As a member of the Thriving Together Network Virtual Art Residency, I've gone on a transformational journey, driven by a deep devotion to my work and a desire to improve. Let's look deeper at my involvement in the Thriving Together Network Virtual Art Residency and the exciting projects I've been working on.
Exploring New Avenues: The Door-Sized Painting
I took the opportunity to work on a significant painting near to my heart: a door-sized painting devoted to my cat, who passed at the end of 2021. The process of creating this memorial not only allowed me to honour my cat's memory but also served as a therapeutic way for me to express my feelings of grief. Through painting, I discovered a tremendous tool for processing loss and finding peace in the middle of grief. This virtual residency has not only nurtured my artistic development but has also provided a space for healing and connection in loss.
Through the residency program, I've found the support and encouragement to push my artistic boundaries further. I explore new techniques, experiment with bold colours, and delve deeper into the themes close to my heart. This painting project demonstrates my artistic development and commitment to self-expression. I have also begun to experiment with indoor water-based spray paint with this painting and have enjoyed the process. I look forward to seeing how this painting will turn out in the end!
Empowering Others: Newsletter Freebie
In addition to making art, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. As part of the Thriving Together Network Virtual Art Residency, I prepared a newsletter freebie packed with activities, insights, and resources. My newsletter has 5 Expressive Arts exercises that you may complete at home, a brief history of expressive arts therapy, a tools and resources page, and much more! Those who subscribe to my newsletter will receive an email when I publish a new blog, such as this one, as well as updates about new art markets, discounts, and more!
Giving Back: Creating a Logo for a School
Aside from my personal projects, I use my position to give back to the community. As part of a unique project, I am creating an original logo for my school in exchange for a tuition credit. My school created a logo contest for students to create a logo that expresses the institution's identity. This collaborative project not only showcases my artistic talents but also the power of art to make a difference in the community.
New Workshop Project
While working on these three projects during my residency, I also created a new workshop presentation for The Endometriosis Network of Canada (TENC). March is Endometriosis Awareness month and I was asked to lead an expressive arts virtual workshop. I will be sharing details for that workshop on my workshop page once I have more details!
Embracing the Journey
Finally, my participation in the Thriving Together Network Virtual Art Residency represents my lifelong enthusiasm for art as well as my dedication to personal and artistic development. From the emotional depths of my door painting project to the inspiring materials offered in my newsletter freebie, as well as meaningful partnerships like the design of a school logo, I've welcomed opportunities to both grow my abilities and give back to my community. With each effort, I've discovered new levels of creativity and connection, reinforcing my confidence in the transforming potential of art. As I grow as an artist and advocate, I look forward to more discovery, cooperation, and contribution on this exciting artistic journey.
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