Everything in the Right Time + My Digital Sketching Process
One fascinating part of my creative process is how the ideas from my doodles, smaller canvases, paper studies, and digital fingerpainting end up translating into larger work or keep showing up in collections over time.
It delights my inner child to see that there are symbols, strokes and signs that represent my Innet Artist and True Self.
There is something comforting about having this inner language. Knowing that it is right there, beneath the surface, waiting to find a channel or vessel to display itself to myself and then to the world.
I also keep learning from continuously painting, doodling and playing that this intuitive and unique language expresses itself in its own pace and in its own time.
Just like the alphabet, symbols like letters build upon eachother, expressing an ongoing conversation of inner imagery, color, light and impression.
As I'm continuously sharing, I'm tickled to be aware of how this is another metaphor for life.
So often I hear students, clients and artist friends (including myself!) being hard on ourselves about where we are in the process.
I am starting to realize wading through this black and white critical muck is actually the journey to becoming an adult!
Black and White thinking, notoriously a childlike and adolescent developmental stage is often a place we remain stuck in because let's face it, most of our cultures aren't paying homage to the growing pains required of "adulting" it.
Self parenting with a loving voice that has patience, compassion and gentleness instead of our hormone induced adolescent instant gratification urges takes practice. Lots of practice. It's hard and it sometimes feels like this in between stage will never end.
And we often forget that life is about the growth, not the outcome.
I'm not saying those outcomes aren't nice little rewards, but as we soften into our true selves, (returning to that childlike curiosity yet with a mega smart and centered parent navigating the ship) we realize that each day that we learn things they are the threads that will become interwoven over time.
So as part of my process I'm sharing some of the digital sketches that I often find myself doodling in my bed at night or when I'm on the couch and don't have the energy to get the real paints out.
See if you notice any similar motifs and themes in the work!
And stay tuned! The collection is coming! Look out for a post including my inspiration board for the collection as well as the collection name revealing!!
What It Means to Be An Abstract Artist
I am so excited to share with you all, over the moon really, that I have a release date for my NEW COLLECTION!!
SEPTEMBER 18th it is!!
I have been painting my fingers and toes off for months now and this will be my FIRST official online EXHIBITION and the ART IS FOR SALE!!!
There will be abstract paintings of all sizes, small, large and in between and I can't wait for you to see it!
WHAT DOES BEING AN ABSTRACT ARTIST MEAN TO ME??
I think what's so amazing about Abstract Art is that it means something different to each person, the artist and the viewer!
Yet at the same time, there is this constant conversation going on, a subtle yet powerful one that is where souls speak to eachother.
The inspired soul speaks through impressions and as humans I believe it is our life's journey to keep fine tuning so we can listen to these messages and take them as divine instructions to follow in our daily lives.
I am an abstract artist working with mostly acrylic, inks and often watery mediums.What does Abstract mean to me?It is truly a visual language.Art is my truest self expression and it is the vessel in which the conversations of my unconscious parts (emotions, desires, healing experiences) speak visually.As someone who found out I was a joyful painter 35 years into my life, it couldn't be more of who I am!! I have found it is the foundation of my being and all the work and sharing that I do.Expressively and intuitively painting takes everything I've learned thru the years as a mindfulness practitioner, teacher & therapist in order to let go and release my inner critic and to truly be free in my movement and marks.My work is this entire journey on display with color, energy, aliveness and contemplative space to surround it all. It is a celebration of what I have been through, of what I have healed and am still healing and of the joy that is my truest self.There is often a zen feel and a primal energy to my work. I'm inspired by textures, light, fabrics, fashion and decor as well as so many different color palettes. However, you may notice that I absolutely love deep blues, indigo and rich violets along with lot's of metallic!!Nature finds its way throughout my pieces, showcasing the same artist's hand that makes mountains, blooms flowers, sprouts botanicals and creates earth, fire, wind and water.The unspoken words of my life now have a place to hang and I couldn't be more grateful then to exist in this limitless space of possibility and inspiration. Sharing this journey with others is a gift thatlights my Aries fire!
What does Abstract Art mean to you? Have you always been attracted to it? Do you have trouble "understanding" it? I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments of this blog post!
Stay Tuned for More Celebrating and the BIG REVEAL!! Coming soon! The name of the collection!!
xoxo
Jen
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Blending Passion & Patience
Category: Insights & Discoveries / Photo Journey
Theme(s): Personal Journey, Professional Journey, Creative Inspiration
This post is inspired from a tidbit of conversation from an Instagram Artist friend @Benedictolorunnisomo. I love how inspiration can just come through in these little compact packages. Benedict is also that type of person. You can tell from his art. One look and you know there are so many layers there. Another glance and you just keep seeing the depth. Here are two examples of his work:
"CAUTION"
"My Eggs"
Me: You can tell you put a lot of love and energy into your paintings
Benedict: Thank you so much. I try my best. It’s a journey of passion and I keep learning more patience. It seems patience is the key that unfolds intense results.
And right there inspiration flooded in. Passion and Patience. Two stones struck together. With the right rhythm, ease of force, and a bit of magic, a spark sizzles. As we keep rubbing the stones together, slow burning embers can continue fanning the flames that light the way for our path and deepest work. There is richness within those flames. Shadows and movement and depth.
But if we get too excited, we might put the spark out. Or we might ignite the whole darn forest and burn down camp. Or the fire just might be too large, illuminating things so brightly that there is no no mystery to what we are doing.
Passion and Patience. The gentle balance between letting the fuel of our joy guide us and at the same time letting it unfold in the right timing. Another way of saying it could be Desire and Grace. Or Creativity and Sacred Container.
So trusting the process that there is an outcome and some resolution. Maybe not an ultimate outcome. Yet, the journey filled like a precious balloon of bursts and bubbles and ebbs and flows. Events and happenings. That there are scenes and seasons or what we call in the west “projects” and “work” and “goals” and that these shifts can birth something truly beautiful, truly expressive, truly connected, truly OURSELVES…if we are willing to let the passion drive us within the arms of patience..
Patience doesn’t feel safe at first..I realize it makes so much sense, if it were easy, what would I need patience for in the first place? It’s actually quite uncomfortable at best and quite terrorizing at worst. Sitting thru the panic. The worry. The fear. The depression. The lack of inspiration. I can’t tell you how many hours upon hours I have had to spend waiting the “IT” out. Awful, horrible, terrifying at so many times. Yet, something happens after I move thru that layer. Waiting out the droning impulsivity and instant gratification means that I am actually able to receive so much more.
Connected. Fulfillment. Flow. Compassion. Com-passion. Patience is not emotionless. It is com-passion…with passion.
Some of the most important transitions have occurred for me when I listened within to the inner voice that said, you are giving too much, do less. Or, let what you are learning enter and marinate within you so that you can reap the benefits of it before just giving it back out. Or stop doing that workshop. Or, don’t say that. Or, breathe.
When I've really listened to my body, and have heard its loud or quiet whisperings of it being tired, exhausted, panicky, run down and I give myself (like I would tell any tired person) REST, I have found that my true passion has not gone anywhere.
For those of you who have followed my journey, you have seen my process evolve where Art has become a full-time passion and a budding aspect of my current business. It flows seamlessly into what I already do and actually provides the foundation, meaning and vessel which holds everything I have learned and teach.
I was always an artist, however, I didn’t really realize how much of an artist I was. Not even just an artist..a painter! I didn’t realize that it is my soul, home and joy.
I realized that I never painted as a kid. And I’m not surprised. I don’t think the freedom with my painting, the messiness, the drips of paint, would've flied growing up!
So wait I did. For 20 years. Not knowing what I was waiting for. And I can't really say that I did so patiently, however, I will chalk that up to an incessant seeking that required patience to simmer it out. 10 years of building up walls and 10 years of letting them down.
And then poof! Art everywhere.
Waiting is what filled the well and allowed the compassion to overflow, instead of the force of planning leading the way.
So as you have noticed already, I am shifting directions with my newsletter, website, and blog to incorporate my art. Embracing each part of me means being able to express myself and that is through art and creativity. So, for those of you who have appreciated and shifted along this journey with me…awesome!
My desire is to update this blog a few times a week to a few times a month and to keep you involved in my process, behind the scenes and within. I am finding that art and painting are the best way for me to teach the art of mindfulness, intuition, and all those other concepts that I'd been discussing for years.
And for those of you who feel that this turn is headed in a different direction from you, then I wish you many blessings and no hard feelings if you find yourself on a different path.
I have found time and time again that what is done without grace becomes a vacant hallway which I eventually turn around from. So allow what feels right to you to come in and all else passes through like a breeze through the tree.
There is always the opportunity to turn a different way and let the flames of your compassion usher you forward.
Much love to you,
Jen
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Ebbs & Flows of Creative Living
Category: Insights & Discoveries / Photo Journey
Theme(s): Personal Journey, Professional Journey, Creative Inspiration, Self Care
Learning to accept the ebbs and flows of creativity, energy, motivation and all that juicy stuff is always a work in progress. The more I learn the more I get that it's a rabbit hole that just gets deeper and deeper.
This is not just something with art. It's something that I have experienced as part of my human nature.
Listening to my own inner barometer is the only way that I can allow myself to rest, relax and than rejuvenate so that I am full inside to then create and give. My body needs rest and then will have waves and long stretches of productivity and creative energy.
The more I can accept this the less I "should" myself and shame myself!
Yet it is hard to listen to what "I" need and let go of the voices that often tell me about what a productive day "should" look like.
This week, I was able to embrace those voices, yet not listen to them, and head out to my home away from home, Asbury Park NJ.
Art is everywhere in this town and it's quickly become the Keep it Weird Corner of NJ. Look at those Roy G Bivs guys!
As if the beach and the water isn't enough to feel inspired! I was able to find lot's of beautiful natural inspiration as well as creativity from Mother Earth & all the lovely artists that contribute to this thriving beach town.
Lingering springtime blossoms. I Love flowers and greenery mixed in with beach life! And I love even more that my mind and heart were clear enough to take in moments like this that day!
A change of scenery, fresh air, a gorgeous view was exactly what I needed. And while it seems quite simple, it has taken me a lot of time and work to get to a place where my mind was clear enough and my body felt safe enough to spend a day like this all for me.
My office for the day! Surrounded by some of my favorite things, including a matcha green tea latte! It wasn't on the menu but ask and you shall receive ;)
I always wonder about the designer behind a space! Bohemian love all around!!
Luscious green!
Inspiration is everywhere. While my mind is critiquing that I should be doing more, that I'm behind, my energy field is absorbing plants, art, food, tastes and nature. I'm filling myself up so that I feel FULL. Energetically, emotionally, spiritually, physically....and with some darn good food as well!!
Colors are imprinting themselves on my spirit and inner artist.
Patterns and textures are in every nook and cranny!
My spirit felt revived. While I haven't had the impulse to take out my paints over the past few days, taking photos, witnessing with my creative eye and inner artist, sampling delicious food & spaces, talking to local makers IS part of my creative journey. And I'm fortunate and grateful to have it also be a part of my business life!
One last thing... I like to ask the question does art imitate life or does life imitate art? Why? Because the way our minds work we see life as linear. Yet when I step back, whose to say what's the beginning and what's the end? You see what I mean is, as you continue down this post I have a collection of summer and beach inspired art and photos. All posted BEFORE I made it to the beach.
So which comes first? The chicken or the egg?
I don't know the answer. But I do know we all live in a yellow submarine anyways so does it really matter? :P
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The Evolution of my Artist's Journey
Category: Insights & Discoveries
Theme(s): Personal Journey, Professional Journey, Finding Joy, Being, The Evolution of Being an Artist
Those of you who have been following along consistently for awhile now have seen the evolution that my work has taken over the past several years. It's become a paint party!
Through my own recovery work, I have rediscovered (and am still continuing to do so) my Inner Artist and have found that this IS a vital aspect, if not THE FOUNDATION of who I am. As I've continued to let go of layers and protections day after day, year after year, I have found that my true joy is in the form of art and creating! Sharing these art forms and creations is a way to honor and express myself and it feels in line with everything that has been leading me up to this point. However, it is truly the gel that brings everything else together.
For many years I felt like something was missing when it came to my work and what I was teaching. I still lacked a true effortless joy and this translated to my message. I couldn't write. I couldn't stick to a consistent plan or intention. My mind changed many times about what it is I wished to offer in my business and how I wished to spend my personal days.
After spending a lot of time over these past years teaching workshops, classes courses and individual clients in my office about mindfulness, healing the wounded parts of ourselves and many other spiritual, psychological, emotional and physical principles, a little over a year ago I found myself needing to completely PAUSE and decline from all teaching and workshops.
While I maintained my private practice, I spent the rest of the time tuning into myself. It was a necessity. My body was being awakened after taking an intensive yoga training, committing myself to a 12 Step Program based on Emotional Sobriety & Action coming from Love and taking a leap into some areas of modern medicine that I had been resistant to.
As I truly listened, I recognized the pain that had been frozen under decades of muscle tension. Muscle fiber by muscle fiber was unfreezing itself and my body felt heavy, fatigued, exhausted and...on fire.
As I have mentioned to many, I spent each day starting to build myself from the ground up. I essentially needed to drop to the floor and give myself permission to start over. Letting go of the judgments and comparing myself to others and their own yoga practices, I could barely do a forward fold without feeling like I was going to cry.
All of the years of mindfulness practice had led me up to this point. The ability to be present with the sensation in my body without judgment and with an understanding that this pain was emotional.
This went on for days and months and is still continuing. Yet, one of the awakenings that surfaced during this time was my explosion of artistic energy that started last July and has continued since.
I'm sure I will go into more detail about this, but for now, I just want to share that this was something completely unexpected and unplanned. Yet, at the same time, feels like it makes the most sense in the world to me! I have been told by several friends that my soul as an Artist was quite obvious. And yes, I was a little artist growing up (more on my creative wounding later). However, it is the true freedom, self expression and journey into paint and then shortly thereafter, abstraction and expressionism that made me realize that my essence is that of a painter.
I have found that art & creativity is the vessel through which my highest power and inner messenger can teach. It is a way for me to tangibly work with my intuition, loving parental voice, inner child's curiosity and joy and learn how to understand my inner critic. It is a place where my mind quiets and calms. It is a place where I look forward to playing in most days, in both my personal and professional work. It has also been another thread that has helped me really connect with my community as well as with people who have already been in my life.
While I enjoy words and I'd even call myself a writer, I find that art, color, form and movement (to name a few inspirations) are able to say things in a deeper way that words just don't do justice. There is an inner communication going on between heart and hand, hand and body, nervous system and energy that goes beyond words, that speaks through me in impressions. Which makes sense, considering we are beings first and language second!
So after spending much of the time painting away in my living room at my previous apartment, I am now moved in with my boyfriend. Since January, I have a dedicated space and art studio just for me.
Lot's of works in progress that each represent my emotional and healing journey as well as my liberation into a joy!
Some artists never decide to sell their work and others feel called to do so. While I have received several requests for larger paintings, that is currently a venture I am exploring on my own. I am sharing my process on Instagram and will be doing so here as well. Currently, I find myself called to specifically share my paintings from a year ago when I created hundreds of works on paper. There are well over 30 high quality soulscapes (seems like a good work for my magical & colorful little worlds) and you can find them in my shop for an affordable price on beautiful watercolor paper. They are meant to be shared in hopes that they will speak to your soul and maybe cause some ripples and stirrings of your very own spark within. If you haven't checked out my gallery/shop, I am very proud of my little creations. I also am offering 15% off for those of you who want to make a first time purchase.
Feel free to share any comments below! I love hearing from you. xo Jen
If you'd like to really deepen into your WHY, the first training of my 5 Part Video Series goes SUPER IN DEPTH. Plus, you'll get 4 more videos AND practice at fine tuning your radar for Soulmate Clients! ⭐️🙌🏼👯♀️
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SPRING- Dreams of Peonies
Category: Expressive Painting
Dreams of Peonies
As I sit here writing this, I can smell the sweet fragrance of the freshly picked peonies that brought home the other night. Who knew a fragrance could transform into so much color?
After dropping off a spring collection of oil and acrylic paintings over to the Green Lace Lion, these expressionist paintings just started to slide right onto the canvas. They feel like dreams inside. Impressions, like a real nighttime dream, where you can feel the experience more than see it. At least that's how my dreams are. There is visuals, however, they are always wispy images, like I can't quite rest in scene, constantly changing and moving. I'm more in touch with the feeling behind it all. And that same energy is finding it's way into my paintings.
It makes sense because art is such an emotional experience for me. It allows me to express myself on a level
I find that space is such an important part of my art and of course in my life.
To live like a child is the true gift of healing-
Here are some of the new "rules" I live by:
The freedom to get things dirty.
The willingness to listen to what my body is telling me.
The acknowledgement that my true self knows best.
The radical idea that the answers I need are within me.
The magical perspective that everything happens in the right timing.
The surrendering practice of expressing, trusting and feeling as the gateway to connection and meaning.
The life-changing phenomenon that whatever is in me can be expressed creatively in front of me.
And so many more . . .