Re-discovering old loves!

I love that the universe sends just the right message to you at exactly the right moment that it is needed, whether it be a friend dropping by, a conversation with a passing neighbour, long lost notes in a sketch book, or the insight of others in the online form...etc. etc. I have to say that recently I have been struggling with my own doubts and just feeling pretty overwhelmed with this whole creative process. The feeling that I need to justify what I am doing and why I am doing it doesn't seem so simple to overcome, and neither does the doubt or fear of...well... failing. Or being rejected. Or both. But the message is becoming clearer.... 

SO? 

Everyone starts somewhere, right? I might as well start here. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone was too doubtful, too scared, too overwhelmed to pour their heart and soul into what they love? What would the world look like? I feel so incredibly grateful for the fact that I AM able to do this for the time being and perhaps it is as simple as that. While I can, I am going to pour my heart into this, knowing that it is for a reason and that it is worthwhile. How about you? What will you contribute to the cause of life? It is all important, no matter the form. Sing, dance, love, teach, create, play...BE.

Recently in my studio I've been rediscovering the fun of mixed media again. Actually, this whole new 're-discovery' of mixed media started a month or so ago when I took part in 'The Big Stitched Postcard Swap' (by the 'Do What You Love' team), where I had to make a stitched postcard, using anything I liked, to send to a swap partner who lives in the U.K. I thought it would be pretty simple, but being someone that can't actually sew ANYTHING, it actually took me a long time and it was challenging in a lot of ways - trying to combine my painting technique on paper - and a tiny piece of paper for that matter! - and incorporating stitching... well, it took a few attempts. It has even inspired me to create some smaller pieces! I don't know if it was just that it took me so long and because there were so many attempts, but I was pretty happy with the finished one! Here is a little snap (sorry about the poor Iphone quality!)...what do you think?

I'm realising how 'comfortable' it can feel using the same 'methods' and ideas, and finding myself relying on a handful of 'tools' that just feel reliable and trustworthy. Types of marks, colour combinations, etc. So, adding some new materials and mediums has been interesting (and also frustrating!)... but I'm having fun with it mostly. It feels good to be experimenting with new combinations, and it does feel like I'm finding my own voice and style more over time. There is something actually quite liberating about not being stuck to one certain 'style' or medium too

... more opportunities and possibilities for creating something interesting and that is more me. 

This is my first finished mixed-media piece that I completed today! This is on wood panel, which is fun to work with as I'm not limited to just using paint. The printed paper I added in the background was the inspiration for the rest of the detail I added to this as well...and I also re-discovered masking fluid and INK... how did I forget about ink?! ....LOVE! I'm definitely going to be working with these materials more I think and adding in some others... maybe printing and some more natural materials too...lots happening in my little studio!

Keep your eye out for some more photos of the smaller pieces I'm working on, and also....my new Etsy shop will be opening soon!!

In the meantime...

What do you find inspiring?
What do you like to work with?

xx