Hello, Daring devotees!! (I do love a good alliteration…)
It’s been nearly a month since I last wrote. Whew! Though if you subscribe to The Daring Digest, you know I sent that out today. *patting myself on the back as I type*
But how?: Creative Workshops
Last week I launched an art print sale! The idea of “art for all” sparked it and has been on my mind.
Really, “art for all” is a core idea of Living Daringly. I offer creative workshops, because I want to help encourage people to uncover their inherent, but sometimes hidden or masked, creativity. Particularly adults. Generally women. Why? Because when I was at my lowest, an art practice coupled with reflection and journaling, helped keep me afloat. Collectively they helped save me, and they continue to be practices that help me have better mental health.
Once upon a time, we were creative. We colored and drew and painted, and it was wonderful. Then at some point, adults told some kids they were “good” at creating art. And they either ignored other kids’ efforts, or even told some young people they were bad at it! Even just hearing that someone else is good at something, but not ever having it directed at you can be enough to make to you stop pursuing something. But creative expression is something we all need to be healthy.
I hope you’ll join me for my next online creative workshop in September or October. Please take this survey to let me know when you can attend so I don’t miss you!! Take a look at the testimonials if you need a little encouragement to join.
But how?: Art in your home
So, yes, I’m a teacher. But I’m also a creator. With my art offerings, I am working to keep accessibility in mind when setting my prices. Yes, I want teaching and creating my art to become a financially sustainable effort. And I want people who love my art to be able to have it to decorate their home and be a constant reminder of the feelings that art piece evokes in them!! I’ve even been thinking about offering payment plans and policies like that for those who might want to bring home original art… (Contact me if this is something you are interested in now!)
One way I’m working to keep prices accessible is by playing with offering art prints. Just of a few of my designs right now. And I’m working towards making prints of any of my works available to those who want them.
So please go check out the sale! Packs of greeting cards are part of it for the snail mail enthusiasts.
But how?: What do you think?
I know this post is more salesy than some of what I write about. As I do this Living Daringly business thing, one of the main things I really want to do is connect with folks who like and want what I have to offer. So, with that in mind, I have to tell folks about the offerings sometimes. You tell me if I ever get too overbearing with it! I don’t want to be a sleazy salesperson. Just an authentic creator and creative guides with offerings you might want to bring into your world…
But I want to go back to the question. Art for all… What do you think? Do you use the word “creative” to label yourself?
If yes, how are you creative? I really want to know!! And do you want to come play during one of my creative workshops?!
If no, why don’t you use that label? Why doesn’t it feel like it fits? (And do you want to come play during one of my creative workshops?!)
New Art
I feel like I’m not doing my due diligence if I don’t post at least some of the new pieces I’ve created. These two I made and donated to different causes. The snake one to Girls Rock St. Pete and the rainbow-y one to the Gaza Rising Benefit Show to support the USF-13 legal fund.
Closing Out
Today is Lughnasadh. A harvest festival.
Sitting here writing this to you, I feel good. I feel grateful for those who read this blog and who support my efforts and art in all the ways you do. And whether we’re good friends or haven’t directly met, I’m glad we are connected through creativity, daring, and authenticity.
May we share kind thoughts,
kind words,
kind actions, intentions,
and love.
Until next time…