I write this with conviction …… as having grown into a better version of myself through my creative ventures.

The intention of  sharing this is- you might want to find a simple way to identify and connect  to the artist within you.

Art creates a forum for meaningful talk…. and helps us to connect and relate to our social world. As a young mum, I introduced both my boys to art at a very early age – as a family we had and continue to have heaps of fun with paper, pencils and lots of colours.

Here is the story of my Love4acause

Initially I did my art for fun and I realised that I loved it so much. The bonus was my family and friends were appreciative of my art. My friends who have received my piece of work as a gift were sincere in their appreciation. This motivated the start of my community artwork project. I began to make a portfolio of my art. I contributed some of my work as cards to some of charities close to my heart.

I began a community page called Love4acause in 2011- the year I organised a fund-raising event for Totara Hospice ….This was a simple sweet and most rewarding experience.Am still so thankful for the support and encouragement from friends old and new. The event was hosted at one of the local schools with performances from David House Music School and Jaye`s Dance Studio performing…

Art build on new and existing connections

• Connecting to positive kind friends helps us create nurturing experiences.
• Nurturing kind experiences help us to stay connected to ourselves and
• Grow into better version of ourselves….

• All of us have a unique strength – or capability
• Tap into your own strengths
• Take ownership of what brings joy for you
• It could be pottery, or sketching or cooking or writing
• Keep a log of your work
• Create and personalise a gift
• Share it with family your friends
• Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes
• Connect with those who have the same interest
• Enjoy and experience your wellbeing flourish 😊

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give – Kahlil Gibran

I choose to call art as an excercise in quiet thinking …..

Art and Wellbeing

To my dear readers,

In today`s post I write on art and reflection . When I work on my art – I find this an intensely peaceful and calming exercise …. This has a significant impact on wellbeing.  

Art helps us to connect with your inner self – you choose the colours you like and create shapes that is unique to your liking.

When we engage in art we grow quiet and still; this quietness is very calming for the brain.

When we spend time in thinking or reflecting – we create a very calming space within us.

Taking time to reflect facilitates qualities and values such as kindness and compassion.

Practising any creative activity that is nurturing allows us to be better thinkers and learners.

 Cherish routines that has ample scope for thinking and reflection …. walking, swimming, meditating and of course painting. I love to walk and swim; I take time for ,myself to think and feel sheer joy in painting.

INTENTION : In sharing this, my wish for you is to take up something creative, get immersed in the joy of creating – be it making a delightful meal, or learning a new song or painting your unique picture.

I have shared 3 of my artwork with a wee history of it`s making …..

Faith – was a picture that I created for my friend ; I painted on a coaster – and it turned out right 🙂

Tagore- was an artist, musician , and poet – he was also the first non European to win the Nobel prize for Literature. I have a great respect for him and did this piece of work for my study.

Abel Tasman: Was about remembering our hike across the spectacular Abel Tasman on a beautiful summer day

Taking up art:

• Focus on the feeling of calm when  you sketch or paint
• Give your art work a name – even if you think it looks like a scribble – it is still unique
• Keep a visual diary
• Tune into nature 
• Use nature as a visual for inspiration
• Familiarise yourself with artworks that please you
• Visit exhibitions, galleries, museums
• Enjoy the present moment &
• Have a lot of fun ….. 🙂

Visual art aids in wellbeing ….and so I say 😊

My love for colours and tryst with art started right from my pre-school days. In my early days I recall vividly that I would just amuse myself working on walls of colours– first a blue , then a green , then a yellow and so on….. Am not sure at what point I delved into simple forms of art – a house with a red roof, a tree and then more….

This is how art evolved for me….The intention of today`s writing is to affirm all of the positives that come from taking up art …..

Here`s to what does for wellbeing…..

The act of drawing or sketching or painting is done mindfully and with care. Art helps one to stay connected with the present

The repetitive nature of tracing on a line is peaceful  or

Painting – working on strokes until you get the colour and effects right – is one of the best forms of therapy.

Art is about being in the present moment

Art is therefore very calming and promotes wellness

Art and the brain

Fact

Working on act that is calming , quiet and peaceful – is very good for the brain.

How this works…..

Remember we think of the brain as a four layered box – starting from the

# 4 bottom most layer the stem that looks after the fright or flight response

# 3 movement- the layer in charge of movement

#2 the feelings- the layer that takes care of our feelings and

# 1 the learning or the thinking part of the brain

So when we work on art, the stem of the brain is relaxed.

When the stem of the brain is relaxed we feel peaceful.

When we feel peaceful we are able to focus better on our day to day lives

Studies in brain science indicates that feeling peaceful allows for new braincells to be formed.

This allows us to feel strong and well and resilient.  

A bit about Endorphins :

Studies also show that when you enjoy an activity such as art – the brain releases a happy hormone called endorphins.

Endorphins help in having a happy healthy brain.

So let`s Reach4Art – one moment in time ….