Art for Juliette

This is a recent customized piece for a lovely sweet baby girl named Juliette. I am having so much fun creating these personalize pieces for youngsters!

Creatively,

Rules of the Road

I need a little inspiration today. Here is a fave excerpt called Rules of the Road from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron:

In order to be an artist, I must:

1. Show up at the page. Use the page to rest, to dream, to try.

2. Fill the well by caring for my artist.

3. Set small and gentle goals and meet them.

4. Pray for guidance, courage, and humility.

5. Remember that it is far harder and more painful to be a blocked artist than it is to do the work.

6. Be alert, always, for the presence of the Great Creator leading and helping my artist.

7. Choose companions who encourage me to do the work, not just talk about doing the work or why I am not doing the work.

8. Remember the Great Creator loves creativity.

9. Remember that it is my job to do the work, not judge the work.

10. Place this sign in my workplace: Great Creator, I will take care of the quantity. You take care of the quality.

Creatively,

My Attic Studio

This is where I work. Graphic design, art, dreaming, pinning, everything goes on here. I lovingly call it "the loft" but it's actually a cozy attic studio in my home that's really inspiring to be in. From time to time it's clean and organized, but most of the time it's a work in progress as the creating happens and the messes spread. I love having a faux wood stove and cozy blankets on hand for all the cold wet days. If you're ever nearby, come visit me and we'll have a cup of tea!

Creatively,

Tea Cosy Love

It's autumn in Vancouver. The rain is upon us and I am delighting in other things to offset the gloom. My good friend sent me a link to this neat euro shop in an eclectic area of Vancouver called Gastown. I am in love with their tea cosies! And seeing as this is the perfect weather to curl up on the couch with a warm cup of tea, why not have a cute cosy for my teapot too?  There are a few more cosies to see here at Orling & Wu.

Creatively,

 

Creating with my hands - a rich summer

Autumn has arrived and I am reflecting on my summer harvest. Learning, experimenting and - most importantly - expressing myself authentically have been the biggest rewards of the season. This has been a summer of using my hands to create beautiful things. I took Danita's Mixed Media From the Heart workshop, Christy Tomlinson's She Art workshop, and am now taking Flying Lessons - Tips and Tricks to help your creative biz soar by Kelly Rae Roberts. These women are amazing. I have been inspired and motivated all the way, building a clearer vision of who I am as an artist and where I want to go. I've made art journaling part of my studio routine which has opened up a whole new side of myself I didn't realize existed, and has helped me to keep my creativity flowing daily. I feel like my life expanded this year. I'm inspired, and I'm my whole self. Do you know what I mean? I've been wanting to share this joy and document changes and creations as they happen, and so this blog is born. Everything that is "me" will show up here, and I'm hoping I can bring beauty and inspiration to add to your day. Thanks for sharing this experience with me. And thank you to my art mentors for all they are teaching me.

A glimpse into my summer makings:

Breathe - Sometimes it’s the small moments of tranquillity and vulnerability that are most real and meaningful in a modern life. A breath of pure calm is captured here with mixed media on cradled wood panel. Collaged with paper, ink, paint and beaded lace.

Garden Story - A story of growth, truth and finding her way in the world. The whimsical “her” portrays my journey of soul-searching and finding my path. Mixed media on cradled wood panel. Collaged with type, paper, ink and paint.
 

A simple and soulful art journal entry expressing the combined sorrow and happiness that solitude can bring. Acrylic paint and ink in a handmade art journal.

 

Taking time to celebrate a soulful state of mind with vivid feminine colours and a girl who symbolizes me. Collaged with paper, hand-illustrated words, ink and paint.

I discovered the pure joy of creating tiny 3 x 4 inch art blocks for the youngsters of some of my favourite friends. It is one of the most rewarding kinds of art to do because the inspiration comes from these energetic, happy little souls. I would love to expand my business and do more custom pieces for tiny hands.

 

Sketching is soothing. Everything and anything that comes to mind or inspires me, I try to sketch it.

And finally, making my own stamps has been incredibly fun. Use lino block and a lino carving tool, and voila! Thanks Danita for showing me such a simple and rewarding tool.

Creatively,