 An unexpected addition to the #MeToo movement, 100 portraits of “Nasty Women,” and nightly gratitude practice—just a few topics covered in the latest Grit & Grace mini interview. Thank you to Nolwenn Petitbois, Shawnta Shicole Barnes, and Veronica Funk for sharing their thoughts. Find this & much more inspiration in The Phoenix Soul: Passionate Purpose (indie digital magazine). Available here.
 I love taking personality type tests and recently found an interesting one that made me think of my 52 WEEKS::Heroes project. It asked to list 5 people you admire, living or dead, real or fictional, and the reasons why. Mine were Georgia O'Keeffe, Meryl Streep, Beatrix Potter, Maya Angelou and Stevie Nicks for their creativity, independence, strength, quirky sense of humour and their unapologetic attitude towards living life their way. My eldest daughter Alex chose Lucille Ball, Amy Schummer, Lauren Graham, Mindy Kahling and Anna Kendrick for their confidence, feminism, authenticity, humour and outspokenness. My youngest Katherine selected Vera Britton, Alicia Vikander, Wonder Woman, Tris (Divergent), and Aurora (X-Company) because they are brave, strong, unapologetic, intelligent and calm.
***** If you made a list like mine, read through it carefully and recognize that these are your character traits, too. When I initially read that statement after writing out my list, tears came to my eyes. Sometimes I think we forget to recognize the good parts of ourselves and, instead focus only on our perceived flaws. I've been studying psychology in university and for one of my papers I had to ask five friends to list my top three strengths and though they all used different words, the basic sentiment was the same and it really touched me deeply. ***** These experiences reminded me of the story I've heard about a small village in Africa. When a member of the tribe does something cruel or unkind, the villagers surround that person and tell them all the good things about them. I love that.  This is me. I am a 52 year old artist, wife and mother who has been exhibiting professionally for about 17 years (if I remember correctly). I studied Art & Design many years ago and am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts. Here I am holding my favorite supplies - 8x10 gallery canvases and my Judson's Plein Air pochade (my studio in a box).
***** I was raised surrounded by the boreal forest in northern Manitoba and now live in one of the fastest growing communities in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Canada which has heavily influenced my work. ***** I'm inspired by vibrant colour and by the surrounding urban and natural landscapes as well as the people who dwell in them. Also by books...I can't seem to read enough. ***** Thank you joining me here...thank you so much for your support. Kind words go such a long way when you work alone for the most part. 
  Join us for a FREE 2 Day online
Creative Retreat July 7 & 8 with 18 inspiring artists offering lessons including: mixed media, art journaling, creative processes, techniques & more. Plus, receive special gifts from each teacher - sign up for my eNews during the month of July to enter your name into the draw for an original 4x4 mini bee painting. At this online creative event you will meet 18 amazing Artist/Teacher/Mentor/Guides as well as experience some of the magic they share with the world. Each teacher will be offering a lesson FREE (live for 24 hours) to inspired you, to stimulate your own creative practice and/or learn new techniques and approaches. This workshop is for anyone who creates or feels the desire to create, who wishes to be inspired, and who wishes to explore with curiosity. We believe that your creative practice should not be limited to just one weekend but inspired to be an ongoing part of your life. Sign up for the Ongoing Retreat to gain access to the Creative Retreat for a year. The Ongoing Retreat includes 18 additional lessons being delivered one each week to allow you to continue to dive into and stretch your creative practice. Early Bird Price $120 which ends with the Creative Retreat Weekend (Regular Price $147). For more information or to register please visit here. 
|
|