Artistic Growth and New Cycles: Nurturing Your Creative Path Under the Cancer Full Moon
Life Update:
January has always been a time for reflection and planning, a chance to set intentions for the year ahead. I like to align my goals with the natural cycles of the moon, using its energy to guide me through releasing what no longer serves and manifesting dreams with clarity. While the summer heatwaves have slowed down my pace, I've learned to adapt, taking things one step at a time and finding ways to keep moving forward.
My rehab sessions have resumed at the hospital, adding structure to my week, these sessions are incredibly exhausting. Soon I will be undergoing a medical procedure that will take me away from the studio for a few days. Despite these interruptions, I continue to build my vision wall for 2025, mapping out my goals and dreams for the upcoming year, creating a roadmap for where I want my practice to go. I promise I will share some photos soon.
For Christmas, my family surprised me with an iPad Pro and pen, and I’ve been diving into learning Procreate. It’s been a game-changer, and I’m excited to see how it will transform my creative process in the future.
Studio Update:
The studio has been a dynamic mix of finalizing projects, continuing long-term works, and diving into new experiments. One of the ongoing projects is my body of work, which explores themes of visibility and invisibility. This project will serve as the foundation for my first grant application. I'm immersing myself in research and gathering the necessary resources for the application process. This marks an exciting step in expanding my artistic practice, and I’ll be sure to share updates as it unfolds.
At the same time, I’ve begun experimenting with ideas for the upcoming Creativa exhibition with Collective 24. This piece will not be a body of work, but rather a single mixed-media piece. My focus has shifted toward exploring texture and layers as a central element of this work. I’ve always loved incorporating texture into my pieces, but this time I’m working with a variety of mediums to create rich layers. The piece will feature fabric and fabric hardener as the base layer, which I’ve used in previous sculptural works, but never on canvas. I’m also combining crackle paste and texture paste for the first time, which I’m eager to see how they interact on the surface.
The heatwaves have been unexpectedly beneficial for my creative process, allowing me to use the intense heat to speed up drying times between layers. This has allowed me to build up textures faster and see how the layers evolve in real time. It's been a refreshing shift from concept-driven work to focusing purely on the process, enjoying the tactile nature of texture without worrying about the final product. It’s been a fun and rewarding experiment, and I look forward to continuing this journey.
The Creativa exhibition with Collective 24 will take place at Cyrus’s Art Lounge in Carlton. It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’ll be sure to share more details as the event draws nearer. While this piece will not be part of a larger body of work, it’s a step toward my ongoing exploration of visibility, a theme that continues to evolve within my practice.
Experiments in textures and layers.
Exploring Visibility and Invisibility
The concept of visibility and invisibility has been a core focus of my work for some time now. This theme has allowed me to examine the complex layers of identity, societal expectations, and personal experiences. My previous works, such as Kintsugi of the Soul, addressed themes of family violence and the way in which words can leave their mark on our bodies and souls, even without physical violence. The work highlighted the fragile yet resilient nature of healing, mirroring the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, emphasizing beauty in imperfection.
More recently, I explored the concept of aging and invisibility in my piece The Unseen Woman. This work reflects my personal exploration of how women often become invisible as they age, ignored or dismissed by society. The Unseen Woman challenged the notion of aging as something to be hidden or ashamed of, instead celebrating the depth, wisdom, and strength that comes with the passage of time.
These themes are at the forefront of my upcoming body of work. As I prepare for my grant application, I aim to develop a solo exhibition that dives even deeper into these concepts. The grant will be instrumental in providing the necessary resources to facilitate this next stage in my practice, including the possibility of securing my own studio space. Having my own space will allow me to fully immerse myself in the creative process and explore these themes at greater length. It will also provide the freedom to expand my artistic expression beyond what I’ve previously been able to achieve, offering a dedicated environment where I can truly experiment.
I’m excited to see where this next phase of my work takes me, as it aligns with my desire to tell stories that are often overlooked or silenced. Visibility is not just about being seen—it’s about being heard, understood, and acknowledged. Through my work, I hope to give voice to those who have been marginalised, creating space for their stories to be told.
The Grant Process and My Studio Vision
As I embark on the grant application process, I am excited about the possibilities that this opportunity holds. Securing funding will be crucial in helping me realise my vision for a body of work that is deeply rooted in personal and societal themes of visibility, healing, and transformation. The grant will not only provide financial support but also the space to expand my practice in ways I haven’t been able to before.
Having my own studio would be a game-changer. It would give me the time and space to focus deeply on the themes that drive my work, without the distractions of external limitations. I envision a space where I can experiment with different materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression. I look forward to the possibility of creating a cohesive body of work that explores the intersection of personal identity, gender, and societal norms, culminating in a solo exhibition that reflects my growth and evolution as an artist.
AI Generated image of a Dream Studio
Artist of the Season: Diane Arbus
This full moon’s featured artist is Diane Arbus, whose work has long been an inspiration in my own artistic journey. Born on January 14th, Arbus was known for her striking black-and-white photography, which captured raw, intimate moments of individuals on the fringes of society. Her subjects included circus performers, people with disabilities, and those living on the edges of mainstream culture.
Arbus’s work challenges our perceptions of normalcy and beauty, offering an honest and often vulnerable portrayal of those who are frequently overlooked. Like Arbus, I am deeply interested in uncovering the hidden stories of those whose voices are often silenced or ignored. Through her lens, Arbus invited viewers to confront their biases and assumptions, urging them to look beyond surface appearances and embrace the complexity of human experience. Her legacy has been a constant reminder to me of the importance of bringing marginalised narratives to light, which aligns with my current exploration of visibility in my own work. Find out more about Diane here.
Astrology Update: Full Moon in Cancer & The Planetary Parade
As we approach the Full Moon in Cancer on January 14th, we are invited to explore themes of nurturing, emotional release, and balance between our personal and professional lives. This full moon brings with it an opportunity to reflect on what we need to release in order to create space for what truly nourishes us.
Cancer, ruled by the Moon, amplifies our emotional awareness and connection to our home and family. It’s a time to honour our emotional needs and create safe spaces for growth. Whether through journaling or meditation, this full moon offers a powerful opportunity for emotional clarity and healing.
But the energy doesn’t stop there—on January 25th, we’ll witness a rare planetary parade, where all the planets will appear in alignment across the sky. This cosmic event hasn’t happened in nearly 20 years, making it a significant astrological moment that feels like the closing of one cycle and the beginning of another. This planetary alignment symbolises the potential for clarity, forward momentum, and significant change. With all the planets aligning, it’s a perfect time to align our intentions, recalibrate, and consider how we wish to move forward in the next chapter of our lives.
How the Planetary Parade Affects Each Sign:
Aries: This alignment invites you to reassess your career goals and public image. It’s time to reflect on the legacy you want to create and the impact you wish to make.
Taurus: This is a moment for deep transformation, inviting you to expand your horizons, whether through travel, study, or embracing new philosophies. It’s time to break free from limiting beliefs.
Gemini: You may feel a deep call for intimacy and shared resources. This alignment offers an opportunity to heal financial matters and let go of any lingering emotional baggage.
Cancer: The alignment energises your sense of self and identity. It’s a powerful time to clarify your personal goals and redefine who you are moving forward.
Leo: Focus on your inner world, spirituality, and healing. The planetary parade encourages introspection and self-care, allowing you to release any emotional burdens that no longer serve you.
Virgo: It’s a time to reflect on your social connections and community. The alignment encourages you to embrace collaboration and move forward with new ideas and group projects.
Libra: Your career is in the spotlight during this planetary parade. It’s time to take the next step in your professional journey, whether it’s through a promotion, new job, or creative pursuit.
Scorpio: This moment brings expansive opportunities for growth in education, travel, and broadening your perspective. You’re invited to step outside your comfort zone and seek out new experiences.
Sagittarius: You may be called to reflect on shared resources and personal boundaries. The alignment invites you to heal any issues related to finances or emotional intimacy.
Capricorn: Relationships and partnerships take center stage during this time. Whether in personal or professional contexts, it’s time to reflect on your connections and where you need to create balance.
Aquarius: Your health and daily routines are emphasised. It’s a perfect time to make changes that will lead to improved well-being, whether through new habits or focusing on self-care.
Pisces: This is a time for creative expression and self-discovery. The alignment encourages you to follow your passions and embrace your unique artistic talents.
Planetary Parade
#CyclesOfCraft Update
The #CyclesOfCraft campaign continues to evolve as we honour the rhythms of the seasons. With the heatwaves continuing, I’ve decided to expand my creative offerings, starting with a series of downloadable colouring pages. The first one, an "Art Witch" illustration, will be available soon! I will then be releasing a series that will align with the seasonal celebrations, connecting art and nature's rhythms in a creative and thoughtful way.
As we approach Lammas on February 4th, the first harvest of the year, it's a time for reflection on the projects that are beginning to bear fruit in 2025. Lammas reminds us to honour what we’ve already achieved while preparing for the next stage of growth. My colouring page series is just one of the ongoing projects that reflect the journey of creation, and I hope it brings joy and inspiration to your own creative process.
Art Journal Prompt:
What small but meaningful steps can you take to create a sense of 'home'—within yourself or in your surroundings? Let the waxing moon’s growing light guide your process. Use your journal to explore intentions, dreams, and the gentle actions that will nurture your soul’s sanctuary.
Art Journal Page.
Redbubble Shop Update:
I’m thrilled to announce that there are new designs available in my Redbubble store, alongside my classic Crow Series! Whether you're looking for home decor or wearable art, there's something for everyone to discover. I love the latest additions to my decor.
Add a touch of mystery and charm to your space with these stunning crow cushions from my Redbubble shop! Perfect for creating a cozy, artistic vibe in your home.
And for a limited time, you can take advantage of my January Sale:
JANUARY SALE DATES:
January 20th - 26th, 2025
