Creative Resilience - Disaster Edition: Updates from My Studio

I'm calling everything "Disaster Edition" now...

Hey there, I know it's been awhile - a lot has happened! First, I’m grateful to say I personally came through the flooding from Helene with little damage, though the destruction, disruption and aftermath in the area has been exhausting and heartbreaking. Thank you so much to those who sent private notes to check on me - you absolutely lifted my heart!

In the midst of all that, I was able to focus on completing the Vision + Voice 8 week course—an intensive experience that has deepened my creative voice. It’s already changing my work, how I view it and how I approach sharing it with the world.

Creative Resilience and Finding a Path

The combined experiences of the disaster and then immediately turning to look hard at my own art and practice has given me insight into why I create and what it means to me. I've been circling around some of these ideas for years but not wanting to fully engage because they're uncomfortable in some ways. But, in other, more significant ways, they feel very familiar and right. Now, my work, as an an artist and creative, is to explore this new personal terrain and incorporate it into my art. While I'm still early in the dark of the process and can't yet see very clearly where the path leads, it IS clear that it's headed outside of the "usual" way of making and sharing art.

The Art in Hands Project - A Bright Spot!

During a recent studio visit with a lovely lady from the choir I attend, three paintings (see them below, the first is 12x 12, the other two are 6x6, all are mixed media on panel) found their forever home, and I’ve made a few more art drops locally. One recipient even sent a lovely thank-you email, which made my day.

The Art in Hands Project is definitely going to be part of my path forward and it's leading me strongly to continue to create and connect with others.

I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and sharing more with you soon—there are some exciting things in the works!

Thank you for being part of this creative adventure with me.

You're the best!
Monette