My Journey

Back to when I was a teenager myself trying to find my way in the art world and in life in general I felt lost somewhere somehow for a long while. Coming from a broken home and not being able to voice my feelings out loud burned a hole in me. As I got older the big hole remained deep, real deep. If I couldn't express I would just pile it up into that deep dark hole. Mind you this went on for a very long time. If I got upset angry or wanted to cry I would just stuff it way back and way deep. I questioned everything about trust, love, honesty, loyalty, family, friends and myself. Not feeling good enough made me very insecure and with result I delivered poor art work without substance - the cause of not believing in myself. 


Turning a new leaf - This experience forced me to look further, further within. There was no other way but forward.  In order to make a change I needed to forgive and be kind to myself. There began my journey as an artist - by getting in touch with my inner child, by embracing her all the way. Through tough times I began to understand what I was suppose to do - listening to my inner voice gave me the spiritual power I so needed guiding me in the right direction. I gave myself the chance to heal, to enjoy my life and my art. Giving myself the empowerment made a huge impact in my life. And I'm happy to say it's been a tough but wonderful journey and I am here to guide you through yours as well.  


As artists, we beat ourselves constantly but know that in the dark there is beauty too and plenty of it transforming into brilliance. Like the moon in the dark welcoming the sun to begin a new day. Art keeps us sane and true. Art allows us to spill openly. A light that keeps burning within. 

The moment I decided to teach, I knew I wanted to to give students a whole new world of great possibilities no matter how ugly or how troublesome we all face in this so called Jungle of ours, there is a great amount of beauty to inhale. That we can rise from under anything. That change starts when you believe in yourself. Falling behind or feeling sorry isn't the answer or an option but a crutch making the pace a slow process. When you are lost, it can be hard to rise but with a support system the journey can be wonderful one and encouraging. 


Through art the students learned to spill their feelings into perspective with color and imagery and with group discussions they shared their master pieces and experiences. And as for me I enjoyed making a difference and sharing my experiences. At the end of the day when you open up, you are never alone. 


In my new workshop I will be teaching basic tools:


Finding yourself through drawing and rhythm:


Drawing is like music - feel, flow and give voice to your image at it's core, deep in the heart. Allow yourself to bring the image to form. Remember if you find yourself stuck - don't worry. Take time to breathe and relax. I will later discuss about being stuck in the mud ( Art Block )  Never force yourself let yourself come out naturally. Listen to music - if you feel music helps by all mean pick a song or music of your liking to help ease the moment. No thinking is allowed - Too much thinking can slow the process, it takes you to a complete red light. No distractions either - take yourself to a quiet space. Remember it's you and your ideas only. Come into your own with passion with no limitations. Once you have achieve an ambiance you can then begin to set your drawing paper and pencil. Now that you have your drawing paper ooddle doodle across the page scribbling relaxing your hand controlling the  pencil. Now let out your inner child create with you. Everyone has an inner child and she wants to play. Once the child is allowed to play she will create her scenery. Ask your child what she wants. For some of you this can be difficult and terrifying. We are never too old to play even when we are busy women and mothers with a pile chores to do during the day. She always wants to play but sometimes moments and days of work work and responsibilities can make us tired and upset. Then there are excuses, the famous excuses! Women who want to explore the art realm but are afraid they can't are always intrigued with the idea of being an artist.  Well, it's never to late to play on canvas. Explore that part of you even if you have not taken any classes, you are now in this workshop. 


The joy of art is connecting to the child who always wants to create a world she can play in and be herself. Just remember back to when you were once a child - never afraid to explore. But I'm not every child out there. So for some, this can be a bit new. As we get older the child still remains and never dies. Others have their inner child buried deep within sealed in a dark shell just pounding to be let out. Some are silent while others cry banging loudly in your head. I say unleash her and trust the guide she has to offer, Don't shut her out she begs you. Who said you can't play in the garden and plant wild flowers there and make paper animals to come to life. It's about connecting with her spiritually. There's an amount of exploration to be done here. Listen to what she has to say. She even has questions for you or maybe not. Any who, she may just want you to stop closing her in, embrace her with love. And if you need to forgive, forgive her - the child is, you.


Now that you have lovely white paper just waiting for you to create and play - I want you to sit comfortably  position yourself  with confidence and ease. Don't feel anxious - anxiety can cripple ideas to form. And if you do feel a bit anxious, just relax and take in some breathing exercises - slowly breathe in and out 5 times. Now, it's just you, your ideas, your paper and pencil. Let's begin shall we! I'm sure you want to start painting but not yet. I would need for you to have fun and explore the child within. Believe me, she is excited too! But she understands that speeding the process means missing out on the juicy stuff. There's no rush!


You have paper now. Gush I'm excited! Use drawing paper best for scribbling and doodling. If you have paper pad great! Don't use good quality paper for this. Regular paper for practice and writing ideas down only. So let's begin!  Once you are done take a step back and look at it, take in what you just done. 

Note - I will teach on video soon!

Tomorrows lesson 2


Groove and transform: