Dear Wonderful, Creative You:
Each day this week I’ll be bringing you an interview with an artist from the Mindful Art Studio community. These women are just like you. They will share how, despite the voices of self-doubt, they use paint, words, photography, music, and art journaling to express and explore their feelings.
I’m thrilled to share these interviews with you because I know that as you read these inspiring stories, you’ll see yourself, and hear the muse asking you to let her in to play. I know that once you do that, art becomes a powerful way to know and care for yourself, and you’ll find the moments of wonder and joy that are missing in so many of our lives.
I know that getting started can be overwhelming sometimes. Each day, I’ll offer some resources to help you take the next step towards living the creative life you desire. If you are ready for some structure, guidance, and inspiration to get started right now, go straight to my classes page, learn more about my creative mentoring services, or grab my e-book to get started right away.
Otherwise, get cozy in your chair, and enjoy a few minutes of this inspiring conversation with Guylaine Morin, of Montreal. Regardless of how you get going, if these women’s stories speak to you, don’t let the moment pass by. Pick up the nearest pen and paper, paint, or bunch of clay and create something. Just start. You deserve it.
Creatively Yours,
Amy
Click here for the Neocolor crayons that Guylaine uses to make these painty, smudgy drawings.
AMY: What are your earliest memories of art making and creating as a child? What’s the first time you remember feeling inspired?
I have a very clear memory of drawing with two friends. We’re 4 years old, lying on the kitchen floor with pens and papers. We’re doing drawing contests, and I win every round. At this young age, I remember drawing with a lot of confidence and facility, being inspired by whaterver was around me.
One of the most precious memories from my childhood is me singing and dancing with the tree and the wind on the balcony of and old church. I remember being totally absorbed by what I was doing, responding to the wind and singing my favorite song. There was absolutely no negative thought or self-doubt. I was just connected to joy and freedom. More than 40 years later, I still feel deeply moved by the magic of that moment.
Art journaling saved my life and helped me reconnect with parts of myself that I had let down for many years. #couragetocreate Click To Tweet
AMY: What were the messages that you got as a child about art?
My mother was always very pround of my drawings, always wanted to frame them and put them on the wall. Despite this, there was no art in our house. No art books or museum trips. Drawing was seen as a childish activity.
So when I had to choose at school between art class and physics class, I had to drop art. I do recall though, when I was around 8 or 9, we had a neighbor who invited me to do art at her house a few times. Her house was full of books and many strange objects and it was also very dark. She showed me how to use watercolors and I created a beautiful landscape of the sea. I still have it and keep it preciously in my memory box. As a child, going in her home and doing art with her was like a breath of fresh air and I knew, even at this young age, that what she was showing me was important and precious.
AMY: If you’ve ever gone through a period of feeling blocked or that you don’t have “permission” to make art, how did you find the courage to create again?
After I graduated as an art teacher, I was completely blocked, and it lasted many years. During university, I had teachers giving me assignments. Once I was left alone with my art, I felt overwhelmed by the possibilities. But the main thing that got in the way was the belief that I was not good enough. I was always comparing myself to great artists or colleagues. Even when I looked at nature, I would say to myself: “This is just perfect, how can I compete with the beauty and perfection of nature?”
I felt the urge to create, to express what I was feeling, to contribute, but I just couldn’t do it. Sitting at my table with all my art supplies, looking at everything, I felt paralyzed. It was really, really painful.
And one day, about 4 years ago, I discovered some art journaling videos. I watched for days and days- totally fascinated by the process and the results. I thought maybe I could give it a try.
After a few weeks, I decided to put my art table and supplies back out. Slowly, I gained confidence and reconnected with the joy of creating. Art journaling saved my life and helped me reconnect with parts of myself that I had let down for so many years.
If you feel paralyzed like Guylaine did, and are having a hard time coming back to or beginning an art practice. I can help you identify the blocks that are getting in the way, some gentle ways to open up, and find your joyful, heart-centered creative life. I work with women just like Guylaine and you to unlock your creative potential in creative mentoring. Click here right now to learn more.
AMY: Do you have artist friends? Why is being in the Mindful Art Studio community so important for you? there anything else you’d like to add or that you feel is important to this conversation?
Being in the Creative Self-Care group helps me build confidence to show my art. After all those years where I destroyed almost every creations as soon as they saw the light, I now feel the need to show someone. It is a safe place, where I can share my journal pages that are not particulary “beautiful” or “perfect” as well as those one who are more artistic. I feel a lot of respect by the members and I also feel the caring.
Guylaine Morin is a mixed-media artist and a storyteller living in Montréal. She leads workshops for women who want to connect to their true Selves and explore creativity in a community where authenticity and respect are the foundations.
You can find Guylaine here:
https://www.instagram.com/guylainemorin/
https://www.facebook.com/journalartistiqueetintuitif/
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