February 2015 Newsletter
Exciting Mosaic Project
I am very excited about my new mosaic project taking place at my place.
At the end of last year I was made redundant from my full time job. Whilst at the time this was scary as I had no idea what the future had in store for me, I have been able to embrace the new freedom this has offered me. After much thinking and planning I have embarked on designing and creating a mosaic garden that will be open to visitors.
Each step along the way will be documented as we fell the pine trees along the boundary fence, spray the grass and weeds, plant border trees, design pathways. build gazebos and create "rooms" to house individual gardens and mosaics. Whew!!!!
This is the site - just waiting for the tree guys to arrive to take down the pines.
At the end of last year I was made redundant from my full time job. Whilst at the time this was scary as I had no idea what the future had in store for me, I have been able to embrace the new freedom this has offered me. After much thinking and planning I have embarked on designing and creating a mosaic garden that will be open to visitors.
Each step along the way will be documented as we fell the pine trees along the boundary fence, spray the grass and weeds, plant border trees, design pathways. build gazebos and create "rooms" to house individual gardens and mosaics. Whew!!!!
This is the site - just waiting for the tree guys to arrive to take down the pines.
So that's my days and nights taken care of for the next three years or so. I'm aiming to have the opening during the summer of 2018 - I really want it done now but I need to be realistic, so watch this space.
If you have any wonderful ideas of what could be included do please share - I'm always open to ideas.
If you have any wonderful ideas of what could be included do please share - I'm always open to ideas.
Mosaic Classes
Here is the schedule for mosaic classes for the next couple of months.
Saturday 21st February - Pt Chevalier - 9am - 4.30pm
Saturday 7th March - Birkenhead - 9am - 4.30pm
Saturday 25th April - Orewa - 9am - 4.30pm
These are all beginner's classes but if you have been to a class before and want the support to create your next piece you are most welcome to come along. There is a discount for anyone who has attended before.
A Tapestry Mirror class will be held soon - just don't where or when yet. If you are interested in attending this class please let me know so I can keep you informed.
All details can be found at: www.everythingmosaic.co.nz/classes
Saturday 21st February - Pt Chevalier - 9am - 4.30pm
Saturday 7th March - Birkenhead - 9am - 4.30pm
Saturday 25th April - Orewa - 9am - 4.30pm
These are all beginner's classes but if you have been to a class before and want the support to create your next piece you are most welcome to come along. There is a discount for anyone who has attended before.
A Tapestry Mirror class will be held soon - just don't where or when yet. If you are interested in attending this class please let me know so I can keep you informed.
All details can be found at: www.everythingmosaic.co.nz/classes
Surviving the "Angsty Middle" of the Creative Process
I have been following Michelle Andres, an artist, writer and coach, for some time now and considering the life changing events happening in my life this particular article struck a chord with me. I have shared her insights below, I hope you can find some wee bit of inspiration, positive thought or understanding of your creative process from her words.
"Change is like an Oreo cookie. There’s a crispness to the beginning and end…but the middle is sticky and gooey. I suspect it’s the same with the creative process.
It doesn’t matter what you create…
There’s that angsty little bit in the middle. It’s sticky and gooey, but it isn’t all that sweet.
Our creative processes, like the muse that drives us, are uniquely ours. We can mould, form, write, compose, paint, sculpt, but for most of us, there’s that little bit in the middle where our hearts are stricken with fear and we think we’ve effed it up.
This month, I’ve been exploring our unique creative processes. Given the privilege of speaking with a few artists I deeply respect, I realized the “middle, angsty experience” may not be unique to me or occur because I’m a newer painter. There’s a good chance the “middle” never goes away.
So, in the spirit of “middles” I’ve slightly modified tips for navigating life’s middle, to tips for navigating our creative middle. Here’s how to ease into, and maybe even feel comfortable in, the uncomfortable middle:
1. Walk in your integrity – Of course, you have a concept for your work when you begin…but a little way into the process it can be hard to know exactly what you’re aiming for. Often, you just know what you don’t want. That’s a starting place. Remain aligned with your intention; it will guide you.
2. Trust you are where you’re supposed to be – It’s scary to feel lost, but as we work and create, questions arise. It’s tempting to want answers right away, but you might have to be patient. Keep working your way through the piece or the process.
3. Know, as time goes on, more will be revealed – As you step deeper into your journey, trust more will be revealed. Be open to the prospect the piece may not look exactly as you envisioned. Sometimes, it’s even better than you imagined. Have faith. Faith is good.
4. Ask for help – Most people are happy to provide resources, information and light assistance. However, remember often the answers have to come from you. It’s your artwork. You do the heavy lifting, but critique groups and mentors can be very, very helpful.
5. Take steps to create the future you want – Small steps can lead to larger strides. They make you feel empowered. Not taking action will not make you a better artist, practicing your art will. Keep chipping away and you will see improvement. The more times you come out in one piece on the other side of it, the deeper you will come to know this.