Have you found yourself pencilling something in your calendar one day, just to erase it the next? Over the last few months, I have either planned nothing, or I have tried to plan events, but have had to make numerous changes. Trying to plan a business venture right now is super challenging. There are constant new rules and recommendations being put out by various levels of government and it is very hard to react quickly, even for one person! I have to change marketing material, both print and online and I have to inform staff and co-creators of changes. Then I have to make adjustments in my personal commitments.

One tip I read about said, 'predict and prepare for the future while focusing on the present,' but they obviously did not write this article for COVID times. Together with Jennifer Beeger - owner of Mona Lisa Artist Supplies - we have tried to predict what this summer would bring. “Are people going to look for art classes this summer? Will it be possible?” We were asking each other back in early June. Well, people can't travel, so maybe... We just had a blank page in front of us. We really couldn't compare this summer to any other. 

So many people are facing the same situation. CALGARY (660 NEWS) – As many as one in four Alberta business owners feel that they aren’t going to be able to hold out until a vaccine is found.

In July, I met a number of brave explorers who came out and took a few classes of Mixed Media. We had a GREAT time.  We closed the doors behind us and went to work. We forgot all about our problems and trying to predict the future. We just focused on the here and now.
 
This is a lesson I bring into my daily life. I have no idea where this is all going to land, so I am just going to pay attention to how I am spending each day. Make each day count. Enjoy, explore, work, connect to those I love, connect to my work, connect to my art and something good is bound to happen. I am an optimist, but this is not just based on hope, it is based on making every day as good as I possibly can.
 
How are you managing the unpredictability in your life?

Can a person feel better from the act of making art?

Studies have show that yes, this is possible.  A study on the the evaluation of art therapy on adults with mild to moderate depression showed that there was significant improvement. (Zubala, A. 2017). These adults reported:
acceptance of depression, readiness to express emotions, sense of self and awareness of others, readiness for meaningful relationships, sense of achievement, sense of balance and new insights, growth and meaning.

I don't need a study to tell me that art helps a person feel better and one doesn't need to have depression to feel better from art! The fact is, doing anything that helps you get out of your head and into your hands - just feels good! Your ART could be carpentry, gardening, sewing or cooking for example. 

When you are making art you are more mindful. In my studio I recommend putting away your phones, clearing your mind and making space for the present. While we are here together in the studio, I encourage you to work mindfully. To access your inner voice and give it some respect. It will guide your every move. 

So far, every student has left my class with a sense of peace and accomplishment. This is really important to me. 

March 7 & 8, 2020
Sat 12-5pm
Sun 1-5pm

Mona Lisa Art Salon, Calgary, Alberta.

LEARN the tricks and techniques to creating a painting of our urban environment in a loose and expressive style. This 2-day workshop is packed with techniques that invite the artist to play and experiment with mixed media. You will be able to follow a step-by-step process, and yet, have lots of room for interpretation and self-expression.