Remembering Purpose and Direction
Today I feel like I’ve run out of ideas, I’m feeling the full on bombardment of ‘creative content’ overwhelm. Receiving it and also the pressure of making it. We are told, be authentic, be original and yet everywhere someone has done it all before. At least artists do have something new as they make something out of nothing, a new unique take on things. So where is the depth, or the back story underneath, between the lines? There could be many, so I’m returning to my old true self where it all began all those years ago at the turn of the Century.
An old idea, that is at the core of everything I do: Art Seeking Stories, back to my days as cabin crew for British Airways, my diary jumping timezones worldwide, seeking art and culture. 20-22 years ago. People, cultures and societies, communicating in the universal language that is art. How does that relate today? And how does it influence me today……
Now the idea of The Art Date, feels like it has shifted, finding a date by where by I seek out the same date as I publish a story, nostalgically seeking 20-22 years back. As for connecting with my art, that would have to be colour - picking the essence of a memory within a colour…. found in a photo for example.
I’m looking forward to see where this will take me. I did try this before in my swiped series but I’m feeling a need to re visit.
Studio Stories
In the Studio this week, for my 100 days, I have returned to inks and acrylics, just to enjoy the blend and blur of texture and colours. It had been all quiet in the studio and then I got a new tripod, then all of a sudden there was a mad frenzy, a riot of colour. A great kick start to get me back in the flow with multiple time-lapse clips. Here the top right two are done, the others will be getting more, more dots and more something. I like these paintings they feel therapeutic, I see them as clouds of conversations or thoughts or even morning meditations, so that was a blast of 80-88 for my 100 days, moving on swiftly. I’ve been thinking how I might name them, by pulling out a positive affirmation or thought and write it on the back, if you have any special suggestions I’d love to hear.
Art News
I’m delighted to have my artwork ‘Joy’ accepted in, ‘Stories 02’ exhibition in the News Building in London, this will swap with her other half, ‘Hope’ who was exhibiting in ‘Stories 01’. While ‘Stone Unturned’, will be exhibiting in ‘Elevate 04’ in The Shard.
Inspiration
Art 2 Life I loved last week’s episode 36, about becoming more alive with Brandi Stanley, a writer, podcaster and explorer. This is an incredible listen, Brandi explains our journey and life’s purpose which is so beautifully described. This being in touch with who we are and essentially asking ourselves what it is that makes us feel alive. I loved the comparisons and learnings we can gain from nature. Listen here.
It’s not always only artists I’m inspired by. This week I’ve been loving Belinda Knott with her Pothies slippers and Cosymejig water bottle cosies. What can I say, they look great! While I love her offerings, all cosy and warm, I also I love how she shares her stories in short video format - I’ve got a lot to learn. It also felt nostalgic, reminded me of how my mum used to make us all slippers, she knitted and then boiled them to become felt and we wore them until they were thread bare.
I also enjoyed an episode with Helen Perry on her,
Just Bloody Post it - Podcast, Time to Try Tik Tok,
(While I am learning - & loving it) Helen talks to Belinda @pothiesmakes and Penny Walker @barbrusa_social and Elizabeth Stiles @thefashionbranclinic about all things TikTok and how it is becoming an essential tool for marketing your business.
The Book I’m reading now:
The Little Book of Colour by Karen Haller
Keeping with my colour theme exploration this little book explores the psychology of colour to transform your life. The ideas in this book compliments my ideas, experience and thoughts of colour when I’m painting. I like the idea of the meaning and feeling of colour and the subconscious memory and connection we have with it. This book explains colour on all levels, emphasising how colour effects our decisions and mood, suggesting how colour can boost our mood, wellbeing, increase motivation and how we feel, instantly. I’m planning to become more conscious and considered in colour choice, mixing and matching, thinking in harmony. We will see if it makes a difference.
Quote :
I had this wonderful message on one of my instagram posts from another fellow artist, Steve Pearman. He says,
Gorgeous and inspirational work as always Emma. “Colour is the place where our brain and the Universe meet” Take care, stay safe and well and have a wonderful creative week, filled with peace, good health, love, laughter, happiness and joy.
& I’d like to forward these sentiments to you too.
