I've discovered that art is an antenna for feeling, a receptacle for memory, a dandelion wish for the future, and paired with story, it's a way to explain and record what I see and feel.
A till-my-dying-day love of colour and preoccupation with our internal goings on have coupled to bring me to where I am today - a painter and maker of colourful, whimsical stories dug out of my imagination, observations and musings.
Take a moment to settle in and observe how the colours play and move on the canvas
Try using an artwork's palette as a starting point create a cohesive and balanced space
make some time to get messy
Imagined up with love from me for you, I hope you enjoy these free downloadable colouring pages and collage projects.
You know I'm all about the feelings - art is a fabulous way to help hold what's in your heart and see more clearly the bits and bobs that are busy bubbling away in your front of mind - and sometimes things that are hidden just below the surface.
These printables could be purely fun. Grab some pencils or crayons, glitter and glue or hunt around for collage pieces in the garden or craft box, then dive in and lose yourself in the colour - go on, play a little.
They can also be great conversation starters or beginnings for storytelling or writing time with your kids - get that imagination into gear.
If you're feeling really adventurous, you might like to use them as a way to explore your feelings or maybe as a prompts to prod at and unravel unfinished thoughts in your journal or in conversation with someone you trust about what's going on inside for you and yours - make a connection.
You'll find a few questions and cues accompanying each picture to make it a little easier to tell your own story if you'd like to.
The only thing left to decide now is whether you'll stay inside the lines! Happy creating, jx.
Courage, She Calls
Regular price $2,900.00 AUDoriginal acrylic, pencil and pastel on stretched canvas
102 x 152 cm
when the heart runs away
and beats ragged
Lean in, she calls
tilt gaze and body forward
and eye it
curious
just for now
and onward
Lie down, she calls
dive deep beneath the churning
underneath the tumult
wait it out
against the sandy bottom is safety
so be still
just for now
then onward
bear witness to this time
to this happening
Listen, she calls
attend
accompany it
and be here
for now
still onward
unbind, unloose your hold
Let go, she calls
of the tangle and tie that no longer serves
to winnow this weight
you will need all your brave
become it
just for now
ever onward
Last, she calls
like you were meant to
steely
and soft
and steady
even amid the shake
be the one
for now
to press onward
* If you've got a question about Courage, She Calls please send us a message.
** Keen to lay-by? Read about how to get started here.
*** Free freight within AU.
Grab a warm drink, get comfy and stay awhile - watch an artist talk or two; I'll walk you through the stories and symbolism behind the artwork and share with you the process and thinking that informs my colour and composition choices. You'll get a peek at all the stuff that happens just beyond sight!
