Official Launch of The Motivational Workbook for the Creative Mind on Etsy!



The Motivational Workbook for the Creative Mind: If you need to get connected with your creative side, if you feel stuck, uninspired, lost, down, get this amazing workbook to get you motivated to create. The creative mind is a beautiful thing, don’t waste!

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TheArtConnect905?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Learning to Let Go of Unproductive Thoughts, Habits, and Feelings

In the last couple of weeks I have been navigating my two career paths, teaching and creating art. This has led me to contemplate my efforts; am I splitting my talents? Am I being fair to my students or to myself by following two separate paths?

I came to a realization or a reminder that in order to nurture my talents and passions I have to maintain a compassionate and disciplined mindset. This mindset requires me to rethink  some of the habitual negative thought patterns.

Advice I have followed when facing negative thoughts includes:

1. Don't dwell on things for too long. If I had no control over something that happened an affirmation I said was, "Put this behind you, think about what's next."

2. I also had to realize that the negative thinking did not lead to solutions, and I had to cut those thoughts immediately by saying, "Stop. This isn't doing you any good."
Firmly, I would move along and replace my thinking with something productive, like a creative project, planning, or marking. I believe that we must learn to be stern with our thoughts and ensure we choose a positive direction for them to go in, otherwise, they can easily lead us into a downward spiral. But if we do go down the latter path the next step has worked miracles for me when my "thought chaos" ensues.

3. A meditation and deep breathing exercise for anxiety:
"Breathe in love, breathe out peace." It takes practice, but it is my go to whenever I am lead astray by thoughts, or when I am having trouble sleeping. It is a great action to take to refocus your mind.

4. Here are some more helpful tips on letting go created by Buddha Heart. Thanks for reading and I wish you all the best on your creative journey.

How does one become the Queen Bee?

The wonderful world of the internet is definitely a huge help in creating your queendom or kingdom. Practicing and perfecting your potential means you are on point in every aspect of your creative business. What do I mean by on point? Let me elaborate:

1.   Do what you love and follow what brings you the most bliss, like a shark to blood. Male sure to follow one focused desire so that you are concentrated on your vision.  

2.   Live a creative life, not only when you are working on your craft, but find time to incorporate beauty into every moment. When being creative becomes an everyday ritual, a routine, and at best second nature, a shift will begin to occur. I knew that I could not go a day without creating art and I made a decision to create everyday. It took me 6 months before I was in a consistent, natural flow. It feels like pure bliss, even the crappy days because I know what cures me,

     getting lost in the art. 

 

3.  Always keep the Big Picture in mind, or as Robin Sharma says, "Until your mission is an obsession nothing will change. Your life is just too valuable for you not to be successful."

Seek What is Seeking You



Black and White collage by  Beata Kruszynski 
http://beata-kski.tumblr.com

Creativity & Motivation: Part 2

 



Staying in your creative flow requires discipline. Even when you don't feel motivated to create, when inspiration feels miles away, you need to plant the seed of 'get it done' and do what you love. Here are some of my thoughts on living the creative process:

1.) Mistakes, we have all made them and when they happen it can feel like the end of the world. Yet if we choose to embrace mistakes and see them more like speed bumps, or detours on our journey we are less likely to get hung up therefore distracted by them. Keep moving forward and creating, even if it's shitty work, move through it until you get 'with it'!

Segway into 2.) Practice. This past summer I made a decision that I would not go a day without creating. I did it, it has been over 8 months now and I am l still pushing through the good, the bad, and the ugly days. I have learned a couple of tricks, like when I need to get back into the flow of things, or if I need a peaceful break I go to a greenhouse and draw. Whether it is a real greenhouse, my moms living room, or someone's Pinterest account, it doesn't matter, I get it done in order to get back into that euphoric creative mental space.

Ironically 3.) Breaks, is the exact opposite of my practice advice. These two go hand in hand. Any artist I have ever know, requires detachment in order to fully engage in the creative process. Get away from your work if it's driving you mad. Get back to work if it's driving you mad. It's just the way it goes.

4.) Coffee. Now, this is my instant motivator, that boost, like nuts for a squirrel. It doesn't necessarily have to be coffee for you, but you should have a go to beverage that aids in your process, nothing in excess though! If I have more than 2 coffees it inhibits my creative process because my hands shake. Be thoughtful about what your beverage is and it's repercussions!

Creation and Motivation: Part 1

In order to succeed in this creative life you must learn to accept yourself,
all of your weird and wacky ways, the ups and downs that come with
being the authentic you that you were meant to be.
Acceptance, take a deep breathe as you read that word, get used to the thought of it,
the action of acceptance, and try to paint yourself in its reflection.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
Dr. Seuss

 
 



Today's Painting in the Park: Wear Black!

Hi painting peeps,

We are on our 3rd session today :)
Our materials for today are watercolour and black India ink,
so wear dark coloured clothing!

See you soon, 7pm by the Greenhouse at Chinguacousy Park.

Conversations with Fear

Dear Fear,

What is your purpose?

Why do you knock so loud?

What are you trying to tell me?

Why the hell do you choose to stick around?

(fear answers, somehow instilling more fear in me)

What!?

That's preposterous I don't like you! I don't want you around!I so do not have a crush on you.

hmm...

(reflecting on fears' accusations that I keep it around, love it, follow it always, am it's # 1 fan, subscribe to it not only in my nightmares but also in my thoughts, and dreams.)

So you're saying that by using you, fear, as a justification for not doing something, I sabotage myself and keep myself away from all of the lovely experiences I could have?

Fear smiles it's ugly smile.

 _____________________________________________________________________

I just finished reading Jen Sincero's 20th chapter entitled, Fear is For Suckers, from her book, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. I laughed out loud in the streets because her perspective on life just kills me! She describes a moment in her life where her and her friend decided to go on a road trip and hike into a cave. When she gets down on all fours, deep into the cave and is on the cusp of freaking out from being in a closed off, scary, dark place, where a "monster" could get her at any given moment, she stops.

By the way, I did not include the laugh out loud part, you have to read it for yourself.

In the darkness she decides that she will calmly exit the cave, instead of the alternative of going bat shit crazy, because as she reflected, "The choice was mine." 

It is you who decides what you want to do with the fear that arises within you.

Do you continue to stay closed because opening up to something new and awesome is too scary or do you take a chance and experience a newness that you would have never imagined?

Today's Painting in the Park: Greenhouse Solo

Hi All,

Last week's Painting in the Park was a great success, thank you for those who came out!
It was a peaceful and inspiring event. Below is a drawing collage created from the session.

For today's class the weather is on the stormy side, and unfortunately
I have an eye infection so I won't be able to attend, but I urge
participants who are interested to continue the session, solo style.
If it rains try sketching in the greenhouse, it's full of beautiful plants.

Here are some tips from last week to guide you on your journey:

• Focus on one object, flower, weed, or leaf and draw a full page of the same thing
• Experiment drawing your object from different angles, and sizes
• Take your time or rush, press hard or soft, depending on your desired outcome
• When you feel like you have practiced enough put together some of your favourite images and play with different compositions
• Remember be easy on yourself, and try not to be attached to the eraser, mistakes are welcome! 

 

Painting in the Park Series Begins Tomorrow!



I am excited to share some work from a recent trip to the Pine Farm Orchard north of Vaughan.
http://www.pinefarmsorchard.com/

http://beata-kski.tumblr.com/

At tomorrow's Painting in the Park class we will start with an introduction class with sketching and pattern creation. Meeting spot is in front of the greenhouse, but we will move into the open field behind the benches. Please email to confirm and reserve your art bag with supplies.
Chinguacousy Park is in full bloom so come and get inspired!

Painting in the Park Starts Next Thursday!

 

 

 

Join The Art Connect for Painting in the Park at Chinguacousy Park at 7 pm by the Greenhouse entrance. We will explore spontaneous abstract painting and nature sketching.

 
The Paint in the Park package includes watercolour paper, watercolour paints, and a paint brush for $20.00.

You will leave with a wealth of knowledge and at least one new artwork to frame.
**Don't forget to bring a blanket and an open mind :)

Life Hiccups

HICCUP. Excuse me for the interruption. HICCUP. I was thinking that maybe I would like to HICCUP....

Why do we experience life hiccups? What are life hiccups, you may ask? It's when we doubt ourselves so often that there isn't time for anything else. So how do we get rid of these "life hiccups"?

It all starts with you visualizing exactly what it is you want out of life. To get more clarity you can ask yourself these questions:

What am I lacking in life, right now, that would make me feel a ton better?

How do I start my day? Am I productive right from the beginning?

How do I feel? Does it match up with how I want to be feeling?

Take some time to reflect on these questions and begin to note the gaps from where you are to where you want to be. Then have the audacity and begin to imagine yourself there.

Remind yourself that it's just the beginning...

   

"Imagination is the beginning of creation. You can imagine what you desire, you will want what you imagine, and at last, you will create what you will."              

George Bernard Shaw  

 

 

Summer Creation

We are almost half way into the Summer break. Our skin is glowing, hair is frizzy from humidity, and bellies full of fresh fruit. There is so much potential for creating in these months because everything is abundant with life. We aren't as concerned with time as much because the sun stays around for longer. This may cause large amounts of relaxation to occur, a little too many long island iced teas being sipped, or maybe random smiles painted on our faces. I'm writing a thank you note to the Summer Season's because in Canada we are blasted with a variety of weather and I want to take the time to say Thanks.

Dear Summer;

Your warm winds,
Feeling their touch caress my cheeks,
Your cool waters,
Taking deep breaths before I plunge,
Your patios that stay open long into the morning,
Talking, laughing, enjoying each moment,
Your trees rustling in the breeze,
Sitting still and listening,
Or walking barefoot on rocks and in forests

We Are All Creators

Don't forget that your choices are not given to you, you do not inherit them, they are yours. You create your life through the way you think, speak, and act. Remember this the next time an excuse swims out of your mouth or that you claim to be the victim. Try to be conscious of the list below because the results of our actions determine how we live and feel. Also, we all may fall into ruts, but we don't have to continue being in them. Have a happy Saturday!


(found on pinterest)

Stop Being such an Adult Already! Just do it!

When starting something new how do we approach it?
Just do it! Yes, the urge to dive in is definitely there, why hold back, right?
I wonder why it takes us so long to do or be that which ignites our passionate heart.
Are we waiting to be ready?
Do we feel the need for permission? and if so, who's?

If our intuition is guiding us, and our knowledge of ourselves is telling us that we will be happy, have more fun, inspire ourselves and others, then what else to do but listen to it and act. Lets get moving!

How to get started: take the plunge

People learn in different ways depending on their comfort levels, habits, and skills.
Do you need to test the water first with your toe? You may want to start off by researching, reading, creating a Pinterest account and collecting inspiration, networking and talking to people who are doing what you want to do. Remember to soak in as much advice about what you are interested in, keep a journal and expanding your knowledge, it will only feeds your passion. You may also want to take an online class or workshop, and then if you feel ready take a class. I also suggest starting a blog and documenting and reflecting your progress. Oh yes and don't stop!

Once you have found your true love, whether it is writing, poetry, design, typography, illustration, crafts, whatever it may be, keep going!

Remember, "Every artist was first an amateur" Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have no fear, but loads of fun, and get exploring!

Iceland: A Retrospective

As we near the end of the year, I reflect upon dreams which have been fulfilled and ones which are still in the beginning stages. Travelling is one of my many passions, which influence, guide, and teach me. I have been pulled to travel to many corners of the earth for various reasons. Artwork describing the ancient grounds of a city in Tulum, Mexico,  a book reflecting on how it felt to walk on cobblestone roads in Vienna, Austria, or an artifact deep from the Baltic Sea led me to explore the Northern shores of Poland. I am inspired to travel; my body and mind require it to feel spirited. I had the opportunity to travel and volunteer in Reykjavik, Iceland in 2011 with World Wide Friends. I was working alongside young people from all over the world, from different cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. We gathered each night and reflected on the day’s events, how great it felt being in a community, being creative, and sharing our talents for a culminating project of a Film Festival. There were nightly outings into town and weekend excursions that took us deep into the Icelandic geography, history, and culture. The experience was breathtaking to say the least; and it left me with a comfortable loss of words, they were not needed. The silence and smiles were shared. This mutual feeling was unifying, it was an indication of our understanding of the sacred. Experiencing Iceland’s bounty made being in the here and now simple. The constant awe that I felt deep inside vibrated for a long time, even after I came home. I soon began to paint the landscapes I saw, the sketches I drew, and the memories I recalled. To think that the journey began all because of a postcard makes me grateful for my impressionable ways and for the beating heart that lives deep in Iceland.

ARTiculations Paint by Numbers

Come see art and have some fun!

I will be having some of my art at ARTiculations on December 13, 2013.

There will be drinks, good eats, and great art.

Hope to see you there!

 



Nature + Art

Exciting News!

Nature + The Art Connect

I am adding Sunday classes, all Nature based.

Painting Plants in an Abstract style. This class begins at 12 pm and goes until 1:30pm.
You know the saying, "My 4 year old can paint that" ? I hate it and I love it. I hate it because it usually comes out of a negative attitude, and I love it because if we could all keep the free spirit, non-judgemental mind of a 4 year old we would be in a constant state of bliss! Now with that said, you can learn how to create giant plant portraits that exude confidence, are carefree, and fun. Don't stand in Home Sense aisles looking at the printed canvas, make your own!   

The second class is Nature and Illustration + Type. This class takes place at 2pm until 3:30.
Learn how to draw your favourite flower, plant, or tree and add a message. Perfect for birthday cards, wrapping paper, or the Holiday season. We will be using drawing, painting, and stamp making to create our works of art.

*Both classes are $50.00 a session, include materials, and run until December 15.

Contact theartconnect905@gmail.com to register.  

What exactly are we going to do? Make art! Have fun! And occasionally drink tea

Hello! Here is a breakdown of the programing at The Art Connect.

Mixed Media Mash-ups for Mom and Me consists of 4 collaborative art projects,
(which can be with your guardian not just your mom). The itinerary includes an expressive collage, mandala & mantra creation, a framed wall sculpture, and a
typography exploration project (as seen above).   Held each Monday 7-8:30 pm, for the month of November, $250 for the whole month or $70 for drop in.

Portfolio Creation for Illustration, Design or Visual Art specific programs (youth 13-18)
is a series of portfolio building skills and pieces set up in 4 sessions. These
sessions include, art critiquing, presentation, guidance in: different styles,
contemporary views on topics, and of course creating specific work that relates
to the field. Held each Wednesday, 4-6pm for the month of November, $200 for the
whole month or $50 for drop in.

Art & Design basics for youth (14-18) is a crash course, a sampler to see if you or
your teen really wants to get into the creative fields, which are many. If they do want
to continue in this direction then they can explore further and narrow their interest in
our other programs. Youth learn Art and Design principles and how to apply them in
sketchbooks, group projects, and a mini portfolio. Held each Wednesday,  
6:15- 7:30 pm for the month of November, $200 for the whole month or $50 for drop in.

Art for Me are a women's creative exploration classes, like self care for the creative
soul. In this program we explore creative journaling, mantra and poetry exploration,
type and floral arrangement, and watercolour photo collage. If you constantly find that you have no time for yourself, but are always giving your time to others, join this program. Come and relax over tea and art making, and cherish your creative side!
Held each Thursday,  7:15-8:45 pm, for the month of November, $200 for the whole month or $60 for drop in.

The Art Connect: Illustration, Design, and Art Programs

 

Hello there!

An update on classes, they begin in November so hurry and register via email.

All programs run for the month of November and are $200.00 including supplies.

I will be posting further information Monday, so stay tuned.