It’s been such a tumultuous year for everyone and it’s very easy to get caught up in the stress of it all. I am taking this time to reflect on what’s really important and right now it’s being with my family and spending time in the loft studio. It is the one place where my mind focuses on nothing else. It’s my happy place. After work, I rush to be here. I plan and start by getting my paints ready, I explore colours, I make a mess, create, erase, bin and restart.
My loft space is so small with a sloped ceiling and often I bang my head on it if I forget when I stand up too soon. It does however have many skylights and although it’s raining and grey, there is still plenty of light which can transform the work. I share the space with my cat and my two boys who sometimes want to use all my arts materials for their school projects.
I feel very fortunate to have this space to do what I really enjoy. Having this little creative hub with the family has been so much fun.
I also understand for most people at the moment, with all this uncertainty, there is no joy in their lives, which has been made worse by the lockdown. I encourage everyone to take up or find something that takes them to a happy place. Sometimes this might be hard but I urge you to find the time to be kind to yourself. If you have wanted to start painting, doing calligraphy or start some kind of crafts as a hobby, do not procrastinate. Even If you think or feel that you can’t draw, paint etc, it really doesn’t matter.Just motivate yourself to start the creative process and it will evolve. There is plenty of research that shows art can develop neural pathways and how it can enhance the wellbeing. I know that is how I feel when I am in my space. I think it is certainly one way of being kind to myself.
If there is help with materials or if you are uncertain about how to start, I want to do my bit of kindness and help, so just get in touch with me. Even knocking heads with someone and a natter can do wonders.
In the next few weeks I will be blogging about some of my materials and my process of the 4Ps- pen, paper, pencil and paint.
Sophia
