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 |
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There's something I really love about a slow creative project that takes days, months, or even a year to complete. It does require patience (I am ok with this part) and consistency (this part not so much sometimes 😅) and maybe that's why it feels so satisfying and rewarding at the end! It also helps to capture moments in time and evokes different memories and emotions when looking back on it--a visual journal and time capsule. This year I was inspired to pick a mantra each month and make art to go along with it. It was a way for me to find inspiration and wisdom, to feel grounded, and to create more consistently. I didn't realize it when I started how helpful and comforting this project would become and how much I'd truly enjoy the entire process from finding words I connected with to interpreting it visually. Even though for a few of the months I cut it really close (like making the art on the last day 😅) I am very excited--and feeling a little bittersweet--to share that this project is now complete! Below is the final mantra for December along with photos of all the previous ones (you can read more about each one here.) I hope some of these sketchbook pages and words resonate with you and that they help you feel grounded, supported, and comforted as well ❤️ |
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The 4 Agreements: Be impeccable with your word Don't take anything personally Don't make assumptions Always do your best |
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I was introduced to the book, The Four Agreements by don Miguel Luiz, years ago by my mom and it has stuck with me every since. The 4 agreements are based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the beliefs that limit us and what we can do to live a more free, content, balanced, and happy life. While these aren't new or ground breaking ideas, they can be so much easier said than done and easily forgotten! But when applied, it can be powerful and address sources of pain, confusion, or discomfort. Whenever I refer back to these sentences, I'm always like, !!! This makes SO much sense! Usually one of the agreements is what I needed to hear and I've been able to apply them to all kinds of situations (when I remember to!): when things feel chaotic, when I feel like I'm not doing enough / getting enough done, when the perfectionist or people pleaser in me creeps in, when I feel overwhelmed, when there are issues with people / relationships, and so much more. The one that has really resonated is that if I've done my best, that is enough. (My definition of “my best” is doing what I can with the energy and capacity I have at that time.) |
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For the artwork I split my sketchbook page into 4 sections: - Cut out words for speaking impeccably
- A heart surrounded by paint with none of it reaching the inside for don't take it personally
- The book mentions how you wouldn't assume the calculations of a bridge so I made the center arrow curved like a bridge. All the smaller arrows represent how a facts / a story / intention can be muddled, confused, and taken the wrong way if assumptions are made.
- For try your best, I wrote “you are enough” in silver ink then layered it with soft watercolors to represent all of our efforts and to be gentle with ourselves.
If this monthly mantra idea resonates with you, I encourage you to try it or a variation of it! I felt I was able to take on and finish this series because the timeline of one piece of art a month felt doable and less intimidating. And if you're a lover of words too, it's a fun way to find inspiration in them and incorporate them in your art whether it's with text or images. Were there any words or mantras that you really connected with this past year? Was there a phrase or idea that kept coming up for you? What are you ready to leave behind and what do you want to take with you? |
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This month seems to go by quicker and quicker each year and we'll be transitioning into a new season tomorrow! Wishing you ease, rest, and comfort along with moments of joy and warmth throughout the remaining days of December. Take good care and Happy Holidays! |
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PS: I'll be starting my 100 Day Project on January 1st if you'd like to join me! I'm going to be sharing prompts in case you'd like to use them. They'll be included in the last email of the year with the shares next week. In the meantime, here are some details to help you get started! |
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The beautiful PNW
Renton, WA 98058, United States |
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