for artists. By scheduling time each day, week or month to do nothing, I have gradually begun to have some understanding about where I want to go with my art.
Doing NOTHING is different from meditating and from solitude. It can be more difficult. A learned habit that has to be nurtured. Start slowly, perhaps 5 minutes and increase each time you do NOTHING (are you smiling yet?). Resist the temptation to think of dozens of things you could be doing. Think of this exercise as a necessity and a valuable time spent.
As I am learning to lean and delight in it, I am finding out that doing NOTHING is one of the most productive inactivity I engage in.
WEEK 13 -5 MINUTES ART MEDITATION
Wherever you are:
-Take a deep breath in and out.
-Close your eyes or keep them open. Choose an area or an object to focus on.
-Slowly INHALE to the count of 4. Slowly EXHALE for the count of 5.
-As you continue with this breathing pattern, begin to picture a light at the top of your head.
-Allow this light to slowly scan down your body, from head, face to neck, to shoulders all the way until you reach down to toes. Becoming aware of each area as it scans over it.
Continue with the breathing pattern , 4 IN 5 OUT.
- From the toes, reverse upwards, through the top of your head towards the sky.
Great way to combine breathing and gravity of the mind.
WEEK 12- WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE AN ARTIST
In my experience, an artist sees possibilities everywhere. The more you create, the more ideas you will have. It is an endless flow..
Being an artist is FREEDOM. The freewill to create whatever you wish, experiment with new techniques and speak authentically.
WEEK 11- AN ARTIST SPRINGBOARD
For some people, art is regarded as a luxury to be enjoyed as decorations on the shelves and walls, or pursued as a hobby. For others, art becomes essential, quenching a thirst for expression in a way no other outlet can.
Everyday provides a springboard for artistic experimentation.
WEEK 10- WELCOME BOREDOM
Agatha Christie advice for Creativity: " get bored."
WEEK 9- WARM UP
The first thing I often do when entering the studio are line drawings with pencils, ink or markers. This serves me well as a mental warm up to start mind, hands and eyes to connect and work together to create.
Start with a blank page, any size. Combine simple lines and gestures to create tension, movements, silhouettes and horizons. The power to render something from nothing will grow.
WEEK 8- TAKE ACTION
A. Glason wrote:
"An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied."
This thought applies to everything we think and do. I desperately try to do this when it comes to art. My ideas have to fly not fall. Take action
WEEK 7- GROWTH and CHANGES
Being an artist feels solitary at times. We live in awe of Nature's beauty, the ultimate work of art. I aim to approach art from a place of freedom, joy and a sense of infinite possibility. This is the reason I am drawn to mixed media: anything and everything is possible and allowed.
Embracing growth and changes as part of being artists, we are able to stay open to new ideas. While I mainly paint, I also love to work in fiber art, handmade books and assemblage.
WEEK 6- HABITUAL ART
Pick up a brush and paint. Paint without having a particular end in mind. Sit down with as little as possible expectation of yourself and let the paintbrush lead you.
Get into as much art trouble as possible.
WEEK 5- IF NOT NOW.....WHEN?
Every day we do not make our art a priority is a day further away from ownership of our techniques. Whatever our aspirations for ourselves and our art, they will not become reality if we do not get started.
Artistic paralysis can be overwhelming. Embracing the discipline of a routine leads to a productive and rewarding practice. The creative process is far from an instant gratification path. The work needed is often arduous and repetitive. Progress can be slow.
When my children were young, intervals became intervening parallels to parenting. I painted in bits and pieces in the slivers of time available with limited expectations. Churning out little artwork pieces (up to 5"), was a satisfying break in my routine.
My intention was not to keep painting intervals, yearning for larger than life pieces but they break up in thoughts along the way. Simply a matter of expediency I suspect.
Painting larger sizes are often my commissioned works. Intervals remain my favorite painting size to work with.
HERE, THERE, ONCE IN A WHILE.
WEEK 14- DOING NOTHING
Learning to do NOTHING is a valuable tool for artists. By scheduling time each day, week or month to do nothing, I have gradually begun to have some understanding about where I want to go with my art.
Doing NOTHING is different from meditating and from solitude. It can be more difficult. A learned habit that has to be nurtured. Start slowly, perhaps 5 minutes and increase each time you do NOTHING (are you smiling yet?). Resist the temptation to think of dozens of things you could be doing. Think of this exercise as a necessity and a valuable time spent.
As I am learning to lean and delight in it, I am finding out that doing NOTHING is one of the most productive inactivity I engage in.
WEEK 13 -5 MINUTES ART MEDITATION
Wherever you are:
-Take a deep breath in and out.
-Close your eyes or keep them open. Choose an area or an object to focus on.
-Slowly INHALE to the count of 4. Slowly EXHALE for the count of 5.
-As you continue with this breathing pattern, begin to picture a light at the top of your head.
-Allow this light to slowly scan down your body, from head, face to neck, to shoulders all the way until you reach down to toes. Becoming aware of each area as it scans over it.
Continue with the breathing pattern , 4 IN 5 OUT.
- From the toes, reverse upwards, through the top of your head towards the sky.
Great way to combine breathing and gravity of the mind.
WEEK 12- WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE AN ARTIST
In my experience, an artist sees possibilities everywhere. The more you create, the more ideas you will have. It is an endless flow..
Being an artist is FREEDOM. The freewill to create whatever you wish, experiment with new techniques and speak authentically.
WEEK 11- AN ARTIST SPRINGBOARD
For some people, art is regarded as a luxury to be enjoyed as decorations on the shelves and walls, or pursued as a hobby. For others, art becomes essential, quenching a thirst for expression in a way no other outlet can.
Everyday provides a springboard for artistic experimentation.
WEEK 10- WELCOME BOREDOM
Agatha Christie advice for Creativity: " get bored."
WEEK 9- WARM UP
The first thing I often do when entering the studio are line drawings with pencils, ink or markers. This serves me well as a mental warm up to start mind, hands and eyes to connect and work together to create.
Start with a blank page, any size. Combine simple lines and gestures to create tension, movements, silhouettes and horizons. The power to render something from nothing will grow.
WEEK 8- TAKE ACTION
A. Glason wrote:
"An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied."
This thought applies to everything we think and do. I desperately try to do this when it comes to art. My ideas have to fly not fall. Take action
WEEK 7- GROWTH and CHANGES
Being an artist feels solitary at times. We live in awe of Nature's beauty, the ultimate work of art. I aim to approach art from a place of freedom, joy and a sense of infinite possibility. This is the reason I am drawn to mixed media: anything and everything is possible and allowed.
Embracing growth and changes as part of being artists, we are able to stay open to new ideas. While I mainly paint, I also love to work in fiber art, handmade books and assemblage.
WEEK 6- HABITUAL ART
Pick up a brush and paint. Paint without having a particular end in mind. Sit down with as little as possible expectation of yourself and let the paintbrush lead you.
Get into as much art trouble as possible.
WEEK 5- IF NOT NOW.....WHEN?
Every day we do not make our art a priority is a day further away from ownership of our techniques. Whatever our aspirations for ourselves and our art, they will not become reality if we do not get started.
Artistic paralysis can be overwhelming. Embracing the discipline of a routine leads to a productive and rewarding practice. The creative process is far from an instant gratification path. The work needed is often arduous and repetitive. Progress can be slow.
