🪂 “I don’t do fear”

And five other creative inspirations for your week ahead

💫 Inspiration to draw on this week

💬 A phrase to live by

As the summer holidays draw to a close, you might be experiencing those post-holiday blues. If that's the case, here's a word that perfectly captures what you might feel right now.

Trumspringa

n. the temptation to step off your career track and become a shepherd in the mountains, following your flock between pastures with a sheepdog and a rifle, watching storms at dusk from the doorway of a small cabin, just the kind of hypnotic diversion that allows your thoughts to make a break for it and wander back to their cubicles in the city.

Source: The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig

The question is, will you step off the treadmill to pursue your dreams? If you need inspiration, read on to discover that you are never too old to face fears and try something new.

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🖍️ Get creative: Louise Fletcher - Find Your Joy Taster Course

I first discovered

Louise Fletcher

through the Art Juice Podcast, a wonderfully down-to-earth exploration of the ups, downs, and roundabouts we often navigate as artists.

Assignment 1 for the ‘Find your joy taster course’ by Louise Fletcher.

Right now, Louise is offering her free 'Find Your Joy' taster course. This week, she shared a delightful introductory assignment that encourages experimentation with different materials, allowing you to play, explore, and discover new techniques along the way.

I love how she inspires you to silence your inner critic and embrace the process of experimentation with an open mind, focusing on what works and what doesn't in the spirit of creative play.

Watch the video here

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🌟 Good news break: “I don’t do fear” - Manette Baillie aged 102, becomes Britain’s oldest skydiver

This woman is truly inspirational—I love her! At 102 years old, Manette Baillie, a military veteran from Benhall Green in Suffolk, has become Britain’s oldest skydiver. To celebrate her birthday, she leapt from a plane, all to raise money for three charities that she holds “very dear to her heart.”

Manette, who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in Egypt during the Second World War, shared before her jump, “You must always look for something new. I was once married to a paratrooper but have never done a skydive myself.”

If this doesn’t inspire you to break out of your comfort zone, face the fear and do it anyway, well, I don’t know what will!

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🎵 Music to move your pencil to: 👑 Awesome entry music

Inspired by Manette, I thought this playlist, created by my son Zac, was perfect! It’s eclectic, slightly bonkers and makes me smile (just like Zac!).

What's your ultimate entrance theme tune?

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✍🏻 Artist recommendation: Beto Val

I’ll admit I am massively influenced by Ecuadorian artist Beto Valencia, or Beto Val, as he's known on social media. As a result, I’m playing with combining my drawings with vintage illustrations behind the scenes.

Beto Val stumbled into the world of surreal collage almost by accident. During the coronavirus pandemic, he came across a treasure trove of vintage illustrations from his cosy studio in Quito. To cope with the stress of everyday life, he started experimenting with these images, creating his first collages as a form of therapy. His art became his therapy—his ‘creative prescription’ to combat stress and find joy amidst the chaos.

Beto Val surreal collage illustrations which started as a form of therapy during Covid.

Check out Beto Val’s Instagram account here. It’s wonderful!

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And finally…the week in 3

1. New from the drawing board - third attempt at swan.

2. Big brother Jake visits home and attempts a messy bun.

3. The listings on the website are almost ready to go live—fingers crossed!

Which three photos from your camera roll best capture your week?
Share them here on the chat thread!

Have an inspired week ahead

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