Creativity
Your artistic children do not belong to you. They are life’s longing for self expression. Letting go of your art creations is important if they are to find new homes. Yet you can be full of anxiety - will they be loved by others as you love them yourself?
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A favourite ceramic sculpture by Ann Ferguson with its daily frangipani flowers
Small children find magic all around them. When does that enchantment with the world dissipate? As adults its easy to become busy and disconnected from nature. I have been searching for ways to reignite my enchantment with the world through small daily acts which start a flow of gratitude.
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Ink Drawing (detail). Click on the image to watch its creation.
In Julia Cameron’s new book Living the Artist’s Way, she talks about Guidance as the fourth tool in living a creative life. Trusting your intuition is an intangible yet powerful way to journey through life. Trusting the process of creating allows me to feel confident when I am trying new techniques like this free form ink drawing.
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Tidal Drawing 2023 (detail) - in hindsight I should have exhibited this
Do we truely value what we do? If the answer is no, is this about the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome or living ‘under the radar’ as a woman, to not draw attention to yourself? This undervaluing can translate into how you value your own creations and artworks. What do you choose to exhibit or share?
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A blooming flower inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poem Bloom
I continually ask myself about the relevance of art and creativity. Is art relevant and why? I have been trying to understand the nature of duality and finding hope when we witness war. How do we navigate conflict? What role does art in its many forms play in creating the future and changing perceptions?
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Video still at Mooball Creek estuary, Pottsville with a drawing on paper.
The old self doubt can creep into your thoughts when you are about to do something a bit scary, a bit out there, or wild and ambitious. It can completely derail all your plans and decisions. I call it “the wobbles”. It’s good to be prepared so you can know what to do when they strike.
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Map inspiration, bridge over Mooball Creek, Pottsville
Doing a small art piece everyday helps you feel ‘in the flow’. It’s like exercise or music, you need to practise to have a practice. I discovered how rusty I was at making an image using simple drawing techniques. Time to get serious with a daily practice again to regain confidence.
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Mangrove drawing - charcoal and Derwent Inktense pencil on paper
My new drawing experiments I’ve been doing in the wetlands around my house have been totally liberating. I don’t try to draw what I see, I let what I see draw itself. It’s a collaborative process that embraces imperfection. In my books that’s achieving success.
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Pottsville wetland: shadow drawing
Collaborating with the elements is a great way to make art. Watermarks and shadows, mud and sand all leave patterns that are unique and of the moment. Letting go of control of your images means that the other than human elements can take part in your image making. It all becomes easy and effortless!
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Swamp Sclerophyll Forest in Pottsville Waters, New South Wales.
After seven months away from home, I realise that I have taken where I live somewhat for granted. Yet is is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered Buruwagan (bush curlew) whose distinctive night call is becoming my own call to action.
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