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Hello.

A few of my favorite things:

- Bon Iver's latest album (self-titled).  Breathtaking and bold.  Honest and melodic.  <333

- The online art journaling community of http://artjournaling.ning.com.  Great discussions, great group of artists.

- Art walks.  I'm headed to a couple more this month -- what a great way to enjoy the outdoors and local culture.  I love summer.

- The Voice of Knowledge (book).  Checked out from my local library, as it called to me from the shelf one afternoon last week.  Very timely.  Written by the author of The Four Agreements.

- Writing Down the Bones (book).  Borrowed from my mother.  Beautiful, down-to-earth advice about writing as a practice.

My head is merging (stubbornly) with my heart, becoming more centered with my passions.  I am acting more now with an authentic intention and am straying less from my path in this lifetime.

Sometimes I find myself "thinking" that I'm repeating history because past aspects of my life (old habits/routines/friends) keep "popping up" -- that I'm in a cyclical wheel, never really advancing toward my goal to be in a "constant state" of inner/outer peace.

But I've found that which re-occurs is for healing purposes -- to resolve the pain and hurt that is still within me.  I'm very grateful for the time that has been allotted to me to work on this, as well as my art practice which serves as an outlet for my fear, confusion, bliss, and elation on this inward journey.

Sometimes I feel that I've finally reached the peak/low of my existence -- that I can't possibly go any deeper or any darker into the resurfacing emotions and memories.  But then somehow, a sign -- something urges me to keep going, to keep digging and stay "in the zone."  So I do.

Because what else is there, really?  I've tried to run from myself and my purpose.  Doing so caused me great pain.  While it's difficult to relive past hurts and anger, there is also relief to be found upon resolving past issues.

Some new uploads on my Flickr page (all art journaling, all the time) -- user: shantadevi.  Not much else to detail here right now.

Be well.  <333

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So, I have been art journaling quite a bit lately (meaning, the last three years or so), and have been slowly incorporating it into my daily life/routine.  I try to regularly scan my art journal pages and post them on my Flickr.  It's a great way to reflect on thoughts and emotions and to observe how my style is changing.

I've also been getting the itch to orchestrate an art journaling workshop/play day.  I recently attended Gina Armfield's New Year's "No More Excuses" Journaling Jam here in California, and prior to that, Teesha and Tracy Moore's Journalfest in Washington.  I have experienced the benefits of making art in a group setting and vibing with a community of like-minded artists.  It's buckets of fun and really nurturing to the creative spirit.  There's two locations where I have been considering setting up an art event.  I need to set aside some time to organize the details and prepare the venue.  Hmmm...  I suppose that I should say then that that's "coming soon."  :)

My goal with art making and art instruction/education is to achieve self-awareness and healing and a greater understanding and appreciation of the universe in which I inhabit, as well as to provide others with a comfortable environment for open expression and opportunity for creative growth and discovery.  For those that desire to create art, but are insecure, scared, or lack guidance/mentors; for those that may not be able to attend art institutions for formal education, or those that do not view themselves as creative or artistic, I hope to inspire them to begin where they are.  I believe that the greatest and most affecting art is derived from honest expression, not from "learning to see," or "how to draw," although those may be helpful tools in an artist's practice.

So, I invite the discouraged, the disenchanted, the numb, the restless, and the busy-body workaholic who may desire something more authentic in his or her routine, to sit, stand, feel, and peel off the layers of category ("work time," "dinner time," "school day," "vacation," "mother," "father") and explore his or her creative urge(s).  Whether it be to keep some kind of journal (writing, collage, list, art, log, etc.), to take up photography, to draw more (even a single line), etc. 

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Also, to be inspired by nature, music, languages, cultures, people -- to notice things around you, and pay attention to "simple" things is a lovely way to learn about details and how to focus and be a bit more quiet and present. 

Art making has become my life and part of, if not all of, who I am and what I do everyday.  It is infused in my daily routine and my interests and activities.  I have become more honest, more disciplined, more loving, and more confident as a result of my art journaling practice; as well as more passionate about art in general. 

I often wonder how the universe would be improved if others were more mindful, more careful of their thoughts and reactions; their language and treatment of strangers, family members, and friends.  I practice meditation and art making to focus and re-focus my spiritual and divine intentions; I exercise to strengthen my physical body and eat well to remain nourished and healthy. 

Dear Reader, I believe that your art is necessary and relevant in this universe.

Peace.

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I don't know what to say, to begin -- to write or post an image...I suppose I'm quite self-conscious and insecure about this blogging thing.  I guess an introduction of sorts will be sufficient.  :)

Hello.  It's nice to see you, and I'm glad that you stopped by here.  I hope that your day has been as infinitely appealing and expansive as your most desired passions, your wildest and most sacred dreams.  This description may be a stretch -- but, imagine living as you are -- you -- as an authentic, present creature, and there you have it -- a beginning to that "nirvana," whatever that may be.

I started this blog because I believe in the power of shared knowledge, self-education/education, art, and creativity.  I have also been inspired by many artists who blog about their creative processes, passions, and discoveries. 

I don't want to keep "my" art a secret or have it hidden and stowed away, unreachable and unseen -- and if there is something in it that resonates with a reader, then even better. 

I've had this nagging/pressing urge in the back of my mind to blog on a regular basis for awhile -- with authenticity and honesty, as I seek that now in all aspects of my life.  So, here I am -- giving this my best shot.

Just a heads-up: I'm not a great writer, artist, blogger, art-journaler, etc.  But, I'm passionate about what I do, and I think that makes what I'll be posting worth sharing, if only for that.  I also tend to use flowery words and ramble a bit and get off-topic, but oh, well, I don't have an editor on call.  /disclaimer

I'm going through a tumultuous time, as a recent college graduate -- I'm in a flux (a major one), for the second time in my life.  My life is no longer so "clear-cut" and structured as when I lived by a class schedule and semester term system.  I suppose that I am now in the "real-world" system, moving forward, step-by-step in a life that I am extending from with the base of a college education.

(More on this later...)

I have expanded beyond my college borders in several ways this year: (1) traveling abroad to a foreign country in January, (2) attending Teesha and Tracy Moore's annual Journalfest retreat in October, (3) applying and interviewing for jobs, (4) applying to graduate school, (5) presenting at a research conference in April, and more. 

I hope to continue the positive momentum that I've started, and branch out even further in the New Year, experimenting more with my art practice and being even more disciplined.  Maybe registering for a dance class or two?

Happy Holidays, and best wishes of peace, awareness, and creativity everyday of the year.