Wednesday December 21, 2011

New Eyes and Bones for the Parker crocs

We started this year with Greg losing his (favourite) kidney, and we’ll end this year with me losing my (favourite) eye lens! Two weeks ago my optometrist declared “you have a cataract in one eye”, and tomorrow, it will be replaced with a brand new bit of silicon. No, I’m not 75, it’s fairly unusual for a young chicky like me :) Now that’s my surgical story –  but not to be outdone, Greg was just informed that he is going to have a new hip and parts of his pelvis reconstructed! Soon he’ll not only be without his favourite kidney, but also without his favourite hip! If all goes well, after about 3 months post-op, Greg will be able to walk without crutches for the first time in 18 months and plans to climb Bluff Knoll! What an achievement that will be. And I won’t have to peer at everything 3 inches from my face in order to see :)

Does your creativity hit roadblocks from time to time?

My paintings often come to me like images on a screen in my mind. However, I have experienced months when that screen has been black. No images.I've learned not to concern myself if my creativity seems to be on leave, it ebbs and flows. And contrary to popular belief, ‘creative outbursts’ are less likely to be random flashes but actually flourish with structure and routine. I discovered this by accident and it’s sort of how my seven step process evolved it provides the ideal structure within which I can ‘let go’ and create, even when I feel 'uncreative'.

Now, would you like to know the biggest secret to creating effectively? Lower your expectations! Best not to take it all too seriously... it’s just paint, after all :) 

“The creative process requires that we be expectant without expectations”. Todd Henry The Accidental Creative.

New Website, New Blog, New Stories

For those of you who haven’t visited my website for a long time, it’s very hard to recognise. My lovely (old) website has been replaced by a beautiful (new) one – Thanks to Kelly Exeter of Swish Design. Here you can see my work and read about it, see the workshops on offer, squiz through my blogs or even purchase a painting . My blog tells a continuing story that may resonate with many of you, so do check it out and let me know if it does...if you subscribe you will receive it in your inbox hot off the press.when I write it - and don't worry, I won't jam up your inbox, I'm not particularly prolific :)

Skip this bit if you’ve read my latest blog post

“I really don’t can’t do this anymore”.

This was my first thought every morning, and frequently, my last thought at night. For five years.

I was working for the University of Western Australia’s Dept of Medicine, and studying for my Masters in Medical Science. Here I worked with some of the finest minds in the country, perhaps in the world. I loved some of these people, and I respected all of them. I loved medicine, the buzz of being in an environment of where everyone was dedicated to higher learning, the discipline of scientific research. I loved being around brilliant, driven people.

It’s just that every day something was becoming increasingly clear. I wasn’t one of them.  Read more...

I'd like to live in YOUR house in 2012 :)

Would you like to acquire a original painting of mine?

Or perhaps get a gift (or gift voucher) for a loved one?

I now have a gallery of current or recently sold work. I also take on the occasional commission in special circumstances. So have a gander on the site and if you’d like to arrange to see the work in ‘real life’ let me know by clicking here . I'd love to meet you and share the stories behind the images. There's no obligation to purchase.

(And if you’ve done one or more of my workshops, you receive a special price on my paintings :)

Facebook anyone?

Love it, ignore it – Facebook is here to stay. To my Facebook friends - I thank you for the support and comments as I navigate the ups and downs of Greg's cancer adventures. I invite all readers to visit my Facebook Artist Page and have a look at the lively art and action at the workshops - all done by students. Leave some comments, but first - please click on LIKE (right next to the words MALINI PARKER ARTIST) so that my numbers go up – the more LIKES this page has, the more people find out about my workshops. I truly appreciate your support :)

Workshops in 2012 – If you’ve never done one before...

The new premises for Northern suburbs workshops – Art Shed Balcatta - has proved extremely popular and are just about fully booked into late February.Gift vouchers are also flying out the e-door and they are sooo pretty :) (If you'd like a last minute one, you'll receive in within hours of booking it, complete with personalised message if requested). So come along or give a thoughtful gift to a loved one – click here for upcoming vacancies.

“This was my first experience at painting and I fully enjoyed the experience.  Your class has made me feel like I can now pick up a canvas, brush or tub of paint and feel as though I can create something...Thank you for providing the opportunity in a non-threatening, open environment.” - Toni

And if you have done one...and you’d like to take THE NEXT STEP

I would love to see you again if you’ve done Painting for Beginners. Come and do my crazy, mega intensive fusion (of 2 workshops) The Next Step. I introduced for the first time a few months ago and it’s been a smash hit – here's what Nic thought: “What a fabulous day...I came away from the day with such inner peace, what you teach comes from the soul and then transforms a painting...it has given me a gift that I will treasure forever, thank you!” what a sweetie! If you’d like to learn how to further the techniques I introduced in the Beginner’s workshop (and get a revision as well) come learn how to use lace, leaves and swirly lines, as well a WHOLE lot more about colour in The Next Step . There is one spot left on Sun Jan 15th and space available on Sun Feb 19th. Just click on the date to enrol.

Or Find Your Authentic Voice (in a weekend art immersion)

This weekend workshop that I first announced last month really struck a chord and drew a HUGE response! Finding Your Authentic Voice  will see cosy groups go through a weekend of education, exploration and excitement! We’ll be using exercises and activities to get clearer about our unique voice – and how we go about finding it. A guest appearance by another artist who will share their journey with us will also enrich our experience. If you’d like to delve deeper into your creative well and find out more about yourself and your artistic process, click here to register your interest.

Wishing you Inner Peace (despite Outer Chaos)

As the year winds down, and chaos abounds, I hope that you have had the chance to enjoy some moments of reflection on this eventful year, and have found highlights of peace and joy.

It’s been quite a year for me, with many challenges but some surprising periods of delight with family and friends, for which I am grateful. My workshops and the beautiful people I have met through them, continue to be a source of energy and hope. Thank you all for sharing the journey, and may 2012 be a memorable and bountiful year for you all…

With much love to you and yours for the festive season and 2012....