MIA for the next bit...

I might be a little bit missing in action for the next bit… during lockdown I started doing quite a bit of yoga and as you know it’s been part of my #100daysproject and during this time, I decided to do my yoga teachers training and it started this week. We have finished our first week and it’s fully intense.

Truthfully, I had been eyeing out this course for around two years and I never thought I would get a chance to do it but with my whole year being cancelled, I found myself with a clear calendar and actually couldn’t think of a better way to mindfully and intentionally work through this peculiar year.

All I can say right now, is how humbled I am by all I am learning and being exposed to. It’s been truly deep soulful work. I will share more soon but for now if my socials are a little on the quiet side, you know where I’m hiding out… in this beautiful place learning new skills and expanding my mind, body and soul.

Lockdown retreat updated...

I have updated my little retreat classroom with 2 extra lessons this week past. If you didn’t get to take my PYHAS2019 lessons, then these are now available to you in this space.

I hope you will enjoy them.

It is my hope to add some new material soon.

12Hour StudioDay...

Corks and her ArtSchool friends decided to do a 12hour straight studio day, they have done 24hour days before which usually yield amazing and deep results. 24hours at this time felt excessive but 12hours felt more doable. I quickly hopped onboard and by 9am I was ready and waiting to start my 12hour StudioDay.

It was my objective to finish some unfinished works, rework some pieces and perhaps start something new if there was time. I managed to finish 3 unfinished works, rework one piece and start one new piece. All of them small pieces but I found after around 9 hours I was getting much deeper, moving from surface kind of work to the deeper soulful work. But boy, it was grueling on my body. To stand / sit and work continuously for that amount of time was hardcore. When I first started my art practice, I was doing days like that and now almost 10 years in, I definitely need more breaks. I only broke really once for a snack, lunch was on the go and I sat down for a quick dinner. The last hour was my most challenging hour.

Holding on tight… like all of us.

It made me realize that I haven’t been spending enough hours on my practice. I kind of skirt around my paintings and skim the surface and I want to spend time going deeper and quite simply that requires time in the seat. I will have to be more mindful about the way I execute that in the physical and practical… regular breaks and stretching but I need to lose myself in the hours.

Since this day… I have done some more days like this with my clay play, more unintentional but I will definitely be planning more intentional days. I know there is such a gift in showing up and giving yourself undivided time.

Thanks Corks and gals, such a great idea, looking forward to the next one.

Finally finishing mini works...

I have been playing with clay a lot… I have fallen a little in love again.

I’ve been exploring working small and adding wooden elements and it has been most satisfying. I’m not sure why exactly but my SoulBearers always ended up so big and even though there is a beauty in that in itself, working small does too. And I think I wanted to see if I could do it.

My little busy bee has such a serious and vulnerable disposition but I adore her. I used wooden twigs from my forest for her feelers. I am loving finding little creatures in the clay and then then going onto find their story in the layers of paint. I never really know who is going to show up.

So far it’s been a delightful surprise.

This little darling was build around a wooden thread spool.

I made her wings from print ephemera and wire. She is teeny tiny and the sweetest little one.

She leans ever so slightly over to the side she’s looking and has a knowing wisdom to her.

I have loved working with clay again and I have loved painting them equally as much but even more than that, I have been so grateful for these little beings coming into my life at this time. They have been holding my heart and mind captive in delightful ways and have been making me play which is always a good space for me.

Working and reworking...

I’ve been reworking this piece when she did not sell at my auction, last year. I initially stayed close to the original artwork but after many layers and lots of frustration, she got a complete overhaul. She has been sitting waiting for me, for around a week or so and now I have to find my way to finish her.

I have so many unfinished pieces #inmystudio at the moment and I know that can become a bit of a habit for me, to hide behind my #wip so I have to be careful. I know the reason behind it, of course, we covered it in the Artist Way. It’s little fears and insecurities that seem to be popping up but I think it has to do with the general state of the world right now, more than anything else.

I have been stuck here before so I think I need to spend some time this coming week finishing pieces before moving on. Even though I know it’s hard, I know it will be good for me.

I know we are all in different spaces right now, trying to cope in our own ways and old habits have come up in unexpected ways. I have some accountability in place to help and I’ll continue to find ways to keep showing up even when my heart is heavy and weighted down.

I have been reading on social media that other people are also finding it hard to complete tasks or show up, so I know I’m not in this place alone. I am thinking about you and hoping that you too are finding ways of coping and keeping the heart at peace during this time.

Much Love, Jeanne-Marie

Little Souls in the making...

These tiny beings happened quickly and easily and seemed to flow right out of my hands. Their tender expressions and soft dispositions warmed my heart and I really can’t wait to paint them. I have some ideas... I hope that part will be as enjoyable and flow out of my brushes too.

I really enjoy working tiny scale.

More soon…

My little series is growing...

I have loved this little series so much.

I seem to be working in pairs within the series and this might move into triples too. I do think I need to do another one with more than one figure next. I knew I wanted this series to include more of the body and I wanted to include the little birds and quirky hands into each piece. It has been such a combination of joy and frustration too. I hope to share more pieces soon.

Playing with clay again...

I have been waiting to play with clay again for some time but especially in the lockdown time because of the comfort levels it provides. I have also been wanting to finish some of the pieces on my desk that have been calling me to paint their sweet little faces and help bring their little stories to life.

I have been doing both.

Creating new beings and painting old ones and I’ve fallen in love again with these darling souls that I keep finding in my clay and then on my desk. It’s delightful to walk into my space and see them all congregating together #inmystudio.

I have to say this tiny little one was a complete surprise to me and I wasn’t sure I was happy about it but I’m glad I pushed through and found her. In the end she brought me so much joy.

Beautiful Handmade Pouches...

I have been wanting to share about this very special pouch when I got back from my Italy in 2017 and again last year. I’m sorry I haven’t done it yet, sometimes life just gets in the way. There is a special story about this beautifully handcrafted leather pouch and it’s absolutely worth sharing about.

In 2012, the first time I went to Italy, I took my cream colored leather pouch like this with me, to carry my paints, brushes and supplies. You will be surprised how much can fit in this beautiful bag. In class, Kirsten and Bill told us about the local Orvieto leather-smith, Federico Badia who was making pencil pouches for us if we wanted one. We gladly ordered some.

I gave my beautiful cream color pouch away as a gift that trip but before I did, I popped down to Federico to see if he was able to make a replica of my bag too. He immediately took a pattern and made me a dark blue pouch. It was gorgeous and so beautifully made too. I was thrilled to have something handmade in Orvieto.

I have subsequently given that pouch away too. Now in hindsight, I am thinking they make the most beautiful gifts because I just can’t seem to hold onto mine. When I went back in 2014, I popped in and asked if he still had the pattern and he popped up into his storeroom and came down with the pattern, I was blown away. He made more pouches for us that trip. in 2017 he popped back up to get the pattern and made me this gorgeous red one, which my daughter has now claimed, true story. When I was there last year with Ivy, he made a whole bunch more for our class members. I so love being part of this sweet pouch story.

Federico and his wife are currently working from home during the lockdown but I believe he is still taking orders and shipping. They have a beautiful artisan story and I remember buying a gorgeous soft leather wallet from him in my first trip to Italy and of course my pencil pouch, which I actually still have. I’ve put a link to his website here and you can find him on instagram too. It’s always my hope to return to beautiful Orvieto and I know I have to go back and get another pouch made but if I can’t I will definitely have to order a new one… especially for me, this time.

My little series continues…

My little series on 6”x8” canvases have continued a little. I still have a few of this size canvases left and I am loving filling them. Each one telling me their own little story and each one taking me on a little journey.

At the moment I am allowing them to lead me where they need to go.

When I’ve finished all these little canvases, I will do a post with all of them together.

Thank you for journeying with me.

New Lesson...

Oh I loved working on sharing this today and uploading her to the StayHomeRetreat pages. I am always challenged about sharing my painting process because I know our painting styles and techniques can be so unique to each of us.

Also I painted for a good few hours and narrowing that down is never easy.

Looking back

I didn’t talk too much mainly because life at home has got rather noisy and so has our neighborhood, with everyone being home. So I typed out some of my methods but please feel free to reach out if you have any extra questions. Otherwise it’s 30 odd mintues of a painting from beginning to end…

So grab a coffee and let’s get cozy and I hope you enjoy.

Much love, Jeanne-Marie

StayHomeRetreat

This took me a little longer than expected to share with you.

I had to re-edit some of my footage due to music rights etc. Anyway I’m happy to say my little StayHomeRetreat is ready to share. For now it’s just 4 little lessons from places I’ve shared before and on various platforms including some of my own. So some of these lessons may not be new to you but some may be. That being said, I will continue to add lessons here weekly, past lessons and new ones and I will let you know via my newsletter.

I am busy editing two new lessons as we speak.

Threading

Graphite

Clay

Painting

Please feel free to share the love.

Sending so much love and hugs.

Much love Jeanne-Marie

Yoga for days....

As well as playing with gouache paint for #the100dayproject, I will also be showing up on my mat for yoga and meditation for this project.

I had to check my heart and motives for this one so that ego wasn’t in my way but like with my art, I find yoga the most humble experience and maybe that’s what keeps me coming back to my mat time after time. I’m naturally stiff in body from years of being a runner and the many hours at my desk and long hours standing painting. But I am always utterly humbled at the limitations of my body and if I ever have a moment of ego, next session I’m back on my knees. Each session I learn new lessons not only of the practice itself but deep heart work too. I am hoping this rhythm of showing up will help me establish a practice of regularity and more a way of life than just something I do a few times a week.

I know it’s going to be physically challenging because the past 2 weeks I have been working towards showing up everyday and it’s a big adjustment for me. So I have some ideas for the slower days to help me bridge those gaps. I’ve been so grateful for some of my yoga teachers showing up online in assisting during the lockdown and next week I’ll be doing a 7 day online retreat. What a perfect time right at the start of #the100dayproject. Last year I started Mysore Budokon practice and this year I took a 6 weeks course relearning the sequence and another 4 additional weeks solidifying the practice. I know my practice will continue to be a works in progress but in hindsight I can’t believe how fortuitously timed that was. To me, it’s one of the most beautiful yoga practices I’ve done.

Feel free to join me in the #100daysofyogaandmeditation and we can meet on our mats virtually.

Much love, Jeanne-Marie

#The100DaysProject...

Are any of you joining #The100DayProject this year.

I’ve decided to do #100DaysofGouache

My plan is to keep it kind of loose and casual as I don’t what to freak myself out and run for the hills. You know how those sweeping declarations that can do more harm than good sometimes. But that being said, I’m excited to join a community and play along. There is something wonderful about showing up in community that leads to growth and I do highly recommend it. The truth is I know absolutely nothing about Gouache but I’m keen to learn and I know from past experiences the best way to learn a new skill is to show up in small ways daily. I did it with my teabags, with clay, my stitching and not to mention learning and understanding acrylics. It’s a formula that works for me, generally so I thought I would try it here this year.

So without making massive declarations, I will do my best and keep it light and joyous. My main objective is to learn and play with new paint. I have bought a local entry level gouache set, with beautiful pigments and what could be more lovely than that. So here goes… I will try and share as much as possible but probably mostly on my stories on Instagram. See you there.

Checking in...

I know we are all in the same boat of feeling completely overwhelmed by the circumstances of the world currently. If you are anything like me, are you struggling to concentrate for more than two minutes at a time? I keep finding piles of unfolded washing in different places of the house and unfinished chores here and there. I have found this feeling a little out of control and my natural inclination is to go within and try figure out what’s going on and how are we going to come out of this.

But I just keep coming up with this phrase… “I don’t know what the answers are”. I realized we don’t often find ourselves in this place of not knowing and not being able to do anything about our problems. We aren’t a helpless people by nature. We are always able to do something, right or wrong to walk towards something that helps us feel more in control, right? I’m being reminded that we aren’t actually in control even if we make ourselves think or feel like we are. Isn’t it so humbling?

So all I can do is right now is continue to show up within my four walls. I am getting up early to practice stillness with a small group that are connecting on Zoom, I’m so grateful for this. I grab coffee and breakfast and sit on our small patio and read some things on my phone. Then I head to my mat for yoga. My amazing teacher has been sharing live on Instagram so I have been able to get out of my head and get back into my body and strongly breathe through each moment and movement. After that I shower and pop into my garden, do some chores, work or paint. I’m working at showing up to paint or do something creative everyday, even when my heart isn’t feeling like it. After lunch, I paint some more, read and/or write and then head gently into the evening routine. I’m still tweaking my schedule but I’m being encouraged as I’m starting to see a new routine forming.

I’m silently haunted by the words I shared with my dear friend Natalie Eslick (Shadybower) earlier this year…

“Seriously, all I want to do is stay at home doing yoga and paint all day.”

To help me through this time, will be writing and working through these two books again. Just doing small amounts daily.

I would love to hear more about your lockdown routines.

I have also finally got my act together and I’ve started pulling some of my videos and putting a little platform together of material of past works and it will also include some new works which I will continue to add to weekly. I’m back to editing furiously. I’ll send out a newsletter in the next couple of days about that. But tonight I will share my first little offering of playing and painting clay. It’s an older lesson but it might new to some or a beautiful reminder of the goodness of playing with clay.

I know so many artists coming together to offer free material to help navigate during this time. I love that so much. I think it’s one of those little steps forward to help us feel useful during this time when we are feeling so helpless.

Again, sending out so much love and care always.

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“Creativity occurs in the moment, and in the moment we are timeless”

— Julia Cameron

Sharing the Podcast love....

I am a huge listener of all things audio.

I am always deep in an audible book or a podcast and I adore finding material filled with wisdom and heart. It fills my love tank to the brim. I thought I would share some of the podcasts that are helping me navigate this tumultuous time. Some old pods that I love referring back to because the material is so good and I’m always looking to go deeper. Others are just daily byte sizes shares of practical philosophy and others deeper and more complex material which just speaks my love language.

Chris Heuertz - he is deep and insightful and his voice and way he talks, wonderful.

Brene Brown - full of wisdom and vulnerability - I could listen to her talking all day long

Ryan Holiday - I love practical philosophy and daily stoic is filled with that.

Sleeping at Last - start at Episode 4 - One and work through all 9 Enneagrams.

I’ll keep sharing and please feel free to share some recommended listenings with me and let me know what you think too, I would love to hear your thoughts. Finding good material, like good music is always on my heart.

Sharing...

I have been thinking about sharing here more regularly for the next few weeks. Please let me know how you feel about that and if you think that would overwhelm you or encourage you during this time. My blog has always been a place for me to process my thoughts, struggles and victories in my creative process and sometimes about life too. I will be sharing some free video’s here over the next few weeks of some of my past lessons from my classes and some of my shared lessons from various platforms -

…. some drawing, clay, stitching and painting.

I had some projects and ideas planned for the next season and I guess now would be a good time to start with some of those projects. I have some plans coming up for #100daysofsomething and I will be sharing some new videos/tutorials during the next few weeks too. I hope we can travel together through the new few weeks and/or months. Meeting virtually to help make the days more manageable and what better way to do that than creatively and together. I will do my best not to overwhelm your inbox too much.

Sending much love, Jeanne-Marie

Waiting for some love…

We are all in this together...

Our truest response to the irrationality of the world is to paint or sing or write, for only in such a response do we find truth - Madeleine L’Engle

“The irrationality of the world” is pretty much how I feel about the world on a normal day.

Getting to paint and write really is my truest response to coping and I’m so grateful I have this to hold me on the hard days. But this I have to say feels next level. We are now in a nationwide lockdown for the next 21 days. After which I’m sure they will re-assess the situation.

I have moments of complete calm and rational and other moments of being completely afraid about so many things. Mainly the health of my family during this time as we head into the Autumn and Winter months. My extended family and not being able to see each other and so grateful for modern day communications. So much is whirling through my heart at the moment, like with all of us.

So today I’m just going to be thankful that I can paint and write and today we are healthy, we are all home and safe. And just to let you know I’m right here with you and it gives me some comfort to know that we are all in this together.

Sending you all so much love and comfort during this time.

Much love, Jeanne-Marie

Tiny love....

I have a bunch of little journals for this year. They are small, around 3.5”x5.5” . It’s my goal to fill them but I am not sure if you are anything like me, but I have journal issues. Firstly, I have a hard time starting at the the beginning of any journal and I usually flick to the middle. Secondly, I find it even more difficult keeping my images in them for two reasons because if it’s a great piece, then it’s stuck in there and if it’s a bad piece then it is stuck in there too. I wish I had the courage to just let it be, whether it’s good or bad…. but I’m working on it.

This tiny love was in my little journal but at the end of painting her, I pulled her out but mainly because I wanted to do a test run on getting her block mounted. I am so glad I did. It’s a wonderful little piece.

I have started another tiny love painting in this journal and I will see how I go about leaving her in there. I have another little journal that I’m filling with graphite drawings for practice and another will be filled with images for my ideas around #100days of something idea. I will share more about that in the next post or two.

I guess it’s more steps towards letting go and not always being bound in the final finished product but more about being in the moment and the process too.

Slowly finding my groove.....

I always find this time of year… I’m slow to find my direction and grove.

Still tired from the year prior, summer is exhausting because the heat is so sapping and boy has it been hot. It’s also still my busiest time of year, work wise… film season, tax filing season and financial year end - just to name a few things. Getting the girls back up and running into life and new routines too. It’s been big schedule adjustments for all of us this year.

So far I’ve still managed to show up albeit slowly. I am trying to get back to being in my space everyday and painting everyday. So most of January I was in studio but I was mainly spring cleaning which was brilliant. I found old canvases which you know I’ve been recycling with new works and I have totally been loving it. I’m so enjoying including figures in my work and working smallish. I’m thinking i might need to linger here a little longer and let these small canvases take me on a little journey.

I picked up some extra canvases in this size to continue working with this series.

Thank you for the love and support around these pieces.

My heart is overflowing, always.