Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

Every month this year I've been choosing a mantra and creating art to go along with it. Here's the 7th one:

When I read this mantra it felt fitting for the summertime here in the northern hemisphere, encompassing different meanings and ways we may be spending this season…

 

I could picture long summer days, sinking toes into sand and water, taking things slowly and soaking in the surroundings and warmth of the sun. 

 

It could also be for the adventurers and explorers, taking excited steps in places they've never been before and seeking new experiences. 

 

And it reminded me as well of not going anywhere at all and feeling grounded from within and the flip side of not knowing where you want to go but figuring it out step by step.

 

Maybe it's because my word for the year is “rooted” but I have found myself circling back to questions like, are my feet planted where I want them to be--literally and figuratively? What people / places / things do I want to acquaint myself with? Am I being true to myself? I find that this mantra anchors me as I continue to find the right path for me.

 

While this collage is quite simple--torn out images from a magazine--it really speaks to me. There's something about that simplicity and the colors, layers, and hand torn edges that make me feel a sense of happiness, excitement, and mystery. 

 

Or maybe I just have a thing for using photos of my feet in the frame and wanderlust? Lol Please refer to exhibit A below, a collage I made in 2023 for the prompt “destination”. I didn't have words for it then but this mantra is quite fitting for it as well…it looks like this might be a running theme for me!

 

A friendly reminder before I wrap this up--the next free virtual workshop is happening Sunday, July 27th at 11:30AM. In this 30 min workshop, I'll walk you through 4 different steps of creating with layers using your own writing, paint, and paper. I love making sketchbook pages using this method and am very excited to share it and see what you create! Learn more, get the supply list, and SIGN UP BY CLICKING HERE.

 

And if you signed up for the postcard swap, your matches were sent out a few days ago! Please check your inboxes and send your mail out by July 28th.

I hope that wherever your feet take you, you're enjoying your summer--or having a cozy winter for friends in the southern hemisphere--and the final weeks of July.

 

Take good care and talk to you soon,

PS: We are about to be 10 days in the Social Media Summer Break and I've finished my first book in years--Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun. I loved the magical and joyous aspects and some of the characters' experiences and emotions really touched me / were relatable. The life advice being given does get repetitive towards the end and there was one storyline I wish had a clear ending but overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. I could totally see it being turned into a mini series or movie and would love to watch it come to life in that way!

 

This book was my inspiration for my first 21 Every Days project section! The prompt was “write”. The bubbles represent laundry detergent and I wanted it to open up and reveal something to reflect how this building looks like a laundry business from the outside but it's something different once you enter. Inside are yellow and pink flowers, reminding me of the red camilla petals and marigolds mentioned in the book, as well as a tiny flyer for the mind laundry.

 

Thank you to those of you doing the break and the art project with me--I've really enjoyed doing this together!

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