Today I am excited to share a peek inside Alena Hennessy's studio and creative life! Alena is the author of Cultivating Your Creative Life, The Painting Workbook, and beloved teacher of the art-making process, both online and at select retreats. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines and publications, including Dwell, The Washington Post, Somerset Life, Spirituality & Health, ReadyMade, Redbook, Stitch, Victoria, and Natural Health magazine, as well as being featured on Good Morning America and pilot shows for ABC Studios. Her paintings have been exhibited across major cities in the U.S., along with several museum shows.
What inspires you? What motivates you to create?
It may sound cliché—but I get inspired by many things, from what I observe on a walk in nature, to going into town and flipping through magazines or window shopping and noticing current aesthetics or motifs. Mostly though I am moved by taking in the natural world: the colors, lines, shapes, repeated patterns, sweeping movements, and so forth. Working with the elements and principles of art themselves also inspire me a great deal—creating rhythm, finding ways to unify and harmonize a piece through colors, shapes, and how to resolve a painting by balancing a composition, making it all come together. Finding inspiration by doing the work and simply beginning has so much to do with it.
I am motivated to create because I simply must! I often feel I have no other choice…. Its just a longing or stirring within me that needs to come out and be expressed. I’ve also been working as a full time artist since 2005 and usually have many deadlines and things I need to get done within the studio each day. Art has been a part of my life from a very young age; it’s just something I have always done.
I love seeing how other artists set up their creative space. Can you tell us a little bit your studio?
Sure! I live in the Blue Ridge mountain area of Asheville, NC and work out of my home that I share with my partner Matthew and my little white fox (Pomeranian) dog Mimi Simone. We live on 3.5 acres of soft rolling green and its quite peaceful, which allows me to get a lot done. I have had public/retail spaces before and at that time I was finding it was harder to complete my needed tasks. I love the ability to lock myself in my studio and shut out the world for hours. It feels like a gift.
I know that you juggle a lot of different projects. How do you organize your creative schedule?
Each day is different—and yes juggling seems to be the theme these days! I tend to roll with it though and usually have a solid idea of what needs to get done that week and what is most pressing for that day. I wake up and get my day going, answer emails, and then handle step by step each task that needs my attention. I have found that my self-care practices are pretty vital, in other words being able to step away from the deadlines and come back within myself to center and unwind. That could look like a lot of things (swimming at the gym, walking in nature, taking a hot bath), and it helps me immensely in keeping me grounded and feeling motivated to create at the same time.
What is a typical day like for you?
Oh it varies, but it usually looks something like answering emails (as I stated above), filming myself painting, editing the videos, responding to students’ needs, organizing and making more art for my book projects, taking care of website stuff, and so forth. This interview is reminding me how much I need an assistant at the moment!
What do you feel art adds to life?
I feel art can transform life in many ways… it allows us to express what is beyond words, it subsequently quenches and expresses your soul-longing at the same time, it’s a practice that teaches us to let go, it brings you community… so many rich things!
During my quiet-hour(s) of painting, I find that my soul gets to sometimes rest, explore, or express its deep longing. That time when I sit down and create with my heart is sacred. It’s simply your time with you, no one else’s. Something within gets satisfied, something within gets fulfilled. It is a practice and meditation. Within me I also get to express something that needs to come out, be let go of, or made seen. It is a dance between these sacred intrinsic needs.
What are you working on right now?
I have begun to work on a new book project, which is pretty exciting, as well as filming for my online classes. I am always doing that! The Year of Painting class has been a pretty phenomenal experience—I get so overjoyed by seeing what women create from all over this world. They blow me away daily. Every 3 weeks I post a new painting lesson or inspiration, then over 400 women respond to it with their own interpretation (I am all about everyone discovering their own muse and strengthening their own signature style).
Thank you so much Alena for sharing a little peek into your creative life!
To see more of Alena's work, read her blog or purchase artwork and classes, head on over to her website- www.alenahennessy.com
And sweet generous Alena is giving away 3 signed copies of her new book The Painting Workbook! It will ship from directly from her studio to you.
To enter-
Leave a comment telling us what art has added to your life!
I will randomly select 3 winners and announce at the bottom of this post later this week.
In addition Alena is also offering my readers 25% off her popular A Year of Painting course by using the exclusive coupon alisa25! That’s over $62 in savings!
229 comments:
1 – 200 of 229 Newer› Newest»ART has added:
COLOR, happiness, meaning, sharing, fun, JOY, friendship, love, Peace, excitement, Inspiration, dedication, experimenting, and so much more! It is such a part of ME!
Doing creative/artistic things slows me down and gives me space to breath. Kind of like swimming laps it has a rhythm, a sound and a motion that I find so peaceful. ;D Thanks!
Love learning about other artists!
Art has really been a staple in my life! I have turned to it in a time that has been difficult! Seems I am not the only one who uses art as a healing tool!
Dealing with chronic illness is NOT fun and it's a lonely world!
I definitely look at my surroundings differently! Art is healing for sure!!!
I'd say Art entered my life at the right moment. Whether it is watching other people's art or doing art myself it helps me develop my personality, bring out unsuspected feelings and capacities, see the world differently. It both exhilarates me and soothes me. Most of all it makes me happy.
As a child and growing up I remember always drawing or painting. Some time along the way I sort of stopped; not as a conscious decision, but other things got in the way and I didn't "get around" to it. Recently I've been trying to return to creating and I notice that it calms me and brings satisfaction and peace and also ambition and excitement to do more creative things to bring more postivity into my life.
Greetings from Germany!
Art helped me (and still do) to go through bad times of my life. Through art, i've been able to express my feelings and start a healing process.
Art has added colour and inspiration to my life as well as a sense of fun and a "lived in feel" to my home. :)
I have done a creative journal. It has lots of watercolor, ink and pencil work.
Art has added peace and happiness to my life...
Peace and serenity. A wonderful connection with my 4 little grandchildren. We paint, play and create
Peace and Serenity. A wonderful connection with my 4 little grandchildren. We paint, play and create
Art has added happiness and an appreciation for the world about me.
Art is absolutely essential in my life. It brings satisfaction to my soul, gives selfconfidence, adds joy and peace to my heart. It is through my art that I can share my personality to the world.
happines and joy of making...and different view of things and pepole around me
Art has added peace and lots of happy moments in my life.
Art is an escape and a way to relax and unwind. I also love the smile on other peoples faces when I share my art in the form of a present or greeting card.
Art has added to my life happiness, peace, confidence, joy...
When creating art, I feel serene and joyful.
Art brings me peace...it is my joy. If I can lose myself in creating something, all is right with the world in those moments...it's like being in my own private bubble. It is the perfect antidote to the sorrows and the woes that seem more and more prevalent as I get older.
Art gives me words and colors, especially when I feel tired or sad...
Thank you so much for the chance to win this awesome book. I enjoyed reading the interview and lovely paintings.
For me art changed my whole life, I love to create and get messy with paint. I was so involved in being a parent which was great but now I found something just for me and it makes my heart so happy. I see things different now and notice colors, textures and such. It makes me more thankful for the simple things in life. Everyday I go out now and see a new leaf that I have to bring in and sketch even though I just did one the day before, it doesn't get old.
I also have met so many friends and teachers like you that have inspired me and taught me so much. Thanks again.
Art is my life!
It makes me happy and gives me peace!
I love Alena's paintings!
Art gives me joy, a way to express myself and has opened up a world of like minded friends.
Art has added a fulfillment to my soul.
Great interview and I enjoyed seeing Alena's art and wips
Art is to my soul, what air is to my body. I am currently getting my artwork ready for a local art fair. Thank you for the generous giveaway and the opportunity to partake. Marlene email: arteveryday(at)msn(dot)com.
I started doing art in my late teens, when I was troubled and didn't know what to do with my life, what career path to choose... art has given me solace and it helped me find meaning in life. I have used it to heal my angst and anxiety, and it helps me stay grounded in my true being.
Wonderful interview, thank you Alena and Alisa!
A lovely blog post. Art is a bit of time for just me...in a really busy world.
Smiles, Andra
Art was my life for so long - through formal training. Almost 30 years ago I was side tracked - there is nothing on earth that will sap you of your creativity faster than the world of government civil servitude. Finally it's time to feed the soul and return to what makes one happy and centered. Art is that something!
Art is a way to express what is deep inside. It brings joy and color into our lives.
Art is one steady pillar of our home. It has healed me and strengthened me and brings us joy everyday.
Art adds so so much to my life! It gives me strength to go on and I feel so much closer to God when I'm creating.. it's like I'm letting the real me come out to play. xo
bonitarose bonnieangel1797@gmail.com
Art added "me time" to my life. It's so easy to get caught up in my role as wife and mother and can be tricky to work in my role as Catherine. Art gives me the time to do that.
Art makes me happy. It brings color and beauty to my life. It allows me to speak to others without saying a word.
Art has taught me patience :)
my life is ART. with diving and delving in...there becomes no separation, the way we begin to see and experience everything right in front of our faces...a DELIGHT, INTRIGUE, NO END! I will never learn enough. I have enjoyed so much the elation, and profoundness I can bring to others, whether that be their purchase from me, of what moves them, or that they simply start looking at the world differently. art gives me purpose, questions, delight and more.
thank you for the interview with elena...just love it!
Art added to my life joy and happiness; it's like I did start to breathe fresh air.
Art is an integral part of my life and adds clarity and relief to my life.
I graduated from college with an art degree bus since we had our son I haven't get the chance to use it much (though I taught my son colors, doodle & painting while he was only a teeny little boy). Recently I have the privilege to teach 6 kids art at home .. so much fun, just make me so happy to see them learn how to express themselves without limits. Thanks for the chance.
grace
ghalim at yahoo dot com
Art adds JOY to my life. I have several art pieces around my home that were created by family and friends--some have moved or have passed away. When I look at these art pieces, I feel that they are a part of them, and they are with me once again.
Art and creativity keep me sane. They re-connect me to simple things and keep my mind from worrying. It really is a necessity for me.
Thank you for this inspiring post! Art is my best friend! A place I can express myself and quiet my mind. What it has given me is a place to find myself.
I think my post disappeared. I'll try again. I create daily. This habit keeps me centered in flow. So enjoyed the interview and photos.
I did not know much about Alena so thank you for the interview, it was inspiring! Art has brought so much into my life, I got into it only in the last 5 years. I find my imagination has really taken off and I find such satisfaction from creating something totally unique to me. I do it only for myself and not to please any one else and that is such a freeing feeling. Thanks for a chance to win this awesome looking book!
Art makes my day! I look at my art supplies and it puts a smile on my face!
Art has added peace of mind to my soul and a huge real and virtual circle of friends around the world!Thanks for the chance!ariadnesky(at)hotmail(dot)com AriadnefromGreece!
Making art takes me away from ordinary life--when I am making art I am in the now-it gives me such joy. thank you for the opportunity to win one of these books.
I have struggled with a mental illness for over 10 years and I know that art has contributed so much to my understanding of my own mind. It has also given me strength to study again. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to win one of these books xx
Making art is who I am, so it helps me be whole. I can't imagine NOT being an artist. The book seemed to be an extension of a part of my journey! Fun!
I make are everyday! I love the fact that I too can share my art with others, I try to help others get their creative spirt started.....the blessing of being able to create art as a form of therapy is basically a simple gift to get the funk out of our daily challenges.
Being an artist is a calling...a gift from within placed there by our Father God. I feel complete when I create art....and overjoyed when a piece sells! Enjoyed reading your story and would love to win your book!
Art has given me a voice of worship & praise to my creator.
Art is a part of my mind and spirit but on a daily basis I write technical proposals to pay the mortgage. For me, art is an escape from my daily grind and gives me the opportunity to dream of retirement where I would create art daily. I am the queen of unfinished projects and would love to see them all completed. The book looks WONDERFUL. Thanks for the opportunity.
Art is a way of expression, release, relaxation and fulfillment for me. It also allows me to share my passion with others and hopefully bright joy and love to others...
Thanks for your generosity and gracious opportunity!
Best,
Jeanette
what a fantastic interview, thanks. Art has liberated me to be my authentic self; when I'm creating is when I feel the most free and spirited. Thanks for the chance to win this book. :)
Art has helped me with some issues in my life. It has helped me LIVE.
Art is like a hot shower for my mind. It allows me to unwind and work through anything that is weighing heavily. It also gives me a fantastic way to interact with my daughter while we paint together, it is amazing to work alongside her.
Art makes me happy. Time and tension melt away and I find a place of peace.
I only recently found your blog and it has inspired me to go back to art- and even to try anew (for me) medium! My koi watercolors are on their way!
Art helps keep me sane ��.
Art has given me a sense of purpose and it makes me feel calm and happy...
Art has been a part of my life for 41 years as a high school teacher. I have so many students that have told me how much joy they have had with art in their lives.
i hope this isn't a duplicate .. had a computer glitch when I tried to post my comment ...
Art has allowed me to find peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Art is like a deep breath for me...every day I am looking for some little art that gives sense to every pass of my life :)
Art brings joy, peace and color into my life
joy, beauty, happiness and a way to express myself ! I like art !
Art is my peace, my connection with my self. It shifts everything for me in such a positive way.
oh oh oh!! i've been eyeing this book for a few weeks now! art lets me run away.. :D thankyou alisa for this interview with alena and thanks alena for your generous gifts to us through alisa's blog! :)
Art. It is something that can both stimulate and still my soul. It awakens me and soothes me. Whether creating art or appreciating art, I feel the absolute NEED for art in my life. (Hope I'm not posting this twice, but it seems to have vanished).
Art just brings me peace, when I find time to do it, which I should do more often. I love your blog, and I really hope that I might win her book. Definitely going to head over to her area and check out what she's all about. This post alone is very inspiring. Thank you.
Art is my creative life and breath, and adds a lot of spirit to my life on a daily basis.
Janet
El arte ha abierto mi alma como caja de Pandora, ha sacado lo mejor de mí para ofrecerlo al mundo.
Art gives me something that is all my own, separate from my life as a wife and mother.
Art makes me happy and at peace with myself, I'm quite cranky without it.
The best thing I have gotten from art is the wonderful friendships that come from "speaking the same language" with other intuitive/creatives!
art has always been joyful for me, starting with the pictures in books when i was small. I have been fortunate enough to visit art museums around the world. and i still enjoy looking at children's books in the library.
Great to meet Alena. Art is peace and healing to me. Thanks for the chance to win her book.
What beautiful artwork!!!
Art is a way for me to have some piece of mind after a busy (and sometimes stressful) day at work at the hospital. It lets me take a moment and just go with things :)
Thanks for introducing us to Alena! Art brings so much happiness to me every day. When I create, it brings a sense of peace and relaxation.
I love when you feature new artists! Art has always been a nice relaxing release for me. My dayjob is very non creative so it is always nice to wind down with a small project and be creative at the end of the day
Art is the way I refuel. Whether I am painting or hand-building vessels, I am able to lose track of time and dwell in that moment. It gives me joy.
winning this book just might be the inspiration I need to go back to my love of painting - I am a floral and abstract person, which is why I was drawn to your blog, but I have not picked up a paintbrush since my husband went into the hospital and passed - over four years now. It is time I know but just need that push.
Returning back to sketching and sharing it through blogging has brought relaxation and yet new excitement to my life. I haven't focused on it since college and I forgot how much I loved it. I now spend my lunch hours sketching, it's a little "creative getaway" from my corporate job.
Joy, love, release, enrichment, a break from the real world - I'm missing all of this right now from the art I'm not doing/playing/feeling and I'm about at the breaking point in my life when I better find time to do art again before I explode. Whew.
Art has added wholeness to my life. After 'graduating' from grade school, I left art behind. Rediscovering my passion for art as an adult has really given me a sense of completeness!
Art has given me a place to make since of the chaos and helps me let go of my need for perfection. It has also given me a since of community and connection with others.
It's difficult to say what art adds to my life as I've never really been without it... However if I go for a couple of days without creating anything I definitely feel like something vital is missing. I think if you asked my loved ones, they'd say that art makes me a nicer person!
Art adds color, I think. At least, the kind of art I like does!
I use art as an escape when depressed and as a release when manic.
Art has changed my life! It has given me a passion to create every day.
You inspired me with the my first art retreat at your lovely first You and the Sea Retreat!
Art brings joy, escape, release, and peace into my life.
Art is everything to me its life its self x
Making art and creating empowers me everyday. I love to appreciate nature's beauty and enjoy to include this into my creations. Art makes me feel whole and keeps my mind and soul happy.
Art is freedom. I make art with my children, may be painting, making decoupage or anything, and all the family enjoy it very much! Thank you for the chance
As Alena mentions, art brings me quiet. As the mom of an active and loud 3-year-old, that also means it brings me a lot of peace!
my surroundings with new awe like a kid seing things for the first time. I get to really look into natures soul and then as I paint I get to look into my own soul. It is very relaxing and therapeutic
Art is a way to calm down after being with my toddler class all day - an adult thing to do.
Art to me is a universal language,through art I have been able to encourage ladies to tap into their creative side when they did not think they had any talent.
I have formed wonderful friendships this way.
Making art always brings my grandmother to my mind, she was a great mentor.
Art allows me to be present like nothing else can. No to do lists, no what's next. Pure freedom. Such a luxury.
Art is the image of the soul.
Art is freedom, joy and happiness
Art is my meditation. I love the calm it invokes. I just have to make more time for it in my daily life. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway, Alisa!
Art helps me see the world in a new perspective, with different colours, different meaning.
Art is breathing (survival, intrinsic, cleansing, calming, unconscious, life-giving, feeds the mind and the soul) and sometimes art simply takes my breath away.
art has added a place in my world where i can connect with myself, my source, and my soul. it provides a place for me to explore, expand, grown, and try to understand better myself, the world around around me, and my experiences here. art grounds, centers, and liberates me. it is a gift.
Art has added ME to my life; it brings me home to ME, no matter what else is happening. It's my center, my passion, my core, and I can't imagine who or what or where I would be without art. Thanks for the great interview and give away!
Art helps me escape. Time flies and I feel so much better if I can just do a *little* something!
Being creative, the whole process from dreaming up ideas to the finished project is like fuel for my soul. I seriously get grumpy and unfocused if I haven't had enough time to myself to just create stuff. Working with my hands and making stuff gives meaning to my life.
Great interview! Love Alena's work. Beautiful. Art has added a specific joy to my life that only comes with making art - it's a deep knowing that I am doing exactly what my creator, created me to do. Art has also helped me to slow down - to just take in everything around me, to observe the details of life and find inspiration in them. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
My artsy side is a fun side of myself. It is a place where I can lose track of time, where I enter into a magical world of inspiration, peace, color, joy, intuition. It is one of the gifts that God gave to me and it is fulfilling. Thanks for the giveaway. I'd love to own this particular book!
So fun to get a glimpse of Alena~s artist zone....inner and outer.
Art is my fun new experiment! After being a dedicated written journaler for years....I am playing with adding some lines and some curves daily. Oooo-eee! Would love the inspiration of Alena~s book.
Love her work! I agree about the meditative aspects of artmaking. Answers come easier after some focused art time... ahkraus@hotmail.com
Creating art has helped me deal with grief, and given me joy and peace. It connects me to God, and helps me express myself to the outside world. I would love to see all Alena's eye candy and use the book to propel me down the creative path! :o) Thanks Alisa for doing this interview!
Until I took up art I was often sad and/or bored. Now I haven't time to be either. I have found a passion that gets stronger every day, and an absolute need to learn more and more. Books are the best source of learning for me, so I've got my fingers crossed.
Art gives me peace and comfort :)
Art gives a voice to my soul. It allows me to express myself when words are not enough.
Art has added lots of happiness and plain old fashioned fun into my life!! Thanks for the chance to win :) ~Sophia
Art gives me the opportunity to feel in flow, aligned and authentic. I always feel more complete after I have drawn or painted - more serene and satisfied with life. It is engrossing and meditative- the rest of the world falls away. Art has taught me to take risks and let go.
Art has added dimensions to my soul. It's a layer where all joy can surface and calm overtake the moment. Then the sad just fades away.
Art has added peace & calmness to my life. I have learned how to really look & see things. Just calming.
Art has added much needed calm and creativity to my life. Since it is so different from what I do for a living, it is really the only thing that allows me to get in touch with that part of my soul that yearns to create.
Creating art gives me the chance to block out the rest of the world and focus on something entirely outside of day-to-day doldrums. And when I finish something I feel energized and more at peace than before. In addition, since art is something my 8-yr old niece is passionate about, it gives us something to bond over.
Art helps take the focus away from my body. I have chronic pain issues, but when I paint, I'm totally disconnected from feeling it.
Painting is another way for me to get in touch with my Spirit and listen to my intuition. I love to splat paint on the canvas and see it take shape as I go along, rather than planning what I will draw ahead of time.
Art helps me feel free to be who and what I want to be - very different from my day job. I yearn to paint and draw all the time!
Art allows me to have a tremendous freedom of expression. I sit behind a desk all day so to be able to come home and let some of that energy out can be such a release! I definitely notice a difference in my mood when I don't make the time to create.
Art to me allows me opportunities to try new things, explore, create, relax, imagine, and have something that I made! I have to have some creativity time everyday or I get really grumpy!
Art made me leave a stable career in the corporate world. Not sure what the destination will be but I am definitely enjoying the journey :-)
- Shilpa
awesomeness! i want.....
art has given me a place to play and experiment and have fun!
art is the BEST EVER!!!!....YES I'M SCREAMING!!!!....IT'S FUN TO SCREAM!!!...:)...would love to win this...thank you for the opportunity
Art has given me continuity. I have moved way too many times, been in way too many situations where I was not in charge, survived the deaths of too many loved ones. Art has seen me through many dark times.
Art has added life to my days. I've struggled with feeling down and anxious, but making art seems to make my mood lighten up, for awhile.
Art has brought peace, joy and fulfillment into my life.
Calmness, creativity and joy !
martha_ts@yahoo.co.uk
art has bought contentment, joy and lots of fun!
art has brought peace and satisfaction in my live ...and a little bit slowness to the rest of my busy live
Art is my therapy. My way of escaping the day to day of work and just being able to create something.
Art and creativity are my refuge, they bring me peace and clarity
Art gave me the opportunity to express my feelings, to be myself, to make statements about nearly everything!
It's added magic and another way to express myself! C xo
love.light.laughter...etc.
Art provides me inner peace, to be fully absorbed in the moment. A respite from everyday life.
Creating joy within and sharing it with others is my art therapy. Reading your blog inspires me daily, thank you!
Art brings life in my life. This is my therapy and the best medicine for my body, my heart and my spirit! Thank you so much for this chance to win this fabulous book!
Art has filled my life with color, fun and friends! I just hosted an art retreat for 8 women. We spent 5 days laughing so hard our sides hurt, eating great food, and getting totally painty and gluey! If I hadn't started creating art 8 years ago, that awesome event wouldn't have happened.
I love when alena says, "Its just a longing or stirring within me that needs to come out and be expressed". that is exactly how i feel about the role art plays in my life. it is a need, a necessary piece of my existence. i will always create not just because i want to, but because i have to. thanks so much for the opportunity to receive this wonderful book!
Art has added so very many things to my life! Peace, healing, friendships! Too many to list!
Art has added...Calmness and Peacefulness to my life. Years of doing nothing but working( i was a nurse) had left me kind of empty. I stayed so "busy" that I didn't have any time for anything or anyone else. Life forced me to re-evaluate what I really held important in my life. And what was missing. Being creative was always a part of my life when I was younger. Did nearly every kind of craft. Or at least tried it. For some reason I felt that once I started my career in the health field, my creative side was just a youthful thing that I needed to give up and now be a real "grownup". I knew I wasn't a great painter, sculptor, jewelry maker, etc., I needed to give up that side of myself and concentrate on my "career". So years later I had an epiphany about all of it. I started back slowly doing creative things and found that I became calmer, more peaceful about life in general. Art became my sanity. ---danahoradam@yahoo.com
Art has added joy to my life.
ART art.... is another world to communicated with my kids. is in my hearth, in my blood in my mind all the time.
After losing my vocal cords to cancer, I stepped back into the world of art as a way restore my spirit, to relax, and to communicate visually what I could no longer vocalize on my own. My primary medium is paper, and while I have not included a lot of color in my past work I am using more now as my spirit lightens and grows.
Thanks so much for this generous chance! Art really has changed my life-it has added a new sense of purpose for me as well as a peacefulness to my soul and brought me into a world of kindred art sisters and souls! Art also has helped me to move out of my comfort zone and explore with a new sense of awareness and happiness! Amen! ")
Art gives me refuge from a day filled with corporate yuck. My mind, heart and soul can sing again, when I step into my studio. Like so many, I would probably lose my sanity if I couldn't play. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. This book looks so beautiful.
I find that art gives me peace and calms me down. No matter what I'm going through, cares of this life, stress, hurts or worries. I can put pen to paper and paint to canvas and I am suddenly at peace.
Ar, to me, is like breathing. I have to do it, see it & feel it every day. Thanks for the opportunity to win the great looking book.
Art has enriched my life with the gift of discovering who I am. It is awesome to be able to create what is birthed inside me and amazing to see it on canvas! A beautiful gift! Thank you for the opportunity to enter this competition. xxx
Since I retired, art has given me a chance to be a child again!
Art has opened channels of peace in my life and calmed me in so many wonderful ways!
Art is a meditation for me. I love getting lost while working on a painting and being eager to return to it each day!
Art brings calm and the openness of playing (like a child). Thanks for introduction to new artist and chance to win source of new inspiration!
Making art addes some precious time to relaxe to my life and looking at art gives a lot of joy!
Art has brought me the time and space to explore without pressure to solve problems. My work is all about problem solving and finding the right answer. Art-making is my reprieve from this.
Art has taught me that i am ok... as a childhood victim of many abuses.. Art has enabled me to move into suvirorship and when i start to slip...art is there to help me recognize that I am going into old behaviors.
Art has always been part of my life. I wouldn't be me without it! So, I guess art lets me be myself more fully. My expression is mostly through textiles, but I've been thinking more and more about painting lately...probably because your work is so inspiring to me! Thank for that and for the opportunity to win Alena's book.
Art is not only a passion for me but a therapy as well. It brings me so much joy to play with paint and pencils and create. I never know what might emerge from the page and that's half the fun!!
Making art is what makes me calm and relaxed after a busy day at work.
For me, Picasso says it best - Art clears away the dust from the soul. My "day job" is so hectic and busy that art lets me just get out of all that stress and find some freedom.
Art provides some completeness for me.
Hmmm..... not sure the 1st comment posted. Art is a great meditative time for me and completes me in a way I did not expect. Thanks for the chance to win Elena's book.
Aloha, Kate
Art has been the driving force in my life from the moment I realized that one thing could make a mark on another.
Art is my special place. A place to be safe, be brave, be bold, be just me. It's spiritual and contemplative, uniquely for me and for those I choose to share it with.
Art gave life to my life! Bring art back into my life kept me from drowning in my schedule of work, sleep, eat, work, sleep eat...... ♥ Thank you for introducing me to Alena's work!
The practice of art is such a great way for me to feel really present. I notice all the shapes and colors in front of me, on the canvas, or the notepad. It is such a great way to get out of my head and into my senses! I would love to win the book - thanks for the chance! :)
Art has given me my sense of self back. I was involved in art glass in high school, college and shortly after college. I stopped making art for 12 years or so in my young adulthood. After my first child was born (at age 36), I began to feel like all I my life was involved work and taking care of my family. I carved out time to start painting and haven't looked back since. I love to learn new techniques to keep myself fresh. Alisa, I love your blog, it has so many ways to incorporate art into our daily lives without expensive materials. I'd LOVE a copy of this book! Keep on rocking it and sharing your talent with the world!
Art lets me express myself visually. I work with words all day, it is my release.
My husband died 5 mo ago and painting for my grandchildren has helped me move forward and keep busy. I would so love to have a new book for inspiration.
Art has added tremendous perspective to my world view
Fun and Excitement with my Children. We are not afraid to get our hands dirty!!
Would love to win! What fun to have an opportunity to create art from the ideas. :)
Art gives our family time and memory making together and allows us to be our own creative selves while working alongside each other...
What a gorgeous interview. Art gave me a voice " Shakepeare wrote give sorrow words for if not it will bid your heart to break," after a tragedy it gave me a much needed voice and it gave me a sense of purpose and peace
I have always been driven to create and I have no idea why. The more interesting question to me is why isn't everybody driven to make art? I too think I am process driven and just love color so much I have to make stuff all the time. Its a priority in my life at this point, I give up lots of things for the solitude of making art with myself.
art or making art is like meditating to me, way to connect to energy source
would love to win
Love art like this and I love art books! Art helps me to express my true self, which is kind of boho and colorful. Would love to win the book!
Art and creating takes me on undicovered journeys of possibility ♥ Biglove
Art keeps me sane but I think the best thing is that it makes me look at the world anew....other peoples rubbish has my brain ticking over what I can use it for. The wonderful patterns and colors that nature just gets so right :) I definitely see things much differently and am much more observant :)
it's given me a chance to connect to myself when I'm in the sea of toddler hood seemingly all.the.time :)
Art has given me the freedom to believe in myself!
Art has been a part of my life as long as i can remember. It keeps me sane sometimes, grounded. It has also given me a community of like minded friends that I can't imagine being without!
Art washes all the worries of life away and makes my soul happy!
Art has added fun, happiness and sanity to my life. It helps me to survive...
Art gives me ReST and HaPpiNeSS
Art brings me peace and inspiration.
What has art added to my life? Peace, energy, joy, fulfillment... xoxo
Creating art gives me a balance - a place of joy and peace - something just for me. Art as a whole gives me inspiration, makes me think, and gives me connections. Art has helped me heal.
Art brings purpose to my life.
Art has added beauty, depth and joy to my life.
Art allows me to focus and relax after a busy day of crunching numbers, making maps, and reading scientific reports
I don't know if it's too late ... but art has changed my life because I thought I could only be creative in my writing and I'm so glad that my creative soul is still alive and well!
Art has added beauty and the joy of creating it.
Creating art is my happy place, my escape. It brings me joy, peace, inspiration and adventure.
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