It all started when I moved to Australia. Young, fearful, innocent, and not fully aware of how life really works. I went through some rough patches when I first arrived that dealt with banks and money and grown-up stuff, which I had to deal with on my own since I didn't have Mommy on my side.
I got lost. A lot. But it was all part of the experience and part of the growth. I used to make up excuses not to go to my friend's houses back in the States because I was too afraid of getting lost. Then I came to Australia where I didn't know how to get ANYWHERE. Now I get on my bike and ride a few miles in any direction and get “lost” on purpose for excitement and adventure.
I also made a huge personal step and faced my fear of traveling alone... which was such a liberating experience! Not only did I make small trips to beaches and different towns here and there, but I also did a spontaneous trip to New Zealand, which was also very eye opening and a growing experience within itself.
Meanwhile, I was studying art at Queensland College of Art. I was really immersing myself in my classes and experimenting as much as I could with new materials, processes, and concepts. I dove into the world of art and learned more than I can put into words... not only was I making art that was inspired by this new area, but I was also learning about how the art world works in real life.
In the midst of it all, I won an online art competition and was awarded with online coaching from Sian Lindemann, who helped me grow even more. We had weekly online meetings where Sian helped me develop a business plan related to my art and talents. Soon I went from simply selling art to writing an inspirational book!? Sian pinpointed some talents I had that I wasn't aware of, such as writing (especially blogging about my travels). She gave me the confidence to realize that I can do anything I want, and make a living doing what I love. We are still working together, and I learn more every time we have a consultation. (Thanks for everything, Sian!)
I also had the amazing opportunity to travel to Thailand for 6 weeks, which again was a growing experience within itself. New people, new culture, new scenery, new language, new food, new climbing... all so inspiring.
I never would have guessed that I would be where I am today... In Australia... traveling the world... making art... climbing... I have matured so much and I look forward to growing even more. I have 4 months left of studying abroad and a lifetime more to explore myself and the world. Cheers!
I'd also like to take to thank everyone who has made these experiences possible for me (especially my parents- words can't explain how thankful I am for you and the opportunities you gave me! I love you so much!), the study abroad office at UTC (Thanks Mr. Prevost!) and everyone who I met and supported me along the way... including YOU for reading my blog! Sending love to all of you!!!
And here is what I have to say about it:
“Only that in you which is me can hear what I am saying.”
-Ram Dass
Einstein proved that everything is made out of energy with his equation, E = mc2. This concept has been around since ancient times. The ancient Chinese call this flow “chi” while the ancient Hindus call it “prana.” Everything is energy and it is vibrating at different frequencies. It is no surprise that humans can feel this energy and use it to connect with other people.
Energy connects all individuals. It is everywhere, in everything, and never stops moving. Every person has their own unique energy yet we are all interconnected.
Have you ever been in a room with someone who is really depressed and negative? Personally, I feed off other people’s energy. In this case, I start to feel negative as well. Yet, when I am in the same area as people who are really positive and optimistic, I start to feel that way as well. It’s no coincidence – I am feeding off their energetic vibrations.
One of my favorite artists, Alex Grey, deals with this topic frequently in his work. He says, “The infinite vibratory levels, the dimensions of interconnectedness are without end. There is nothing independent. All beings and things are residents in your awareness”
a purposefully out-of-proportion style figure in space. I like drawing f-ed up sometimes.
When first given the topic of “The Politics of Place,” the rainforest was one of the first places that came to mind. I am deeply inspired by the twisted roots in the rainforest, which is what initially attracted me to this place.
I am interested in the idea that that the organic forms found in nature mimic the shapes found in the human body. I found myself drawing cellular shapes as I was interpreting the rainforest, which made me realize that there are many connections between anatomy and botany. Just as roots branch out to find nutrients, neurons branch out to find chemicals. All plants, animals, and humans are made up of the same basic material: cells. Cells are made of molecules; molecules are made of atoms; and atoms are made of energy. We are just energy. Simple.
I am deeply affected by the metaphysical energy of the rainforest. I feel as though everything is vibrating in a very powerful way. Everything feels so alive. Every little piece of the forest seems to be breathing. All the roots in the rainforest mingle into some sort of network...a community. Perhaps they all share some thoughts or feelings in some way – a sort of inner-connectedness. The rainforest is not only just alive but sentient. It’s truly a magical place.
I had to paint on a large canvas because it had to make an impact on the viewer. There is no denying that the rainforest is vast and overwhelming, completely consuming the average person. I feel lost in it. I wanted this piece to absorb the viewer in a similar way that the rainforest captivates me. I did not want to create an artwork that can easily be dismissed. I want the viewer to be compelled to look.
these guys made their clothes out of re-usable bags!
My neighbor truly followed the rules and literally just had a box as clothes:
