March Studio Newsletter
The days are finally feeling longer, brighter and more hopeful. I say that against a backdrop of international turmoil, a backdrop I feel powerless to shape. What I can shape is my own inner world and I a working on finding a steady path that both acknowledges the tragedies of the world and honours the miracle that life is.
In spring that miracle unfolds on a second by second basis. There is a surge of growth and of colour. There are a multitude of greens everywhere I look. The light is stronger and longer, the birds are louder and the frogs in my pond are ‘singing’ as they release their frogspawn.
My energy is coming back and I am excited about getting into the studio now it’s feeling less arctic!
My sale of older works has released something in me. I feel less tied to the versions of myself that I have been and able to start creating in line with my current values and inspirations.
Have you woken up with spring? How does your creativity unfold with the season?
Studio Release
My archive sale has been really well received and I am so grateful to you for finding new homes for my previously stored work.
I have been able to add some more to the sale - I was waiting on mounts and packaging for these. So if you missed out on some of the larger originals take a look and see if any of these suit your heart and soul.
Ready for spring?
If you are feeling up with the lark and ready for the worms (?!) my spring online retreat is ready when you are. With tasks to help you build your sketchbook, journal and ambitions through the spring. There are writing tasks as well as research and gathering, making and wellbeing. You can jump in with a task a day or spread it out across the season. And you can come back to it again and again as the course stays in your library.
There are also some courses in my sale that will not be available to buy after March 31st. If you buy them though, it will stay in your course dashboard ready for when you have time to do it.
If you’ve been collecting my books over the years, there is a small supply for you to fill any gaps in your collection! You can find them on offer here.
Waking up
I have woken up just in time for spring resolutions. What is on your list for the year?
I decided that this year I need to get back to the roots of what I do. I need to develop new work and let my actions match my thinking. I need to take that work out and enjoy selling again, enjoy talking to people about art. I think from there I can build a new program of workshops that feel aligned to where I am and what my customers want. Hopefully I can build a balance of selling, face to face workshops and online content.
Meanwhile I will be taking you on the journey with me in my free and paid subscriber posts. If you are a paid subscriber you will receive extra content, deeper insights and some tools to support your own creative growth. In my April paid subscriber post I will be sharing a ‘Reset and Recharge’ planner for spring creativity. Paid subscribers also get access to all my previous posts so you can get a dose of creative encouragement whenever you need it.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, I have been accepted for the Belper Art Trail on the first Bank holiday weekend in May and the Ashbourne Art Trail on the last Bank holiday in May so pop the dates in your diary if you are Derbyshire based or fancy a weekend away.
Affirmation
As the days change between blustery wind and rain, and sunny brighter days with blue skies, how do you weather life’s ups and downs? How do you find space for what is happening in our world and support your wellbeing?
I find solace in books, in writing and poetry and making art. Connecting to others with heart and soul reminds me of our common humanity, and that is what I hope to achieve here.
Let me know where your inner wisdom is leading you this spring.
Thanks for your continued support.
Helen
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Thanks Helen! Your words and beautiful art are always so inspiring. I feel nourished by your newsletters