Stream of consciousness

I’ve been grappling with finding clear, humble, and accessible language to describe what I do and what I’m interested in. And in that process, I’ve been chewing on the difference between an artist’s expression  and the medium  used to make the art. And then I was shown this groovy song Style is the Answer  by a good friend of mine. And there’s something there, too! Style and expression are deeply intertwined, maybe even kind of the same thing. In the song, the voice says ‘sty

Last week, I was talking about what actually happens when I’m being creative. I was exploring this idea of taking the thoughts, feelings, and emotions I’m working with internally  and externalizing  them into something that can be experienced - like a collage, a dance, or a song. When I respond to that, it initiates this back-and-forth process of taking something internal, making it external, and then causing yet another internal reaction (and so on). This is what it means to

This week, I grappled with explaining the elusive idea of creativity to myself (and to you). My intention was to see if I could describe this word-with-a-million meanings into something that feels easier to grasp. Listen to me feel around in the dark for it here: P.S. I'm also finding my way through learning a new audio program - excuse the boomy audio. How did I do? If you're lost, then I invite you to bop with me to this song , I believe it's at least somewhat related. What

Well, if you’re joining me in the northern hemisphere, we’ve made it. We have made it through the restful cave of winter, and we are entering a portal into spring. And maybe it’s just me, but I am a little bit strung out. There is so much energy here, I don’t really know what to do with it. My body hasn’t quite adjusted yet, and I’ve gone and done a little bit too much this week. I've moved all the furniture around in my house, attended events with friends, spent more time on

The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom here and it's got me feeling groovy. This week I reflected on all the ways nature has become a portal in my life to noticing everyday magic. Also, I've been testing out Tarot card-marking workshops in my community using the practice of intuitive collage. I happened to make a card to celebrate nature as my greatest teacher, with the symbol of a slug as my guide (you know I'm a big proponent of the 'slow is fast' mentality). Planting s

I used to think I needed to make more time to make art. To sit down, hunch over, and think about it. Plan to make. Then, make. Even, and especially when, I didn’t feel like it. And while I still play with the value of showing up to honour sacred time and deadlines I’ve reserved for my personal work, I’ve recalibrated the idea that it needs to feel like ‘work’ as I know it from my corporate job, that it needs to feel hard to be good work, and that work is my primary focus. Now

Turns out drawing is a teacher about life for all ages. Start here: What I would add is that the most magical part of drawing or creating is departing from the reference (whatever it is you are copying) and letting imagination take over. This means letting go of the drawing looking exactly like the thing and instead following what looks or feels good to me. Maybe I change a part or make a mistake and it doesn't look like the reference but I like it that way, so I keep it. I g

This week, I was reminded of the commitment I made to myself this year to step fully into my authenticity and simply let that transform my life. So here we are, embracing exactly how I feel and still showing up for creative work…or, maybe that is creative work? Whether or not you make art, it is an artist's work to ‘go diving’ into the depths of human experience, observe and inspect whatever is found there, and then express what feels intangible yet deeply real. And sharing t

Emotionally, I had a tough week. It was like carrying around an extra assignment that I didn't plan for. And while I had many break-throughs, understanding what I'm releasing and what new perspective is here now is still forming. And I'm giving it plenty of time. I've learned these things become clear when they're ready, not necessarily when I want them to (over many years of attempting to rush the process). So instead, I asked myself one of my favourite self-care questions f

Reflect on our collage process to find symbols and words that represent powerful intentions for the year.

This week's focus is the art of collecting what you're drawn to as an expression of you. This goes deeper than what the mind knows - it's sensing and feeling intuitively.

This week's focus is the art of collecting what you're drawn to as an expression of you. This goes deeper than what the mind knows - it's sensing and feeling intuitively.

Week 1 - Gathering Welcome in, get comfy - and don't worry, I'll explain what a zine is. Start here: Now, work with me for a moment and actually think about this for yourself: Is there any way you want to welcome the year differently? And what value could creativity offer you in the process? Wait...what creative practice? You can join me in experimenting with Intuitive Collage and Zine-making this month as an act of self-expression and easing into the new year. It'll take 30