I noticed that people often gravitate more toward animal art over other subjects. It could be the vivid portrayal of wild animals in their natural habitats, the ability to capture their essence and movements, or simply the way in which an artist infuses their personality into their work. Yet, something is fascinating about animal art that captivates merely us. So, in this blog, I wanted to dive into the reasons behind the enduring appeal of animal art.

Connection with Nature
Many of us have an innate love for nature and animals. We enjoy observing animals in their natural habitats, and animal art allows us to do that from the comfort of our homes. In addition, such artistic works allow us to connect with nature on a deeper level by portraying animals in their element. As a result, we feel closer to nature, bringing peace and calm to our daily lives.

Emotional Connection
Working with animal art presents a unique opportunity for artists to establish an emotional connection with their viewers. They can use animal subjects to tell stories, evoke memories or express ideas that resonate with our experiences. For example, a simple portrait of a pet can serve as a memento and evoke emotions.

Aesthetic Appeal
Animal art is inherently aesthetic, with animals possessing natural beauty and majesty. They come in various colours, patterns, shapes, and sizes, which makes them visually stimulating. Creating art with these subjects allows the artist to showcase their talents while pleasing the audience’s eyes.

Symbolic Meaning
Animal art can carry symbolic meanings. For instance, elephants symbolize strength, loyalty, and wisdom, while bats represent good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Artists use these symbols to tell stories, express ideas or emotions, and convey messages. Symbolism in animal art adds an extra layer of depth and complexity that inspires viewers to gain more insights into the artwork’s meaning.

Mirroring Our Own Experiences
Animals in art also serve as a mirror to the human experience. We see glimpses of ourselves in their anatomy, behaviour, and interactions with one another. Observing these creatures reminds us of our vulnerability, strength, and ability to survive and thrive. Additionally, the human-animal duality in art often reflects moral and philosophical beliefs, offering us profound intellectual inspiration.

A Symbol of Cultural Significance
Throughout history, artistic depictions of animals have also held cultural importance. From the Anubis, the jackal-headed god of ancient Egypt, to the glorious dragons embedded in Chinese culture or the skilled hunters portrayed in Native American art, animal motifs serve as powerful symbols that communicate cultural narratives and identities.

A Transportive Experience
Animal art provides a visual journey into the myriad of habitats around the world, from lush jungles and vast plains to icy tundras and vibrant coral reefs. These artworks capture the imagination and transport the viewer to distant lands teeming with life. Such immersion breeds admiration and nurtures an understanding of the importance of preserving natural ecosystems for both present and future generations.

Animal art has a unique capacity to connect with us deeply and emotionally. Its portrayal of the natural world elicits emotional responses that tap into our innate appreciation for life, beauty, and the surrounding environment. The combination of all these factors fuels a passion that goes beyond the aesthetic appeal of art – one that has pervaded through time and cultures, having brought joy to millions of people worldwide.

Have you ever felt the urge to break the chains of your limitations and dive into something that excites and terrifies you? Well, I recently found myself in that exact position, and let me tell you, it was one roller-coaster of an experience. So join me in this introspective tale of how I took a risk, stepped outside my comfort zone, and registered for a local art contest – all as an introvert. By the end of the art show, I’d won second place, met incredible artists, and discovered a new talented photographer. The journey I embarked on taught me invaluable lessons and made me realize that sometimes, stepping out of my comfort zone can be the best decision.

Taking the Plunge – The Decision to Register for the Art Contest
It all began with the unbearable feeling of missing out on something greater than myself. You see, as an introvert, the idea of spending an entire evening mingling with judges, artists, and the public made me extremely nervous. In the past, I had always shied away from such events, retreating to my safe space. But if you read one of my previous blogs, I encouraged new artists to step out of their comfort zone, so with my heart pounding and my palms sweaty, I took the plunge and registered for the local art contest.

Dealing with Anxiety – The Day of the Art Show
As the day approached, I felt like I was on an emotional seesaw – excitement for the unknown journey ahead mixed with pure, unadulterated fear. Finally, on the day of the art show, I stood there surrounded by people and mixed emotions. With my son looking up at me, beaming with pride, I knew I had made the right choice, and I was determined to see it through. As the day progressed, I slowly began to relax, and to my surprise, the conversations started to flow naturally as I connected with the people around me.

The Unexpected Victory – Winning Second Place
While I never considered winning or losing when I signed up, I was over the moon when my work was announced as the second-place winner. It was a surreal and humbling moment when the judges presented me with the award and saw my son snapping pictures with his phone. But it validated my effort, talent, and, most importantly, my decision to step out of my comfort zone. The adrenaline rush from my triumph and sale of my art piece left a grin plastered on my face for the rest of the day.

Discovering New Talent – Meeting Fellow Artists
One of the best things about throwing caution to the wind and daring myself to participate in the art contest was the opportunity to meet and connect with other multi-talented artists across all mediums. Throughout the day, I was introduced to painters, sculptors, and photographers, each possessing a unique style and vision. Surrounded by such creative talent, I couldn’t help but feel invigorated and inspired.

The First-Place Winner – A Captivating Moment
I was particularly captivated by a photo from a local photographer, Megan Berardelli whose work, “Tapestry of Time,” won first place in the contest. The photo consisted of a tree surrounded by water and mist, evoking a sense of serenity and profound beauty. Meeting this brilliant artist and observing her work was a striking reminder of the diversity of talent in the art community.

The whirlwind journey of participating in my local art contest has been nothing short of life-changing. It took guts to step out of my comfort zone, but I am eternally grateful that I did. Through my experiences, I have come to understand the importance of embracing discomfort through personal growth and the wonders that can emerge from those moments. As artists, we should never stop pushing our boundaries, and as individuals, we should never shy away from opportunities that have the potential to enhance our lives in ways we never could have imagined. So, dear reader, I encourage you – dare to step out of your comfort zone, for you never know what extraordinary adventures await you on the other side.

Welcome to the wonderful world of creative energy and the empath artist! As an empath, you have a unique ability to connect with and absorb the energy and emotions of those around you, making you, especially in tune with the subtle energies of your environment. This sensitivity can manifest in your creative work, whether painting, writing or any other artistic endeavour. Your attitude, thoughts, and mood can influence the outcome of your art or even block your creative flow altogether. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of nurturing creative energy in your creative space and discuss some techniques to harness this energy to enhance your creative process.

Understanding Creative Energy and the Empath Connection
Creative energy is the lifeblood of artistic expression. As an empath, you’re naturally attuned to this energy in yourself and others. Empathy, in this context, refers to both emotional and cognitive empathy – the ability to be deeply aware of your own emotions, as well as the emotional states of others. Consequently, mindful management of this energy is essential for empathic artists who want to create meaningful, evocative art pieces.

Creating a Positive Artistic Environment
To foster a creative mood and keep the energy flowing, creating a positive and nurturing artistic environment is crucial. This can include surrounding yourself with inspiring art, mementoes, and talismans that hold personal significance and incorporating elements from nature, such as plants, natural light, and soothing colours. In addition, having a designated space for your creativity will help you set the stage for each new art piece, providing consistency and a place that feels like your creative sanctuary.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
Being acutely aware of your emotions and thoughts is essential to developing creative energy as an empath. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you become more attuned to your emotions, allowing you to consciously direct and manage the energy flow in your creative space. This self-awareness will also help you identify any negative emotions or thought patterns that may hinder your artistic process, so you can address these obstacles and maintain a positive, inspired mindset.

The Power of Collaboration and Creative Synergy
Empaths instinctively appreciate the power of collaboration and the synergistic energy that can arise from working with other creatives. When you collaborate or connect with other artistic individuals, you open up the possibility for new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration. While it’s important to maintain boundaries as an empath, joining forces with others who share your passion can amplify your creativity, create a sense of community, and enrich your experience as an artist.

Adopting Practices to Protect and Enhance Your Creative Energy
As an empath, you can benefit from practices designed to protect and enhance your creative energy. This might involve regularly grounding and centring yourself, setting boundaries with energy-draining individuals, and engaging in activities that replenish your emotional well-being, such as spending time in nature, exercising, or cultivating a self-care routine. Furthermore, incorporating practices such as morning pages or free writing, affirmations, or vision boards into your daily routine can help you stay attuned to your creative energy, providing you with a constant source of inspiration for your artistic pursuits.

In summary, as an empathic artist, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of fostering and nurturing creative energy in your creative space. By adopting practices to protect and enhance your energy, cultivating mindfulness, creating a positive environment, and embracing the potential of collaboration, you can unleash your full creative potential and produce deeply meaningful and emotive art. Embrace your empathic nature and allow it to guide you toward greater artistic expression and personal growth.

For centuries, tattoos have been used to tell stories and commemorate special moments. However, despite their long history and the incredible artistry involved in creating them, as I stood in the tattoo shop today, I realized that tattooing is still an underrated art form. From understanding colour theory to having an eye for composition, the technical skills required for tattooing are vast and diverse. Furthermore, the creativity and passion that goes into crafting a unique artwork on someone’s body should not be overlooked. So, let’s dive deeper into why tattoo artists are underappreciated.

Tattoo Artists as Modern-Day Visual Storytellers
The most talented tattoo artists have the unique ability to take a client’s story or vision and transform it into a work of art – sometimes within hours. This creative process involves understanding their client’s needs while making decisions on composition and placement to create something that will last forever. It takes knowledge of art history, styles, textures, colour theory, structure and composition to adequately capture the essence of a story through ink.

A Multi-faceted Skill Set
Not only do you need artistic talent to become a successful tattoo artist – you must also have knowledge of the human anatomy and be familiar with various types of skin to ensure that your work will last without fading or smudging over time. Furthermore, they must know how to safely use needles and what pigments are safe for use on the skin – all while ensuring proper hygiene throughout the process. All these layers add up to make tattooing not just an art form but a true craftsmanship skill set that requires dedication and practice to master it correctly.

Undervalued for Centuries
Despite its rich history spanning centuries, tattooing has often been seen as taboo or criminalized worldwide due to certain misconceptions about its purpose or meaning. In some countries, it can still be difficult for people who practice this craft professionally because of lingering stigmas surrounding it – even though tattoos can symbolize many different things, such as faith or identity, beyond what traditional societies deem acceptable or appropriate. While we may not be able to change these notions overnight, we can continue working towards normalizing this form of visual expression by educating people about its historical and cultural importance today.

The truth is that tattoos are so much more than just ink under the skin; they represent stories, symbols and beliefs that help us express our identities in ways words cannot always capture accurately. Tattoo artists should be recognized for their amazing skill sets, which combine technical knowledge and artistic creativity to bring clients’ visions alive through ink – no matter how big or small those visions may be! We owe it to this craftsmanship skill set that has been passed down through generations yet remains vastly underestimated today!

As a young Canadian, I had the unique opportunity to work and live in the most magical place on Earth: Walt Disney World. During my time there, I saw first-hand how Walt Disney’s creative drive and dedication uniquely shaped visual arts. From his iconic animations to his revolutionary theme parks, I was inspired by his commitment to imaginative storytelling and the use of colour, texture, movement, and light across multiple mediums. This experience has left me with an appreciation for the power of dreams—and it has even changed my life.

Walt Disney’s Impact on Visual Arts
It is no exaggeration to say that Walt Disney revolutionized how we tell stories through visuals. His early animations introduced us to beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, who quickly became household names worldwide. Then, in 1937, he released an animated feature film—the first of its kind—titled Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, which won critical acclaim and commercial success. But this was only the beginning; he went on to produce dozens of other classic animations such as Cinderella (1950), Peter Pan (1953), and Mary Poppins (1964).

In addition to animation, Walt Disney also significantly impacted another medium: theme park design. He opened Disneyland in California in 1955 and followed up with Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971. These parks have become some of the most well-known attractions worldwide thanks to their commitment to creative design and immersive experiences that bring visitors into their favourite stories from childhood memories. It is a testament to Walt’s vision that these parks remain popular today.

The Power of Dreams
My time working at Walt Disney World taught me one important lesson I carry with me to this day: never give up on your dreams! Before attending college for graphic arts and design, then theatre arts, and starting my career in digital media, I had always been interested in visual arts. Still, I didn’t think I could actually make a career out of it. My experience at WDW gave me the push I needed; seeing first-hand how someone like Walt could turn their passion into something truly spectacular made me realize that anything is possible if you put your heart into it!

Walt Disney has been an inspiration for generations – including myself! Seeing his impact on visual arts first-hand taught me so much about following your dreams and having faith in yourself. Nowadays, when things get tough or I doubt myself, I think back fondly on my time at WDW – it reminds me that anything is possible if you stay determined and never give up!

Now more than ever, women visual artists are at the forefront of the art world. Through their creativity, dedication, and passion for pushing boundaries, female artists have revolutionized our culture and inspired generations of young people to pursue a career in the arts. In honour of International Women’s Day let’s look at some of these trailblazing women and how their efforts are an example for all aspiring to create something beautiful.

Frida Kahlo – Painter & Self-Portraitist
An artist with a unique identity, Frida Kahlo’s works often explored themes of pain and suffering and her own Mexican heritage. She not only painted self-portraits that encouraged viewers to explore their identities but also used her artwork to push back against patriarchal standards of beauty. Today, Kahlo continues to be a source of inspiration for many young people who want to express themselves through art.

Georgia O’Keeffe – Painter & Sculptor
This American painter is best known for her modernist abstract paintings of flowers and landscapes. She was one of the pioneers of American Modernism, paving the way for other female artists who followed in her footsteps. Her work has been praised by critics worldwide and is still widely admired today—O’Keeffe’s works remain relevant despite being created almost 100 years ago!

Yayoi Kusama – Installation Artist & Sculptor
Often referred to as “the Princess of Polka Dots,” Yayoi Kusama is one of the most prominent installation artists in history. Her works often feature bright colours and bold patterns that invite viewers into a surreal world full of imagination and joy. Kusama has left an indelible mark on visual arts with her unique artistic style transcending time and space.

All these trailblazing women have left an inspiring legacy behind them that will continue to inspire generations to come. They are great examples of what can be achieved when you follow your dreams and show us that there is no limit when it comes to creating something beautiful with art. So if you or someone you know is considering a career in visual arts, don’t forget these amazing women who have helped shape our world today through their tireless efforts! It’s time we celebrate them!

I’m excited to announce that I am currently working on a new mixed-media collection that is all about chasing dreams. This collection will feature vibrant colours, unique textures, and a variety of materials. I hope it will inspire viewers to follow their dreams and explore the power of creativity in their lives.

The Collection’s Inspiration
This collection is inspired by my journey as an artist. As a young girl, I was constantly dreaming up stories, crafting new projects out of ordinary materials, and seeking out new ways to express myself creatively. As I got older, those dreams stayed with me even though life sometimes made it difficult to find the time or energy to pursue them. Now, with this new collection, I’m setting out to capture the spirit of chasing dreams and never giving up on what makes us unique.

The Creative Process
My creative process involves exploring a variety of mediums—from ink and oil paint to acrylic and resin techniques—to create pieces that are both visually interesting and emotionally evocative. The end result is something like a visual diary; each piece tells its own story while also reflecting my feelings and experiences throughout my creative journey. I’m particularly interested in combining bold colours with tactile textures to create works that evoke a sense of joy and possibility.

Exploring Mixed Media
Mixed media is an incredibly versatile art form that allows you to combine any number of materials in order to tell your story. In this collection, I’m experimenting with everything from acrylic paints and fabric scraps to found objects such as buttons or beads. By combining various elements together in unexpected ways, I aim to create artworks that challenge viewers to think differently about what art can be.

Chasing dreams requires courage, resilience, and optimism—qualities that are also essential for creating art! That’s why this collection is so important to me; it’s an opportunity for me to reflect on my own creative journey while inspiring others along the way. With vibrant colors, unique textures, and various materials at play, this mixed media collection promises to be an exciting exploration into the power of creativity! Keep an eye out for more updates in the coming weeks as I bring this collection closer to completion!

The truth is that when pursuing a career in the visual arts, you don’t have to have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree to be successful. Despite what the poisonous toad may have told you to break your confidence and self-esteem, there are several paths you can take that don’t involve going back to school and investing thousands of dollars into your education.

Many self-taught visual artists like myself gain entry into the market by showcasing their artwork at local art shows or galleries, networking with potential buyers and curators at such events, as well as through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. In addition, these artists may have developed their skills through independent study, workshops, or apprenticeships and gained recognition through exhibitions, awards, or commissions. Some notable examples of self-taught artists include Vincent van Gogh, Henri Rousseau, and Edward Hopper, who achieved great success and acclaim during their lifetimes.

While formal education can provide some advantages for artists, such as exposure to different techniques and styles, more is needed, and become art teachers themselves. What I’ve come to learn over the years is that the quality of the artwork, the artist’s portfolio, and their ability to market themselves and their work effectively are often more important factors in determining success in the visual arts industry. In fact, some artists may even choose to forego a formal education to develop a unique and individual style that sets them apart from others.

So, are art galleries and curators more prone to choosing artists with degrees over self-taught artists? The answer is not necessarily. While some galleries and curators may prioritize artists with degrees, many also value the quality and originality of the artwork itself, regardless of the artist’s educational background. Moreover, the art world is becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive, with many galleries and curators actively seeking out and promoting artists from underrepresented backgrounds and communities.

In conclusion, while a formal degree can certainly provide a foundation for artistic development, it is not a requirement for a successful and profitable career in the visual arts industry. Self-taught artists can and do achieve great success and recognition, and art galleries and curators are not necessarily biased toward artists with degrees. Ultimately, what matters most in the visual arts industry is the quality of the artwork, the artist’s portfolio, and their ability to market themselves effectively. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for their craft, any artist can succeed in the field, regardless of their educational background.

So ignore those poisonous little trolls telling you otherwise—you absolutely can do this!

Life can be chaotic. We are pulled in different directions, struggling to keep up with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Taking a moment for yourself—a pause from the chaos of life—can help you hear your inner voice again and be able to find creative inspiration. Here are some tips on how to make that pause happen.

Set Boundaries
First and foremost, it’s important to set boundaries in your life so that you can make space for yourself. This means saying “no” more often when asked to take on additional tasks or obligations. It also means carving out time each day where you give yourself permission to unplug from your devices, spend time alone, and focus on calming activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling.

Find Your Inspiration
Once you’ve made space for yourself in your life, start thinking about what inspires you the most. For some people, it might be taking walks outdoors in nature; for others, it might be listening to music or reading books that stimulate their minds. Whatever sparks joy within you is something worth exploring further as a potential source of creative inspiration.

Take Action
Once you have identified what brings out your creative best, start taking action steps toward making those activities part of your daily routine. If it helps, set reminders on your phone or mark them down in a planner so that they become non-negotiable habits over time. Then sit back and watch as the ideas begin flowing!

Taking a moment for yourself doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task; all it takes is setting boundaries and carving out some intentional time each day where you can focus solely on what inspires you most. Creativity isn’t something we need to search outside of ourselves; rather, it already exists within us if we choose to slow down enough to notice it there patiently waiting for us all along! So take this opportunity today as an invitation from life itself: step away from the chaos and listen closely – let your heart guide the way back home instead!