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Nurturing your creative self

December 4, 2023 Comments Off on Nurturing your creative self Inspiration

a beach with a woman in the sun with umbrellas searching for her creative self
 Nurturing your Creative Self Amidst Life’s Chaos: A Guide for Busy Souls

     In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding the time and energy to tap into our creative selves can be a daunting task. Balancing work, family responsibilities, and the chaos of preparing for the holiday season, creativity often takes a backseat. However, in the midst of this chaos, the importance of nurturing our creativity becomes even more profound.

Life can be busy

Life is a juggling act, especially for those managing careers, parenting, and the whirlwind of activities that accompany the holiday season. The demands on our time and mental bandwidth can make the prospect of engaging in creative pursuits seem like a distant dream. However, acknowledging the significance of creativity in fostering a balanced and fulfilled life is the first step towards overcoming these challenges.

Memories fuels creativity

Creativity is often fueled by our memories – the reservoir of experiences, emotions, and observations that shape our unique perspectives. In the midst of a hectic schedule, it’s easy to underestimate the power of memory in sparking creative ideas. Whether it’s the joy of a childhood memories or the challenges faced during a busy workday, tapping into these memories can be a wellspring of inspiration for artistic expression.

How to encourage creativity

Ways to Encourage Creativity in Busy Lives:

  1. Carve out dedicated time: Schedule specific time slots for creative pursuits, treating them with the same importance as work meetings or family commitments. This deliberate approach helps in creating a mental space for creativity.
  2. Embrace imperfection: Understand that creativity is a process, not a destination. Give yourself permission to create imperfect art, acknowledging that the act of creating is more important than achieving perfection.
  3. Involve family: Turn creative endeavors into family activities. Whether it’s crafting holiday decorations together or sharing stories, involving loved ones not only nurtures creativity but also strengthens bonds.
  4. Create a conducive environment: Designate a space at home for creative pursuits, free from distractions. A clutter-free and inspiring environment can significantly enhance your ability to focus and create.
  5. Explore diverse mediums: Experiment with various art forms and mediums. You might discover hidden talents and interests that align with your schedule and energy levels.
  6. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, to clear mental clutter and make room for creative thoughts.

In the chaos of life’s demands, the pursuit of creativity might seem like a luxury. However, recognizing its importance in fostering well-being and personal fulfillment can shift our perspective. By acknowledging the role of memory in creative endeavors and implementing practical strategies, we can embrace our artistic sides even amidst the busiest of times. So, as the holiday season approaches, let’s make a conscious effort to prioritize and nurture our creativity, ensuring that the canvas of our lives is painted with the vibrant strokes of imagination and self-expression.

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Memory as a tool for creativity

March 14, 2023 Comments Off on Memory as a tool for creativity Inspiration

Dancing on the beach

Using Memory as a Tool in Art

Memory as a tool for Inspiration

Memory is a powerful source of inspiration for artists. Memories can be triggered by emotions, smells, sounds, or visuals, and can be a source of inspiration for creating new art. When an artist creates art that reflects their memories, it allows them to connect with their audience on a deeper level, as the emotions and experiences portrayed in the artwork resonate with viewers.

For example, artists may use their memories of childhood experiences to create art that is nostalgic and reflective of their personal histories. This type of art is often very relatable, as many viewers have similar memories and experiences that they can connect to.

The trick to using childhood memories as an artist- is to think of experiences that are universal. For example, I remember childhood memories of the escape to the beach, or remembering parties my parents  had in the 1970s play a role in creating pieces for my recent collection.

Memory as a Tool for Creativity

Memory is also a tool for creativity. When artists create, they draw from their memories to generate new ideas and concepts. This is especially true for artists who work in abstract or non-representational forms. In these cases, artists may use their memories as a starting point for creating art that explores emotions or concepts that are difficult to express in words.

Memory can also be a tool for problem-solving. When artists encounter challenges in their work, they can draw on their memories of past successes and failures to find solutions. This type of problem-solving is essential for artists who work in mediums that are unforgiving, such as painting or sculpture.

Memory as a Means of Communication

Finally, memory is a means of communication for artists. Through their art, artists can share their memories and experiences with others. This type of communication is especially powerful when the memories portrayed in the art are universal, and viewers can connect to them on a personal level.

In conclusion, memory is a crucial element in the creation, preservation, and appreciation of art. By drawing on their own memories and experiences, artists are able to create works that are deeply personal and meaningful. In turn, these works of art help to preserve our culture and history, and allow us to connect with one another on a deeper level.

To see a full selection of prints see https://www.memoryartgirl.com/shop-art

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Growth Mindset defines your World

February 11, 2022 Comments Off on Growth Mindset defines your World Inspiration

Wonderful World creates place to be

The power of mindset.

The question is how do you maintain and insure that you have a growth mindset and not a fixed one? How do you insure that the negative does not affect you?

The difference between growth and fixed is one of looking at the future. To have a growth mindset means that you are learning and looking to the future. The people around you, your family, your home are all part of this process.

Life should not just be followed. You need to challenge the status quo.  You need to control your mindset and be aware othe negative imagery, films, conversations, news that we are exposed to. In fact, the ability to grow, and be positive is directly linked to your environment.

Your Surroundings influences your mindset

The past two years have shown us how being in one spot creates a paralysis of action. The lockdowns, the lack of travel, have made our world very small. The result, is the feeling of  sadness- the lack of looking at the future and looking at life with a view of light and brightness.

One of the main sources of being positive is your home. Its different rooms, has an influence upon your mind. The colours, light, comfort all play a role in how you feel. Art has a big role in this.

Happiness brought to you with Art

When creating the Happiness Series, I was aware that the imagery provided a positive view. A hopeful view. Each piece presents a story of joy, escape and a place where there is an optimistic outlook.

In the piece highlighted, Wonderful World, is a story of hope, future and joy. The figures are from vintage ads with the text referencing the song What a wonderful World. The outlook is being positive and cherishing the moment.

To see the full Happiness Series, click here. 

 

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Dreams can create Change

February 1, 2021 Comments Off on Dreams can create Change Inspiration

dreams can create change when walking arm in arm

Dreams can create change. The defining of the “desire” to be someplace else, be someone else or to increase your pleasure in life comes from the ability to dream. As we look out into the world at this time, we see many having to change their lives and deal with intense amount of change put upon them without their choice. Loss of family, friends, jobs- so much change that is not about dreaming. Yet dreams can create change in our minds and in our souls.

So where do you start when this harsh reality is thrust upon us? How do you step into another mind space that looks to the light? Every step that is taken, every day that we spend upon the loss is another day that we do not dream. Yes, it is important to recognize this but the discipline it takes to move through it and redefine the reality is where we are at in this  Great Pause.

This term, the Great Pause, has made me wonder. Is it a pause? Or is it a shift? We are in a moment of history that is significant. As we reflect upon life that is so different today we should be able to register what is good about our lives today. Not pause. Rather step into it and be it. We can dream of the big world and the future while also reveling in the moment.

Yet daydreaming must be part of your daily life. It is an act that provides you with possibilities. The opportunity to be somewhere else, to be with someone else, to enjoy a piece of life that is full of fun and laughter. It is free to dream. Despite the physical restrictions and the curtailing of travel,  we can still dream.

As we go through these difficult times there are ways to initiate these dreams. Music, art, reading, film are all ways that makes us think of alternate realities. To step into a piece of art and be in another place is a way to dream. It is a way to remind us that there is Joy just beyond the initial reality.

In the piece highlighted titled Wondrous and Alive a couple walks arm in arm surrounded by the large floral patterns and bright colors. A celebration of love in a time where we can dream of love and beauty. Art is the perfect way to put yourself somewhere else. To step into another time and place and remind ourselves that life is still good.

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Brighten Someone’s Day

April 19, 2020 Comments Off on Brighten Someone’s Day Inspiration

brighten someones day by baking a cajke

Think Beyond Yourself

How do we brighten someone’s day as we progress through The Great Pause? During this time we are reminded of the essentials of life. Family, friends, safety, kindness and freedom.  We are reminded that we must have the ability to step outside of our own plans and be in the moment. To trust that the future will return.

There is a great sense of loss, on so many levels. For so many,  this loss becomes about ourselves.  Although, the phrase “we are all in it together” has become somewhat trite- yet it speaks to the sense that loss has been shared by everyone. The question becomes how to combat this “woe is me” feeling. To step outside of the personal grieving of loss and empathize that there are others who are struggling as well.

Your Mother helps Your Sanity

The journey to find the end of this dreary time is the challenge. How do we equip ourselves to keep going on a daily basis? How do we get up everyday and step into some time of routine. How do we find the space where we can contribute to the healing and stopping of the Pause?

For me, my lifeline has  been my mother. Her voice at the other end of the phone, or to see her face on the screen, has been a calming influence. She has “brightened someone’s day” by just being a calm voice. Just by asking if I am OK.

As a mother myself, I have taken this sensation of calmness and tried to share it with my son and daughter who are both dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty of today. Just by saying it is going to be ok. We will get through these times. This will pass. Be angry, be sad, but be aware that life will return. Words that must be repeated and understood to keep the journey going.

These little moments of sharing is really what it is about. Step outside of yourself and brighten someone’s day.

The journey has included the making of the home as a place of perfection. Baking cakes, hanging out, are pieces where time is shared and peace seems to prevail. They also brighten someone’s day as there is a moment of distraction. A moment of escape.

Dream and life will Return

As an artist, mother and creator of visual stories, I have seen my contribution as not only one who maintains some kind of stability, in a time of chaos, but also to give people the channel to dream.

To dream of a time of freedom, to dream of escape, of happiness, of being in a place that we share the optimism and light. All pieces that will be pervasive again.

The glimmer of light is there. It just takes a moment to reach out and brighten it. To remind them that life will be good again and the sense of loss will evaporate.

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Life is Simple when it’s Normal

March 23, 2020 Comments Off on Life is Simple when it’s Normal Inspiration

A simple life. A couple sitting and reading

How do we survive the chaos?

There was life before. Then there is life after. Life is simple. Simple when it can be normal. That is not our reality today. As we deal with chaos around us we try to find a place of normalcy. A place where we can talk, touch and be with each other.

Aside from the lack of face to face human connection, there is a real void of culture. The art we see in theatres, concerts, art fairs, galleries, are a direct reflection of ourselves. Without this presence there is just quiet.

What to do during these times? How do we nurture ourselves? How do we make our lives function so that we are reminded of the joy, the happiness, the simplicity of freedom?

Living in the Moment

Living within our homes, quarantined with our families, distant from our friends, our workplace- we are confronted with ourselves. Our own truths and realities. This self examination is not bad. So much of our time is about pushing forward, producing, making it to the next level. As we focus upon ourselves and our surroundings of “home”, there is a recognition of the essence of ourselves. Surviving this is the challenge. Being able to accept, to nurture, to be with our own space is the place we are in.

For the past 10 days, I have been paralyzed. Not able to really do anything but shake my head with this new reality. As the shock dissipates, I start to search for the connection. The connection to what life is. The way we adapt to crisis is different for everyone. I believe that artists tend to absorb the energy of their surroundings. To set a wall against the darkness takes an extra amount of effort. Yet it is our job. Our calling is to create a space of escape. It is a place for you to be in and be alive. To feel the life of love, of beauty, laughter and fun.

Now is the time for Art. More than ever. So even though you can’t go to an art fair, or a concert- Take a moment to look for art online, check out the beauty. Absorb what you can to be in the moment of beauty on the screen.

At the very least tour through www.memoryartgirl.com to see a few images of beauty, love and home.

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Postcards of Paradise

February 20, 2020 Comments Off on Postcards of Paradise Inspiration

postcard of Ladies by the pool

Special Messages of Love

What is in a postcard? Really the question should be asked; when is the last time you received a postcard? A short message, with a great picture and a sensation that someone, somewhere took the time to think of you. They took the time to write a note, put your address and stamp on it and put it in a mailbox.

Usually these postcards have photos of wonderful places. Places we can escape to in the moment of receiving this message. Our mind travels, every so briefly, and is there with the person enjoying the view. Of course, you soon think that the message is not irrelevant as the person has moved onto another place. The mail could never follow as quickly as social media.

Now we have an instant experience- we can look at social media and see the place, the moment of personal reaction to the place they are visiting. The consumption of the imagery is monumental. The reception of this image does not celebrate the personal sharing of a memory. In fact, there just is no connection. There is observation.

Postcards makes us feel special

When collecting postcards from the past, there is a real sense of humanity. A consistent messaging of celebrating events in life and travel. Always a message of “wishing you were here”. The sense of absence is pervasive. Even though the postcards come from 60 years ago, the messaging is often the same.

When receiving a postcard, there is a quietness, a sense of being in a space and sharing the moment that the sender is trying to convey. You think of the person being in that space. You are there in that moment- with them.

It is this sensation that the latest body of work looks at. The moment we imagine what the image says about the sender. Is it just another pretty place? Or is there a real emotional space that the sender was in when sending this postcard? When creating a painting, such as Phenomenal Woman, there is a deeper message than the image. The layering of a feminist story, played into the image, makes for a piece that  is a deeper space. A political space.

A postcard can be more than a postcard.

In reality, no image is just an image. Every image relates to a story that can be interpreted in a way of intent. Taking the image of the postcard of being by a pool is a perfect platform for another meaning. Layering the poem Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou does such a thing. It puts a deeper meaning than escape or holiday. It puts the meaning of celebrating women and celebrating beauty a prime message. Two messages which makes this work, and this series, a fun and relevant body of work.

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Friendship creates memories.

January 8, 2020 Comments Off on Friendship creates memories. Inspiration, Uncategorized

friendship of women running

Friends makes us Happy

Having a group of women friends creates happiness and memories. Friendship brings out the lighter side of life and makes us realize that life is to be enjoyed. To not be taken too seriously and remind you to laugh a little at the absurdity of daily life.

For many women, working, taking care of kids and parents, having a partner are so many pieces that have to be balanced and nurtured. Much of our time is spent insuring that everyone is good. Having friendship with other women is just too much. It takes time to be engaged. To reach out and celebrate each other. A piece that often get lost in the demands of taking care of others.

Yet by not doing this, by not taking care of the personal, the resource that gives so much is not renewed. That resource is You.

As an artist, I spend a great deal of time alone. I’m not lonely. I just don’t talk to people much. It takes a bit of effort and time to understand that by doing this I am not renewing the resource that produces the art.

Art can remind you of the joy of Friendship

Looking at vintage photos of women walking together, striding in laughter and fun, reminds you of the joy. This image tells you to stop- listen to your inner voice and step into taking life a little less seriously.  This is an important piece.

How can art play a role in your happiness?

This is a question that I often consider when creating a peice of art. What messaging does it hold that takes you to a place that reminds you of joy, reminds you of escape, reminds you of love? Pieces of happiness that are critical in our well being.

Creating images of women walking together plays into this realm. As an artist it is an image that reminds me of the value of my friendships with women. Women who share my frustrations with relationships, hopes for my kids and advice for my career. Pieces of shared moments that cannot be taken for granted.

Make certain you surround yourself with reminders of laughter.  This gives you so much more than that moment.

 

 

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Power of Original Art

December 8, 2019 Comments Off on Power of Original Art Inspiration

marilyn monro jumping.

The power of original art is everywhere.

We are surrounded by an enormous amount of imagery everyday. Images through social media, tv, streaming, news  all seem to blend into our minds. So what stands out? What makes an impression upon us? The power of original art is to make you stop, look and think.

When you look towards original art you should stop.  Think that these are One of a kind pieces of art that had time and thought put into it to create it. Remember that the image you are looking out was made out of NOTHING.  A person took a tool, and used a surface and made something from nothing. And what they made was about something. It had a statement about your life. It’s purpose was to register a moment that you take for granted. In many ways, artists are visual philosophers. They stop time and translate it into a visual moment. So stop the scrolling and register.

This moment is put in front of you and you are made to register.

As a viewer, and consumer of this imagery, you look at it. You think “what is this image and how does it relate to you”. On a broader scale what does this art say about the trends in our culture.  If it’s a piece about nature, the use of color, the brushwork, the technique capture the light and image. If it’s a figure, there is sense of  person, the story and the identity.

This is where my work exists. It sits in the realm of creating a story about the people in our life and world. They may have come from the past, but their influence is still existent in the present. Whether it is an image from an old family photo, or an image from an iconic figure that is well known, then the story evolves to relate to who we are today. The beauty and elegance of Audrey Hepburn inspires us. The iconic power of Marilyn Monroe is transformed into our own persception of female empowerment.

Slow down and stop. Be Mindful of what you look at.

The highlighting of this creative moment makes you stop and register. That is what I am trying to make you do. To slow down and absorb.

In our daily life of the saturation of images we just dismiss. We don’t stop. We just consume. We scroll past and not think about the time, the idea and what the image says about you at this time.

 

 

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Is Art Dead?

October 10, 2019 Comments Off on Is Art Dead? Inspiration

place to escape, umbrellas by a pool reminds us of a mid century party place

Is the power of art dead?

Does art still have power that it used to have? Is art dead? Do we care about the handmade or the one of a kind? Does it have the same power that art had in the 17th and 18th centuries? Although it does not have the same power as these times, art is very much alive. In fact I would make the argument that art is even more important because it is it is so pervasive and accessible.

Although the handmade item seems to be disappearing, there is still the focus upon the uniqueness of the idea. We are now in a time where we look towards how the digital transforms our ideas and puts them in a new context.

Digital creates a new concept.

In fact, in this digital age, the translation of the image into different types of materials actually puts another layer of meaning on it. For many years, I was all about just the Original. Anything that was printed or created on another substrate, was not, in my opinion, as valuable as the original. I’ve now changed my mind. I have reproduced my work on acrylic glass and it takes on an entire whole other layer of meaning. Respecting new materials, understanding how a print can be valuable in its uniqueness are now part of the landscape. It is using the same idea, but translating it creates another way of understanding the image.

Power of the Original

That still leaves me with the concept of the Original. This piece of creativity will never lose its power. The way the piece is made, the magic of the moment of creativity by the hand of the artist. The signature of this creativity are critical pieces to the power of anything reproduced by the artist. It is at this moment of the “original story” that makes the depth and power of the piece. It is never to be underestimated.

In the piece highlighted, Let the Sun Shine, the magic of the moment of sun and escape is apparent. What makes this pieces so unique is the way the viewer can contemplate the moment of peace. The moment of escape and the beauty of the light. The same idea works on the original and the print level. Of course, knowing that this piece was touched and created by the artist makes this one of kind. However, it still has the power of the idea. The idea of escape, the idea of the past and the idea of seeing a unique idea.

 

 

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