inspiration

Have Panels. Will Travel. Part 1

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All of you fabulous workshop students already know the joys of packing it all up and shlepping your stuff to a new venue to work.  Today I had the privilege and joy of doing just that-- sans workshop! I got to paint in Sandy's fantastic studio (jeeeeaaalooouuusss) over looking the water with fabulous women that I just adore! Advice for the day; if you are feeling stuck or uninspired, especially if you normally work alone, paint with friends! We all know and love the energy of a workshop or class with cool people, so create your own! Thank you Heather for making it happen and Sandy for being the gracious host. And Judy, so great to paint and hang out with you too. Next one is at my house. All I can offer right now is pool side on the ping pong table.  Haha But a new studio is in the works!

I'm continuing to travel this weekend with the perfect formula: supplies, intention, inspiration, a deadline and the best traveling companion. Stay tuned to see what happens. :D 

PERSPECTIVES ON CREATIVITY

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I was recently interviewed by Doctoral Candidate, Dowell Bethea from University of Central Florida for her dissertation titled PERSPECTIVES ON CREATIVITY: THEORIA, PRAXIS, AND POIESIS.  She included some of my words about creativity in her paper and I wanted to share them.  

 

Christine Peloquin, visual artist

I have found that the ritual of the creative process can be very specific and is extremely important to well established artists. In fact, I believe that the sooner an artist develops their own rituals, the sooner they will meet with their own defined success. My rituals surround creating a sacred place and a mind of peace in my studio. My studio is filled with all my personal trinkets from my childhood and travels and the walls are covered in photos and art that inspire me. Weather permitting, I open all the doors and windows to bring the Florida sunshine inside. I usually need the place picked up a bit, then I play music, light candles and incense. I usually collage for days at a time, then draw and paint on the collages on other days. It all depends on my mood.

Many times, I engage my creativity by perusing through art books or Pinterest. Looking at others’ work and creativity can instantly get the energy flowing. I know that I need to honor not just the setting up of my studio space, but the setting up of my creative energies before I can expect any really good ideas to start flowing. I honor the fact that this can sometimes take more time than I wish! And that sometimes, it doesn't happen at all! I've learned not to berate myself for this, but to honor the blockage by taking myself out on an artist date... straight out of the fabulous book, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Reading that book and taking it as a class in my 20s completely changed me and made my creative process what it is today.

Artist dates are any venture from your normal routine that wakes up the curiosity and joy in you. Visits to museums or flea markets... farmers markets or picking flowers in a meadow. If you were dating your inner artist, where would you take her? It’s about treating yourself!

So in this busy holiday season, take some time to take your artist out on a date. Treat yourself! Happy Holidays.

The Artist's Workshop in NSB

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I had a fantastic time at The Artist's Workshop in New Smyrna Beach this weekend! I am continuously amazed at how different everyone's work is at the end of the weekend and I was very impressed with the talent in the class. Here's just some of the great work that was created. We are talking about having a 2.0 class over the summer to explore the drawing and painting aspects further. Please let me know if and when you would be interested. Thanks again!!

Here's two pieces that I created while there....