Crafting the Seasons: Release, Reflect, and Create

A glimpse into my creative process: my desk featuring a watercolour palette, sketchbook, and small paintings.

As we reach the last Full Moon of the year, it's time to reflect on what we want to release before stepping into the new year. The Gemini Full Moon invites us to let go of any mental clutter or outdated beliefs that might be holding us back. It's also the perfect time to release what no longer serves us as we prepare for the seasonal shift to Litha, the Summer Solstice. In this post, we will reflect on personal growth, creative practice, and the importance of releasing, while also celebrating the launch of my new Redbubble shop, where you can now find my Crow series and two exciting new Christmas-themed collections. Read on for some reflections, creative inspiration, and an art journal prompt to guide you through this powerful time.

Life and Studio Update:

Since the new moon, my days have been a balance of rehab, medical appointments, and spending time with loved ones. I’m recovering from a procedure that I hope will alleviate some of my pain and allow me to get more out of my rehab program. It’s a slow process, but I am focusing on healing and finding new ways to engage with my art.

Amid the busy days, I made sure to carve out time for family. I spent a beautiful day with them, enjoying a lovely lunch out and watching my grandkids decorate the Christmas tree. It was a beautiful moment that reminded me of the importance of traditions and how they carry on from one generation to the next.

A special family moment: Pa helps the grandkids place the star on top of the Christmas tree, continuing a holiday tradition.

I also had the chance to attend the RMIT Advance Diploma Graduate Exhibition with a friend. The creativity on display was truly inspiring and sparked some new ideas for my own practice. I’ll share some photos of my favourite pieces below for you to check out.

In exciting art news, I caught up with my art school friends recently, and we decided to work on a group exhibition for May next year. We’re calling it Creativa – Presented by Collective 24, and I’ll keep you all updated with details as we get closer to the event. It’s so exciting to be collaborating with this talented group of artists!

I also attended the graduation of my classmates at LCAD, which was bittersweet. I had to defer my studies this year, but it was wonderful to celebrate everyone's hard work and accomplishments. Unfortunately, I’m facing some challenges with the building's accessibility and the administrations reluctance to assist with complying with the regulations, which might mean I’ll need to transfer to continue my studies. It's disappointing, but at this point, I’m choosing not to expend my energy on the battle.

This cycle in #MakeCreateExpress24 I really enjoyed Pam Thorburn’s lesson - Butterfly Garden. It was a fun, colourful exploration of negative space painting. You can still join if you’re interested at Art is Magic Online.  I also took part in an online watercolour workshop with Olga Koelsch, focusing on transparent flowers, which has been a technique I’ve been practicing the last few weeks.

 Don’t forget you can listen in on this month’s Studio Playlist.

Artist of the Season - Helen Frankenthaler:

This month, I’d like to celebrate Helen Frankenthaler, born December 12, 1928, a pioneering artist known for her contributions to Abstract Expressionism and the development of Colour Field Painting. Frankenthaler’s unique approach to colour and form has been an inspiration in both my own work and the larger art world. She famously used a technique called soak-stain, where she poured thinned paint directly onto unprimed canvas, creating fluid, vibrant compositions. A technique similar to Acrylic Pouring, which I explored extensively a few years ago. Frankenthaler’s fearless exploration of abstraction and her innovative use of colour have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. You can find out more about Helen here.

Gemini Full Moon: What Are You Releasing?

This Gemini Full Moon is the last of the year, and it’s a perfect time to release what no longer serves you. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and mental clarity, making it a powerful time to reflect on the thoughts, beliefs, or habits you’re ready to let go of. As we approach the end of 2024, take a moment to consider what you want to leave behind, both personally and creatively.

Art Journal Prompt:

Take some time to reflect on what you need to release. Use your art journal to express this release visually. Perhaps you can paint over or tear out pages that no longer align with your current intentions. Feel free to experiment with layers, colours, or textures to represent the act of shedding the old. What mental clutter or creative blockages are you ready to clear? Write it down and make room for new growth.

This image was created using AI to visually capture the essence of the Gemini full moon and the energy of the peak of the Australian summer. It's an artistic representation of the themes of release and reflection that I'm exploring in this post.

Litha – The Summer Solstice:

On December 21, we will celebrate Litha, the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a time of abundance and growth, symbolising the peak of the sun’s energy before it begins to wane. Litha is a celebration of light, vitality, and transformation. Traditionally, it is a time to honour the sun and its life-giving force, and to reflect on the seeds we have planted throughout the year. As the Wheel of the Year turns toward Litha, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the successes and growth we’ve achieved.

You can celebrate Litha by spending time outdoors, lighting candles, or creating art that connects with the energy of the sun. It’s a time to honour the light within yourself and the abundance in your life.

#CyclesOfCraft Update:

As we come to the end of this lunar cycle and head into 2025, I’m reflecting on the journey of #CyclesOfCraft. This project has been such a meaningful part of my creative practice, and I’m excited to continue exploring the upcoming seasonal cycles as we move toward Lammas in the new year. I’ll be sharing more about this in the next blog post, so stay tuned for updates!

#cyclesofcraft cover

Redbubble Shop:

Before I wrap up, I’m thrilled to announce that my Crow Series is now available for purchase on Redbubble! You can find prints, home goods, and other items featuring my original artwork. I’ve also launched two Christmas-themed collections—just in time for the holiday season. These festive designs feature my signature style and are perfect for gifts or decorating your space.

Visit my Redbubble shop today and explore the new collections.

Wrapping Up:

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. I hope this post has inspired you to embrace the energy of the Gemini Full Moon and the Litha celebration, and to take some time for personal release before stepping into 2025.

Please share your releases with me on social media using #CyclesOfCraft and #ReleaseWithMe. Let’s support each other in letting go of what no longer serves us and creating space for new beginnings.