This week’s word is roots, quiet, steadfast things that hold life together. You rarely see them, yet they do all the work, anchoring, feeding, connecting. The word itself is ancient, from Old English rōt and Latin radix, which also gives us radical — literally “to go to the root.” I love that: to be radicalContinue reading “Roots!”
Tag Archives: artist
My creative hug for October (and a peek at my big project)
October’s been full of small experiments that have made me get excited about my art again. My Creative Hug project, a loose structure built around a “word of the week” and a larger project, has given me that nudge I’ve needed. Each word sparks fresh activities, readings, or just little shifts in how I seeContinue reading “My creative hug for October (and a peek at my big project)”
One painting, over and over – seven layers of me
A Continuing Painting This winter, I’m inspired by Judy Tuwaletstiwa’s approach of returning to one painting again and again, layering it with time, thought, and presence. Instead of creating many “finished” works, I’ll be living with a single canvas — an ongoing conversation rather than a product. This idea has been bubbling away for monthsContinue reading “One painting, over and over – seven layers of me”
The Call You Can’t Ignore (and Why It Matters)
I was watching Moana at the weekend with my granddaughter. Every time, one scene in particular stays with me: Moana standing on the beach, staring out to the horizon, knowing she has to go beyond the reef. She doesn’t know exactly what she’ll find out there. She just feels the pull. Others tell her toContinue reading “The Call You Can’t Ignore (and Why It Matters)”
But What Does It Mean?!
“What does it mean??”
We’ve all asked it. But here’s the truth: there’s no right answer.
You don’t need to understand art to feel it. You just need to let it get to you.
Why Buy Real Art from an Artist?
(Or: Why That IKEA Print Will Never Speak to Your Soul) Real art—art made by a human hand—can stir something in us. And that can be unsettling, especially with abstract work. No one tells you what it means. It might be easier to choose something mass-produced, designed to blend in, not stand out. But whenContinue reading “Why Buy Real Art from an Artist?”
Embracing an Abundant Mindset in Creativity
Yesterday, I was reminded of the quiet power of an abundant mindset — especially in creative work. I had been listening to a talk by Nicolas Wilton, one of my mentors. He spoke about the importance of sharing everything we know with those who are a few steps behind us on the path. Nick saysContinue reading “Embracing an Abundant Mindset in Creativity”
“How do you know when it’s finished?”
When Is a Painting Finished? It’s the question I get asked more than any other: how do you know when it’s finished? The truth is, there’s no single answer. Every artist approaches it differently. For some, it’s a feeling. For others, a technical assessment. Many of us rely on time and space to help usContinue reading ““How do you know when it’s finished?””
Why Do Abstract Paintings Move Me So Deeply?
Why Do Abstract Paintings Move Me So Deeply? In my last blog post, I wrote about my response to my friend Alan Brain’s painting, A Curious Sadness. It’s a simple yet powerful composition—two bold shapes in electric blue and deep red, conveying a sense of emotion that I found deeply moving. I’ve noticed this isn’tContinue reading “Why Do Abstract Paintings Move Me So Deeply?”
The Power of Simplicity in Alan Brain’s Art
Artist Alan Brain’s abstract piece, “A Curious Sadness,” is a masterclass in simplicity and emotion. Two bold shapes in electric blue and deep red evoke a sense of curiosity and melancholy, while subtle details draw the eye. This is my personal interpretation – I wonder, what do you see? An artist friend, Alan Brain, recentlyContinue reading “The Power of Simplicity in Alan Brain’s Art”
Ailsa Brims Art 