I love being on the Coast and I love being in the bush.....the two together make, magic..........

I had a successful workshop today, it got me thinking, what makes a successful art workshop? I guess it starts with, what is your definition of success? I realised that today my definition of success involves a lot more than recognition and wealth. Success to me, sounds like the squeal of delight as a young student stamps her art work with a beautiful palm tree, or the kindness of the students sharing and helping each other and saying what they like about each others art work. Success is a Mum (who has brought 4 little girls to the art workshop) tell me how "relaxing" it is as she sits painting & gluing away encircled by her troops. Success, is being surrounded by happy and creative individuals who are in complete joy, living in the moment. 

On Saturday I was so grateful to be a part of a Parent Wellbeing workshop at my children's school. The workshop was a way for parents to explore different tools in how best to care for themselves, both spiritually and physically. I ran a creativity workshop centred around collage. Collage art is a well known process to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals of all ages. It has been found to reduce stress, as we move our hands it activates the frontal cortex, which provides contentment and joy. 


There was no structure to my workshop, the ethos was to let go and use your intuition. To tear, rip and cut whatever images appealed intuitively and to glue them to a large piece of paper. The process of ripping the paper was a very satisfying fine motor skill and reviewing all the "hidden" messages in the end result was very telling. By working intuitively, the collage couldn't be constructed by any ideals. The end lesson was to put the collage away at home and once a month pull it out and action something off it. So I am hoping there will be lots of walks on the beach, reading a good book in a cosy corner or even creatively cooking up a storm in the kitchen.......all wonderful tools to have in our tool box for our WELLBEING.

Today I got to share the process of making collage hearts with a fabulous group. I have to say all the creativity going on around my table was so great to watch and everyone's hearts were so individual. I am most grateful that I get to share the properties of art making! I think everyone left feeling, satisfied, relaxed and happy.

I love working with paper, it is maluable, colourful and tactile. Angel wings are one of my most favourite things (as well as hearts) to create with paper, they are never the same and each wing is so unique. To me it is a process of metamorphosis (a physical development and change), after the initial hatching of my idea. They organically grow and develop before my eyes. Metamorphosis is a word used for scientific purposes but I do love the idea that we, humanity, all have the potential to develop, hatch and change in so many ways. 

I am not going to tell tales, yes it is really hard to start a new painting. It is even harder to keep going once I have started, I am a bit of a procrastinator. But once I do find my groove the only thing that stops me are all the other "life" things that I am committed too, my beautiful children, study, husband, work, domestics.........

I never know how long my paintings will take but it is nice to know that at least there is one on the easel to touch base with. Painting helps me to find my equilibrium, my centre. I can guarantee you that this will not look the same at the end of the processes, it always astounds me how quickly a painting transforms especially when you just let it happen. It is a mystery to me where they come from. I hope you all find a chance to do something creative today.

Some of my favourite things this week, the "Spiritual Warrior" tote bag from my Redbubble shop, "The Man" stickers inspired by my eldest and "Grateful" stickers. Not to mention my gorgeous Spiritual Gangster singlet, explaining the meaning of "Namaste".....LOVE!!!

Good morning, I did a yoga class yesterday that touched on the concept that the grass isn't greener on the other side if we just water our own grass. Watering our own grass means nurturing and growing our souls. It's important to not just show gratitude for what we have but to also give back to ourselves, wether that be a yoga class, time reading a book or maybe being creative..........what gift will you give yourself today?

I just ordered a Redbubble travel mug from my shop with my Aloha Sunrise design, for a friend of mines birthday. I love it, the quality is wonderful as well as the cool packaging and it is the perfect size.