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,