mindset & easing into 2024
words - images - journals
To be an artist is to believe in life – Henry Moore
Happy New Year! Can I still say that?
Here we are - well into January. Thought it might be a good time to check in and say hello.
I may have mentioned I like to create an overarching theme for my work and assign a word of the year that will serve as a focal point for myself in the upcoming year. Mindset is the word for 2024, allowing myself the space and using creativity to let go and shift away from what no longer serves me. Easy, right? So, I started asking myself some questions. How can I put this into practice? What practical things can I do, and what that looks like as a daily-ish creative practice? Because spending time in a sketchbook is such a comfortable and familiar place for me and I love writing, it made perfect sense to incorporate words, phrases, and images into some of my sketchbook work. I’ve taken a deep dive and over the last several months have been doing some serious art journaling. Combining that with intention setting and making affirmation cards has proved very rewarding—another great way to keep the creative momentum going with small, accessible art projects. I am always looking for new creative outlets. I want to share what I’ve discovered and offer some classes soon speaking to this and how I have made it part of my regular creative practice. (more details below)
New in the Studio
I am planning to offer more classes this year starting mid-March!
The first class I will offer is Intentions, Affirmations & Creativity. Learn how to design and create your own set of affirmation cards to support the art and practice of setting intentions, creating personal affirmations, and maybe a bit of magical thinking.
In this class, you will explore the power of setting intentions and the beauty of using affirmation cards. A list of words, statements, quotes, and visual symbols will be provided as inspiration for your cards that reflect the intentions and affirmations you want to focus on. This class is also an opportunity to draw from and explore your creative self and the importance of cultivating a creative practice.
Several art techniques and materials will be discussed and demonstrated. No formal art training is needed and all levels of art experience are welcome. Arrive with an openness to be free and explore words, ideas, and art materials with a beginner’s mind and attitude, allowing you to create an original series of affirmation cards that is uniquely yours. In my studio, March 16th, 1 - 4 pm $75.00 - includes all supplies, materials, and zine/workbook. My studio is cozy so the class is limited to 6 people. Let me know if you’re interested, and reply to this email!
Spring & Summer classes - Sketchbook Love - creative & art journaling, Creative Freedom, Write, Draw, Cut & Paste. Quilt and fiber, dyeing, and making pigments with plants from the dye garden (late summer/early fall). Kokedama, and other plant-related classes this summer.
What do you think, ready to get creative with me? Let’s do it!
Art & Ideas
With the cold weather, I’ve been craving some warmth! I love this book by Josef Albers. And, an article about some interesting works made by Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe while they were on a tropical art sojourn.
Stay creative,
Barb