SENSE OF PLACE
Impressions - Letting unfold the stillness of a moment, the elegance of emptiness and rich unfolding

"Take a moment of stillness and allow this moment to be without imposing thought. This way we become aware of the space, rather than the content."
- Eckhart Tolle -
SPENDING SACRED ME-TIME
WRITING PROMPTS​
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PRACTICING STILLNESS​
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Emptiness is the perfect state of being. Your very essence emerged from emptiness.
Stillness is the essence that is at the root of all things and beings.
All creativity requires some stillness.
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Meditate. Focus on simplicity. If you are used to guided meditations try to use simple ones to foster your sense of calm and equanimity.
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Do some mindful breathing to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and a sense of stillness.
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Sensory Awareness: Engage in mindful activities like spending time in nature and listening to nature sounds; appreciating the taste of good food, or feeling the texture or clothing to ground you in the present moment.
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Do some journalling and self-reflection.
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Balance: Get some rest for your physical and mental health... sufficient sleep.
SPENDING TIME IN THE STUDIO
MINDFUL EXERCISE
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IMPRESSION UNFOLDING​
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The concept of the "unfolding impression" in painting, while not a widely used term in art history, corresponds to the basic principles of Impressionism, which focused on capturing the fleeting first impression of a scene or subject. The term could be understood as the gradual development of an artist's visual and emotional experience on canvas, a process that reveals the subjective reality of a moment: quick, loose brushstrokes, blurred lines; the capturing of sensations, the transferring of inner experiences onto the canvas.
But the overall picture may also change in this process, following the changeability of the inner life.
An initial feeling or sensation gradually takes shape and develops into a more complex and nuanced visual representation. Immediate, unfiltered. The fleeting moment and personal sensations reflect its stillness and unfold a wealth of impressions in elegant emptiness.
An evocative and deeply meaningful effect can be transported.
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Stillness and emptiness can be powerful tools for conveying various emotions and themes, evoking feelings of quiet contemplation, isolation, or even a sense of profound understanding.
Stillness can be achieved through the absence of strong lines or movements, the use of soft colours and muted tones, and the inclusion of calm subjects (still life, serene landscapes). It can create a sense of peace, a connection to the present moment.
Emptiness can be used literal, with large areas of empty space, or metaphorical, suggesting a lack of something, a void, a sense of loneliness. Emptiness can also be used to focus attention on a specific element or subject within the painting - not succumbing to despair but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.
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Still life paintings often feature objects arranged in a quiet, still setting, inviting the viewer ​to contemplate the items and the space around them, to visually engage and being thought-provoked. Feelings of solitude, vastness, even of the unknown can be evoked, especially with elements of nature.
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Listen to music and paint or draw freely, allowing the music to guide your colour choices and strokes. How does it feel to combine your visual expression with your emotional resonance of music?
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Engage with nature materials like flowers, leaves, or sticks to create art. It can foster a connection with the environment, promote mindfulness, and provide a grounding experience. You can also draw or paint nature elements or bring nature into your home and create a beautiful space.
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Simply draw or paint how you feel at the moment, without any specific prompts or instructions. Express as direct and expressive as possible your emotions and explore.
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"Within you, there is a stillness and sanctuary which you can retreat at any time and be yourself."
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- Hermann Hesse -
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