Dear First name / friend,

 

This year, I’ve focused on finding contentment. That is, to first find a stillness - a place where I can be present. Where I can feel awareness, observe without judgment (particularly my thoughts), and rest in my own feelings so I can then cultivate a longer-lasting state of peaceful satisfaction. And, as with most things, some days this is easy and other days it’s incredibly challenging.

 

Alongside finding contentment, I’m also documenting these moments. Taking note of where I am, what I am doing, and how I am feeling. In doing so, I have come to make a new friend that always seems to embrace me. She invites me to simply experience the here and now. This is the sky and all her endearing gestures.

 

Being an artist, I wanted to get to know her visually. I began collecting some of her characteristics, like her colors and movements. I went into a deep inquiry with my artwork, challenging my technical skills. I began taking risks within the safety of my sketchbook. I learned from painters. Pushed the constraints of graphite. And searched for repeating elements that my hand naturally created.

 

Bit by bit, I started making new artwork.

 

And I am calling it,

 

Sunday Skies.

 

While overly obvious, Sunday has always held slowness. Rooted in rest, it’s become a day where I have encouraged myself to put the laundry aside. To take more walks. To cuddle Forest pup. To be slow. To rest. To heal.

 

Together, Sunday Skies is a reminder of presence. How inside of presence you can often find this small vessel of contentment. The bustling world around quiets. Rather positive feelings surface. It’s freedom from worry and restlessness - even if just for a moment.

 

I am not going to rush this new work that is slowly unfolding - and so I will release a handful of pieces as they become available. If you'd like to be notified as they are ready, you are welcome to join my art collector's list. I hope you get to know my friend - and find a bit of presence and contentment when she embraces you.

 

Warmly,

 

Lauren

 

P.S. I always love hearing from you, so if you have any thoughts, please hit reply and let me know xx