Tag Archives: calm

Valuing white space #BlogJune 18

I was talking with my good friend Penny the other night about white space in our artwork. We often use similar colours and methods but our processes and end results are very different.

My art journals are about “downloading my head”l. Often colour and writing fills the page to overflowing – chaos and emotion in 2D. But my abstract landscape art is different; it’s generally my calm, peaceful view to the seen world. I don’t aim to record, but to respond.

Part of that response is a strong need for quiet space, usually white or maybe Titan Buff. I was working on 12 A4 mixed media and, when I sat back, realised I’d put too much colour on too quickly. Tomorrow I’ll look at them in the daylight. Some very strong darks might increase the sense of light, or they might need white paint added back.

Night photos on my phone, so colours aren’t quite right!

My word for 2016 is …

Each year I choose a word that centres me, a word I come back to when I need reminding of my focus and of what’s important to me. I put a lot of thought into my word and surround myself with it; in small artworks, in my art journals and on my office wall. In previous years I have chosen calm, kindness, learn, determined, map and balance.

I have been a follower of Dr Wayne Dyer for many years. He passed away this year just as I was finishing his latest book. He always spoke of the power of intention, so this is for you Dr Wayne. In 2016 it is my INTENTION to:

  • stay calm and act from a place of kindness
  • continue making changes at work that create a positive atmosphere
  • use my time efficiently so I can achieve all that’s in my head
  • schedule my time effectively so I contribute well to the wider profession
  • be receptive to the possibilities all around me
  • spend quality time with Tony and the furkids
  • nurture my creativity

wayne

Looking back on 2015, my word was CALM. It helped align my actions with my intention to achieve with kindness. As a guiding word it served me well because when I am CALM:

  • I respond rather than react
  • I hear people out and think before speaking
  • I consider the consequences of my actions
  • I balance the urgent with the important
  • I get a lot done through being prepared and not rushing
  • I take life’s ups and down in my stride
  • I ensure I have art time to keep me balanced
  • I make time for Tony and I so we stay happy

My word for 2015 is …

Each year I choose a word that centres me, a word I come back to time and again when I need reminding of my focus and of what’s important to me. This year my word was kindness and, in some ways, my word for 2015 is aligned to that. In 2015 I will be concentrating on CALM. It may not seem the most obvious word, but I’ve put a lot of thought into it and think it will help align my actions with my intention to achieve with kindness.

When I am CALM:

  • I respond rather than react
  • I hear people out and think before speaking
  • I consider the consequences of my actions
  • I balance the urgent with the important
  • I get a lot done through being prepared and not rushing
  • I take life’s ups and down in my stride
  • I ensure I have art time to keep me balanced
  • I make time for Tony and I so we stay happy

I will make something for my new office that says CALM so I can glance up at it and refocus when needed. With a new job, a husband who is not always well, a busy life outside of work with national committees and working groups, and a paper to publish each month, CALM is going to be at my centre. How about you; will you have a guiding word for 2015?

calm