Frustrated? Take a Naked Walk

The perils of unrequited love; plus new workshops and meet-up events

The Creative Prescription is a newsletter that explores how creativity can improve our well-being and help us live a more mindful life; one that counteracts the ping, dings and distractions of modern-day living.

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Remember when you were young and completely in love with your brother's best friend, yet you knew deep down that it was a love that would never be reciprocated (*hands up*)?

Do you recall that intense, burning pain in your heart and the lump in your throat that no words could relieve? It was a feeling that only the passage of time could alleviate, and eventually heal.

Well, that’s what I feel. It’s not my drawing that represents this unrequited love. It’s more that the circumstances of life often keep me from my love. Time doesn’t seem to love me back.

Padam Padam

As I write I play Edith Piaf's ‘Padam Padam’, an onomatopoeic word that represents the pounding of your heartbeat. It was as if by sheer magic I wanted to hear this song.

It turns out, Piaf’s Padam Padam reflects the longing and heartbreak of unrequited love. The lyrics are a combination of metaphors that describe these feelings of despair I am too familiar with.

I feel life gets in the way of something I have a calling for, yet, get called away from. As a result, I’ve been irritable (sorry husband and daughter) which is usually due to lack of time in the studio and so the spiral continues. Oh yes, and the peri-menopause according to my doctor. Yish - let’s leave that chat for another time!

However, progress, albeit slow is happening and I must acknowledge this. I have firmly committed to creating prints (one of these artrworks heads-up this newsletter) and I am in the experimental process of working on some limited-edition work for a potential shop and exhibition.

I’ve also got the ball rolling on the voluntary position as meetup host for ‘Flock’ the Brighton Illustrators Group supported by the AOI (Association of Illustrators). I’ll pop some info below about our next ‘Drink & Draw’ meetup.

Take a Naked Walk

If you’re feeling this creative frustration, my advice is to seek out moments, no matter how small, of space. Literally physical space away from the noise to give yourself some mental clarity. I literally take myself outside, to the woods and walk. In fact, I go for a naked walk…

Don’t worry, I’m fully clothed (I wouldn’t put the general public through that trauma). I’m talking about sensory nakedness.

• Earbuds off and out of your ears.

• Glasses and sunglasses away (unless you need them to see clearly where you are going obvs).

• And even if it’s cold, wet and raining, an element of your body, other than your face is open to the elements.

• From here, take mindful note of your senses without input from anything other than your surroundings. This will calm the mind and create a sense of space.

• Getting bogged down by your thoughts again? Take your attention back to your naked senses.

Let me know if you decide to get naked this week and how you get on.

For now, here’s some inspiration for your weekend.

Stay creative

Georgie x

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💫 Inspiration to Draw On

📚 Book: Start Painting Now. Discover your artistic potential. By Emily Powell and Sarah Moore

Start Painting Now, is so much more than a book on painting. It delves into the areas of imposter syndrome, the value of art on our well-being and as a tool for self-care, and even why we should exhibit our work. With reference to the work of lots of inspiring female artists, this book is great for beginners through to more experienced artists or for those of you who want to find a creative outlet.

“… this book will motivate and encourage you to just pick up a brush and see where it takes you. Backed by the latest research on the benefits of art for mental health and wellbeing, Start Painting Now will empower you to put aside the fear of failure, turn off your phone and throw yourself into the joy of creativity.”

🎨 Get Creative

🎵 Music to Move Your Pencil To

Well, after the opening to this week’s newsletter it just had to be this…padam your little hearts out…

✍️ Creative Prompt: How can you sculpt more spaciousness into your day?

In my moments of frustration, this prompt literally landed in my lap and it helped me gain some clarity and perspective. Aside from the naked walk I talked about earlier, I can tell you, this is one powerful prompt because it’s so open to interpretation.

If you need a little more direction on this, consider how to craft a more expansive and serene experience within your day. Are you able to infuse your life with a renewed sense of openness, tranquillity, and freedom? Or do you struggle? Don’t be afraid to explore all possibilities and don’t forget to write about any resistance you encounter. This is where you could just find the answers you seek.

🧑‍🎨 Workshops & Events

1. Friday 7th July at 10am, ‘Drawing for Wellbeing’, Life Aligned Community, Online
   Next week I’ll be running a ‘Drawing for Wellbeing’ online workshop for the Life Aligned Community. This is open to all members but if you’re not a member, Jen has membership options to suit all budgets.

2. Thursday 27th July from 7:30 pm, Free Summer Drink & Draw Meet-up with Flock Brighton Illustrator Group at The West Hill Tavern
   Grab your pens, pencils and sketchbook and join Flock - Brighton Illustrators Group - for an informal free creative ‘Drink & Draw’ meet-up at The West Hill Tavern (only 2 minutes from Brighton Station). Non-members welcome. This is my first event as the new meet-up host so it would be lovely to see some of you there!

💬 And Finally…A Quote to Live By

“You are allowed to both be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.”

~ Sophia Bush, Actress

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Thanks for reading. For more, I draw botanical-inspired illustrations and keep a library of creative exercises for you to try instead of scrolling on your phone.

If you enjoyed this and know someone who might appreciate it, consider sharing :)

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