Rediscovering your creative groove is sometimes a lengthy, laborious process. Sometimes, it takes quite awhile for the almost-atrophied creative muscles to reinvigorate themselves. Often for me, the process involves as much mental as physical work to make it happen, and even then, it can be slow going.

This was where I found myself recently, due to a long period of time where I had neither the time nor the inclination to create my own work. I know myself well enough to know that I can't force creativity (disastrous attempts at projects are a testament to that!), but I also knew I needed to get back into the creative flow. I'd been thinking about the idea that I'd like to work more in layers of color and texture and meaning, and while searching for something else, I found some 6"x6" deep cradled wood panels tucked away in my supply closet. Ok, so I now had a substrate.

But how to start was the question.
You Tube videos were the answer.

I spent hours browsing through various mixed media technique videos, from the sublime to the kind of ridiculous, learning about new-to-me products (I'm loving the Lindy's Gang 'Magicals'), and new ways to use old favorites (hey, isn't that what we'll be doing in October with our Creative Explorers?!). Armed with this new and refreshed information about molding paste, stencils, inkjet transfers, the aforementioned Magicals, and my old standbys of acrylic paints, PearlEx powders, my hand cut stamps, leather, polymer elements, feathers and matte medium, the ideas started to bubble up, and voilà-- I was energized!

The result is my "Dreams of Africa" series of panels as you'll see below. Each contains images or symbols which resonate with me of the people, land, adornment, and music of the continent. These panels will debut at next weekend's African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County; one of my favorite shows of the year.

Creative groove rediscovered? Check!

Wishing you new discoveries and a boost to your own creative groove,

Until next time,

MDP

From left:  Dreams of Africa:  "Djembe", "Himba", "Baobab", "Tribal Home", "River Goddess," and "Shekere". ©2018 Kindred Spirit Studios | Michelle Davis Petelinz — From left: Dreams of Africa: "Djembe", "Himba", "Baobab", "Tribal Home", "River Goddess," and "Shekere". ©2018 Kindred Spirit Studios | Michelle Davis Petelinz

One of my favorite things about living a creative life is the incredible people that I encounter along the way. The creative community at large is rife with interesting folks, and in the subsets of individual disciplines we are afforded the opportunity to learn from one another on an entirely different level. Whether in the role of teacher or student, new knowledge and connections (just can't seem to escape that notion, can we?) are ours for the asking...

In my most recent workshop, I had the pleasure of teaching a few folks that I had never worked with before. This added an additional layer of discovery to the day, as we shared our passions (two of my students were fellow devotees of the fountain pen) both shared and uniquely our own. So, in tandem with my gratitude for the power of community, I am also immensely thankful for the ongoing sense of discovery that comes with it. Whether that means the discovery of something altogether new to me, or learning more about something that I already love -- there are gifts to be had from the coming together that we never encounter when we are on our own.

From the name of this endeavor to the logo that represents us, Your Creative Connection is dedicated to the expansion of creativity in community. As our behind the scenes preparations build in intensity, we are likewise feeling the building excitement as we cruise on toward October. It's not too late to join us! What are you waiting for? Register today, and join our circle of creative women! New discoveries, adventures, and friendships await. We'll see you soon!