Intuitive Painting: the Beauty of Imperfection.

Recently, I've been willing to learn more about mandalas. After reading Heather's post about them, I just couldn't stop thinking of painting one.

A mandala (in Sanskrit means both "circle" and "centre") is a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism, which basically represents the Universe, wholeness. It was used as a therapeutic art tool by psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that creating mandalas helped patients to make the unconscious conscious (read more here).

After studying the subject for a couple of days, I went to my art table, and started drawing. I didn't want to think it too much, so I just used what I had already out on the table- soft pastels, a canvas, collaged with some scraps of vintage papers, a graphite pencil, gesso, charchoals, brushes and my fingers.

I usually move very, very fast on the surface I'm painting, whatever it is. I remember people being impressed by seeing me while painting. It's just so natural to me doing so, I never think my work too much- I prefer it to be spontaneous, just as I am. If I think it too much, you bet I am not happy with the finished result and it doesn't "feel right".

This brings me to the point of Intuitive Painting. The wide majority of my work (now and always, whatever medium I may want to use) is intuitive, based just upon intuition. Painting is exactly like a form of meditation for me.

And that's why over the two years I've had to share a home with family members, before moving to England, with no space for solitude and for working on my own- I went crazy. Truly. I need to be alone to let the creative juice flow... it comes from instinct, so you bet it's extremely difficult to do that while someone else in the house is doing vacuuum cleaning, chatting or watching tv! :(

I really encourage you to find a space, for how small it may be- in the garage, in the attic, in the garden shed, wherever. But this kind of intuitive painting (just like prayer or meditation) must be done in quiet.

We all have this internal compass, that guides us towards unexplored territories, but for many people, intuition is buried deep under the judgement of the conscious mind, and they find it really difficult, if not impossible, having access to it.

Intuitive painting is one of the ways that can be used to let the logic brain rest for a while, and working with the flow of our innate creativity, be able to connect with our true, intuitive self.

When you work this way, you must be completely open- minded and hearted. You must be open to accept the messages you receive, and make room for the beauty of imperfection. It's a process where your logic mind, your left side of the brain, turns off for a while.

Now I usually use this type of paiting, whatever surface I work on and whatever medium I use. I like to not think too much when I paint, and definitely let my intuition guide me. Whether I am painting flowers, birds, snowmen, Santas, or affirmation girls, or I'm designing a product- whatever. This type of approach I use also with styling and photography and crafting- it's all driven by instinct in my own work, no rules. It is "felt" rather than "thought". 

And I LOVE what came out!
"Turn your heart to the point of oneness, then nothing will be impossible to you."- Buddha

Monica x

Found Beauty: my First Yard Sales!

This weekend I have experimented something totally new to me- yard sales (these don't exist in Italy). Even if I had read extensively about them and actually have lived them for years vicariously through you, dear blog friends, I must admit this was super exciting.

I always love to try new things. You never know, you might find a new passion... or just say it isn't for you. 

I desperately needed a vintage suitcase to store my canvases. Plus it's blue. Yes- the Universe does listen!

Hand- embroidered pictures and pillow. So country and cottage-y!

I didn't know I loved this kind of pictures. I have always had art on our walls since I was little (my Grandfather was an award- winning painter), and never something embroidered, actually. But when I spotted these at the yard sale, I was charmed. Truth is, I have felt all of the love, passion, patience that went into them, and just had to give them a new, appreciative home.

Now that they're on the walls, I can't stop staring at them! And often, I send out in the ether a silent thank you to the person who made them.

AND-

I've wanted a rocking horse for more than one decade now, since the time I have started the inner excavation following the guidance of Simple Abundance, learned more about myself and discovered my real taste. At that time, I had no idea I liked old toys (as I had absolutely no idea about several other things, like for example which my favorite color was!). Now I know- old toys speak to me. Especially when they are well loved.

So when yesterday (what a lucky Sunday!) off I went on a solo drive towards an unknown destination, for my second yard sale ever, the last thing I expected to find was a vintage rocking horse (with a yard- sale price tag, of course)!

Beaming with joy through my sunglasses!!!!

In the end, here's what I've learnt from my first experience with garage/yard sales:

1. That I love the "hunt" (well I had no doubts!:)).

2. Thay you are supposed to run, hence better to wear comfortable shoes.

3. That some people look very professional "hunters" and come in groups (ugh!), and are kind of hoarders, while I do prefer a solitary and relaxing hunt for things that I really need or make my heart sing.

4. That it's nice to leave something pretty for who's coming next.

5. That a grateful heart for what the Universe has put out there for you to find is essential. And a fun happy dance afterwards is definitely required.

Monica x

SURTEX 2013.

It's that time of the year again! My second SURTEX, you bet I'm thrilled!

Find my work (Art + Photography), represented by my darling agents of Linda McDonald, Inc., at booths 407, 409, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, NYC. May 19-21.
They'll love meeting you!!

Monica x

On Sharing my Originals with the World.

I'm making new art, oh what news :)

What is really new is the thought that has been circling around in my mind lately. And it'a about selling my originals.

Walking on the path of my spiritual journey, I have learnt that I have to share the abundance of inspiration that's bestowed upon me. 

I cannot block this flux, I just have to send my inspiration, my colors, my magic into the world, and that I already do through licensing. I wouldn't be able to reach so many people, so many hearts, without all of the wonderful people that believe in me and help me spread my message.

But when it comes to the original paintings I produce, you know, I've been kind of a collector of my own artworks since I am in licensing. Previously, I used to sell my works (from ceramics, to painted scarves, to original watercolors and acrylics), and I can remember with joy so many kind works and even lovely thank-you cards from happy people, telling me how happy they were to be able to enjoy my work again and again in their homes or give it as special gift.

I have realized only now that I cannot block the flux of abundance and inspiration, and I should instead send my originals too (together with pieces of my heart) out into the Universe.

All of these canvases will eventually make me (and someone else too) heal...

... will make me (and someone else too) happy. Just seeing them this way, all piled up on my studio fllor, makes me happy, already!

Looks like my inner voice is whispering in my ears I have to keep this inspiration moving, this love moving, healing moving, and physically "detatch" from my work.

Is it maybe to keep the inspiration flowing? To physically make room for new?

Now, living in the UK, that has become possible. Royal Mail offers so many possibilities, cheaper fees, receipts upon shipping and even faster deliveries around the globe.

Well, I'll keep you posted.
It's a bit scary having to add yet another thing to my already full plate, I have no studio assistant and I have to do all by myself (and I already work full- time+++). But the idea (and feeling) of these canvases, watercolors, whatever, made with my hands and radiating my love, on someone else's walls all around the globe is- how to define that- intoxicating. Makes me become emotional. Good sign, I always become emotional when I'm doing the right thing, for how scary it may seem.
Monica x

Mother' s Day and about Motherhood.

With my Mom in the Dolomites, Italy, in the late 70s.
I still have that scarf I was wearing in my hair! :)

On this Mother's Day, I've felt the urge to tell my story about motherhood. It's about revealing inner feelings and struggles, so it's not simple at all- and I'm not sure you'll "get it", but I want to tell it anyway. It's from my heart, so I'm sure your heart, if not your mind, will understand.

To cut a long story short, I've always been very resistant about becoming a Mom. Don't get me wrong, I love (well- behaved) kids, love to stay in their company, listen to them, teach them creativity, kindness and love for Nature and all of its inhabitants, love for the little things- and spend a few pleasant hours in their company. I literally melt and my heart is full when my best friends' children call me "Auntie Monica" or send me their drawings, crafts and handwritten notes!
But truth is, I've never felt the vocation to be myself a Mother, while I've always felt an incredibly powerful, steadfast, inner callling to be an Artist.

From my today's perspective, this has nothing to do with my ego, which I'm constantly working to put out of the game. It's not that I didn't "want" kids actually, it's just that I've always been strongly called to devote my life entirely, fully, wholeheartedly to something different. Which definitely is my mission, what I know I have to do in this life. 

And while a few offline "friends" and family members, over the past decade, thought and made me notice that it was not normal and impossible at all that I didn't have the maternal instinct, making me feel, well, so bad ⎨insert tearful, sleepless nights galore here⎬, I've always refused to do something that I actually didn't feel, that the world defined as normal and expected but I didn't feel in my own gut + heart. Thankfully, I always have had the courage to affirm I'm different.
I cannot tell this has been conscious in the beginning, but as the years passed by, I've become more and more aware of the small little voice whispering inside of me, open to listen to it and embrace its message. I've been learning and practicing hard, day after day, to trust my gut completely. 
Now, all of my decisions, are always driven by gut feelings, and they never fail. I can clearly see in retrospect that when I made big mistakes in the past, it's because I've deliberately decided to ignore my gut, and that led to disaster.

So, as for motherhood, I just never felt it was in the plan for me. And fortunately, my husband felt it wasn't in the plan for him as well.

I have been (and still am) a Mom to my furry baby Kim, now with me/within me in Spirit, and I've learnt good lessons about motherhood that way. And lots I've learnt seeing my Mother's and my Grandmothers' example too, and cherishing it. And all of you, Mothers scattered around the planet, are teaching me something with your example, with your stories that you courageously and generously send out in the universe through the internet!
... Ultimately, you're teaching me LOVE! And for that I'll be forever grateful.

Happy Mother's Day to you all, Mothers of all kind.

Monica xoxo

At the Moment I am...

(All pictures taken with my Iphone)

1. HAPPY:

I feel in my element living in England. Never felt like this before, ever!

Feels like I'm born again.

2. CHALLENGING:

... myself to take more self- portraits and love more what I see through the lens. I didn't mind to be photographed when I was younger, but over the past 5 years or so I haven't felt comfortable anymore, becoming very camera- shy. 

With the guide of darling Vivienne, I'm challenging myself to take more selfies and be in love with what I see (and love myself more!).

3. GRATEFUL:

I definitely am and truly have to be, doing what keeps me alive, what saves me on a daily basis, living the life of an artist I was meant to live, and bringing my vision, magic and colors into this world!

Lots of happy things happening behind the scenes! I'm not allowed to tell you as for now, I'm afraid, but I'm sure this line will rock your socks off (I was in complete awe when saw it)!

4. KEEPING:

... my English Country Diary, with all the discoveries I make while living a country life in England, I've always dreamt of since I was little.

5. DRIVING:

On the other side of the road, with my own "continental" car! I was about to sell it and buy a proper British car, but then just couldn't as it held such precious memories of my life with Kim. It was a very strong gut decision... I'm very grateful to my husband who drove across Europe for 3 days to bring it here.

What's really fabulous is that I do feel very confident driving this way and all looks very "normal" and comfortable to me. I very often go on a solo drive for miles, which relaxes me, soothes my heart and soul, and clears my mind.

6. COLLECTING:

Old, used, vintage books! This is a paradise for book lovers- you never know what you can encounter when you visit a charity shop, car boot sale, antique book shop. And they are very affordable. 

A simple pleasure, indeed!

7. SIMPLIFYING:

This is a tough point. But I need to address it and record my thoughts here.
Coming to live here, we had to downsize. Big way. And moreover, houses are quite different from those in Italy- the shape of the rooms, their width, their height. In nearly every propertry we've viewed here (and we viewed quite a good number over 2 years, believe me!) ceilings are very low, there are often exposed beams and sloping ceilings. The wardrobes are usually built- in, and there's no additional room for free standing ones.

Also, my spiritual journey has brought me to a point where I need to live a simple life. I have already started to simplify some years ago, not merely on the "material" side of the things, you know. But now, here, I feel the urge to "move" forward and go deeper. Free myself (and my husband as well).
We moved here with two suitcases, and I bought some additional clothes I needed here (mainly chunky sweaters I adore and are perfect with the British climate!). And this is quite enough.

Now let's see what I'll be able to do when the rest of out things will arrive. My goal is to keep 1/8 of what I have in storage. I'll keep you posted (support appreciated on this point, thanks!).

8. OPTING:

For second- hand clothes, all bought at charity shops. If you'd ask me that ten or more years ago, I even didn't know second-hand shops existed. In Italy they're quite recent I must tell you. But now that I know them- why not? I love going green as much as I can- reuse, repurpose, recycle, upcycle, give old objects a second life around.

Clothes are not different, when they are in good conditions (and often brand- new, and their only fault is a worn price tag or almost invisible spots that you can easily fix). Bought 4 pairs of linen trousers (three cropped), one leather skirt and blazer for spring/summer (hopefully warmer!) days for a song. And all of the  proceeds go to registered charities. What's not to love?

9. IN AWE:

No words necessary, right? :)

10. THRILLED:

In just over a week... woo hoo! Having my art and photography in New York City yet another time, for the world to see, is such a wonderful feeling. When I think of that, I have my heart full of joy and gratitude, and all looks and feels so natural to me. I believe I'm really living the life I was meant to live!

More details about where to find my work next week, as the show approaches.

And you, friends? What are you up to at the moment? I'd love to know!

Monica x

The Power of Words.

"The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kind."
Dalai Lama

Monica x

Another One!

I've been so spoilt with great surprises, lately! 

This photo of mine made it to the cover of another gorgeous issue of The Country Register (Northern Rockies and Great Plains)! Yay!

If you live in that area of the States, you may bump into these lovely complimentary newspapers crammed full of informations about places to visit, events, recipes and so on.

Thank you very much once again, Country Register- I SO love to be on the front cover of your gorgeous publications!

This will be a working weekend for me- I'm a bit holed up in the studio, making new art I hope to share with you soon, and also having lots of new shots that must make their way to my portfolio. Surtex Show is just around the corner!

Monica x

I Make Art.

When I'm reflective, I make art.

When I'm angry, overwhelmed, and the world tries to knock me down, I make art.

When my heart explodes with joy, I make art.

When I feel vulnerable, I make art.

When I have ideas swirling in my head, that make it spin like crazy, I stop, breathe, and make art. 

Art re- centers me, saves me, gives me a perfectly imperfect balance, and I have started to accept that, as an Artist, I cannot have a "normal", balanced life. That's not wrong at all, and there's nothing wrong with me because my life is not balanced.

When the canvas is calling, there's nothing else I can do- I have to answer. And shine.

Monica x