When I first started out as an artist, I thought that I knew two things for sure. First, I thought that I would definitely be an abstract artist. Second, I thought that I never wanted to do commissions (because it would be too much pressure!).
Fast forward to today and the complete opposite is true on both counts. My art is as far away from abstract as you can get! And now I’m loving all the commissions I’m doing.
If you told me a couple of years ago that this would be the case, I would have laughed. I was adamant that I was on the right path. But I’ve always been a big believer in leaning forward towards your creative curiosity.
It’s a principle that applies not only in the world of creativity but also in business (which is actually a constant process of creative iteration).
Another way of looking at it is to “trust your intuition”. And to heed that little voice inside your head that says “Maybe you should explore that.”
Lately, I’ve been reading Quincy Jones’s memoir “12 Notes: On Life and Creativity”. Quincy is the music producer, composer, songwriter behind the biggest selling album of all time (Thriller), the anthemic song “We are the World”, and countless movie scores. He’s won 28 Grammys! And he’s worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Kanye.
Quincy says: "You are often your own biggest creative block. So stop monitoring yourself and let it flow.”
And part of that is to NOT stop yourself when something inside you suggests to go down a certain path or explore something that piques your interest.
Of course, not everything you’re curious about is going to lead to a new career or breakthrough in life.
But, other times, there’s more to it. And when you lean into that itch, that’s your intuition asking you to check something out. But, too often, we think “Oh I don’t have time for that. I’ll do that during the school holidays/annual leave.” And the reality is that we never remember to do it!
All it takes is a quick Google or YouTube search. And, sometimes, that’s enough. Curiosity satiated. Other times, your interest will be fuelled further. And only you will know if you’re meant to go further down this path. But you’ll never discover this if you don’t take that first step.
Go on. Lean forward. You never know what might happen.
On its way ….
In other news, Everlight Peony (pictured above) is now winging its way to its forever home in Melbourne. I’m so thrilled that the collector chose this piece and I hope they love looking at it every day :)
What I’ve been enjoying/exploring this week:
Getting tickets to: Miss Saigon at the Sydney Opera House in a few months. I first saw this musical back when a then 16-year-old Lea Salonga originated the role on the West End and I have loved it ever since. When I was doing my post grad, I even analysed the changes they made to the songs in the first few years of its life and wrote a thesis (of sorts) on it. Yes, I know. Total musical geek. I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming production!
Season 4 of Succession. Literally, the best show on television. Hands down. Also interesting is the official Succession podcast hosted by veteran business journalist Kara Swisher who dissects the show with producers and actors the day after the episode drops. Equally fascinating.
Learning Indonesian on Duolingo. Thank you to those of you who recommended Duolingo some months ago when I expressed an interest in learning Indonesian. It took me a while to get into it but now I’m fully obsessed. The reason I’ve had traction with it is because of its gamification. The more lessons you complete, the more you progress on the leaderboard. My goal each day now is to surpass the person above me on the leaderboard. And it’s super fun! I can say handy phrases like “My cat is white”, “I do not have red gloves and a black hat” and I can ask “Do you like fried bananas?” All so very useful!
Assembling: A desk! After two years working on a wobbly makeshift desk that my partner slapped together from bits of wood in the garage, I figured it was high time a bought a proper one. I can report that I’m very happy with my new sit-stand desk. But while they said it should take 30 minutes to assemble, the reality was more like 5 hours – and I have bruises everywhere as a result. Fortunately, their customer chat was very helpful and I am genuinely very happy with the purchase. #notsponsored. Fortunately, my fluffie Rocky loves it too.
Buying: Hampton Water, a rose wine made by none other than Jon Bon Jovi. Yes, it seems the man has many, many talents! I got it from Dan Murphy’s.
And finally …
Opulence is finally available
Oil on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.Signed on the back. 101cm (W) x 76cm (H) x 4cm (D)
I believe in the idea of everyday opulence. These luxurious blooms are a daily reminder to enjoy the little things in life that bring you joy. You can appreciate the richness and depth of a simple flower, get lost in its curves, and be mesmerised by its light and shade. I hope it infuses your space with everyday opulence.