Hi,

 

I hope you are feeling good today,

 

This recent glimpse of Earth, captured by the Artemis II crew on their journey past the moon, caught my attention.

 

One of the astronauts described it as “stunningly beautiful” — a “fragile oasis” suspended in “endless darkness.”

 

It got me thinking about how art and creativity allow us to reflect on the world around us — and how important that might be right now.

 

A way to feel more connected to the natural world, and to all the beings that share it with us.

 

Whether it’s writing, making, or painting, each offers a way to look a little more closely — to notice what something looks like, how it feels, what it brings up in us.

 

In doing so, we begin to connect more deeply — with a person, with ourselves, or even with the nature just outside our door, quietly waiting to be noticed.

 

So this month, let’s connect a little more.

 

 

If it could speak, what would it say?

 

Choose something ordinary — an object in your home, a place you pass often, or something in nature.

 

A tree, perhaps.

a flower,

or even the bird that visits your garden

 

Take a moment to imagine its voice.

 

You might wonder…

does it enjoy where it is placed?

what does it notice each day?

what might it quietly think about the world around it?

 

You might write, sketch, or simply begin…

and see what unfolds.

 

Each year at my work, we create a large art installation — something created by lots of people.

 

We use the theme set by the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival to guide us, and this year’s theme is Reflection.

 

We’re using it as an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of Scotland.

 

It’s only the beginning, but already there’s a quiet sense of something taking shape — a kind of magical place, slowly emerging.

 

 

The arty wander was a lovely one last month — a few new faces, alongside some familiar ones.

 

The exhibition at Project Ability was inspiring, and gave us plenty to talk about and share with each other.  There were so many different styles, textures, and ideas woven throughout.

 

I know I left feeling really content, and glad I had taken the time to experience it.

 

A few people mentioned they’d like to return with someone else, which always feels like a good sign.

 

The current exhibition runs until the 27th of May — if you have the time, I’d really recommend having a little wander and a nosy.

 

 

This month, the arty meet-up will take place on Sunday 31st May.

 

Let’s head along to the Glasgow Gallery of Photography, where there are two exhibitions exploring colour and landscape.

 

We’ll meet at Rest Coffee at 11.15am for a cuppa, before heading next door.

 

I’d love to see you there.

It’s a very informal, friendly meet-up — a space to simply come along, look at some art, and spend a bit of time together.

 

If you’re interested in anything creative, or just fancy meeting others who are curious too, you’d be very welcome.

 

I’ve learned of so many different projects happening around Glasgow just through these conversations — it’s always inspiring to hear what others are exploring.

 

 

I recently took a trip to Portugal, where I found myself noticing the wildflowers I passed along the way — each one as beautiful and interesting as the next, growing wherever they pleased.

 

I began to wonder what they might say to me as I walked by.

 

Perhaps simply to slow down…

to notice the beauty of the world around me,

to take nothing for granted — because we are living in something quite extraordinary,

surrounded by life, in all its quiet, intricate forms.

 

Perhaps it’s through creativity that we begin to see a little more —

and share that seeing with one another.

 

— Edgar Degas

 

With gratitude,

Louise

 

 

I’d love to hear from you — your thoughts, ideas, or anything you’ve been working on.

 

You can simply reply to this email, and I’ll get back to you.