Art, Mindfulness and Me!

Since 2013 this has been my practice.

Welcome to Denyse Whelan who has a free space (thank you Substack!)

to Write Here!

Thank you for following, reading and commenting. This is why I write…to connect!

Some art is in books and I used these as ‘journals’ too.

Different shapes, same colour palette

As a blogger I would share from time to time the difference ‘making art’ of some kind made for me and my ‘inner life.’

In the years 2013 into 2016 I did have quite a lot of inner turmoil, and changes that impacted me due to our life changing and over time, moving away from Sydney and to a place that was lovely but never felt like home!!

Why Art?

I call it art but for me it is a range of enjoyable and creative mindful processes and acts which can leave me feeling more relaxed as I do it, and take me into the ideal mindful space..i.e. nothing else on my mind other than what I was doing.

Over the years I paid for some on-line classes, took part in an on-line group for 7 years called “Index Card a Day” and did a real life class learning about painting.

What I Discovered About Me.

I need to do this and have relatively easy access to do something related to art.

I am so fortunate to have had that space over the past 9 years and it’s so helpful

I am, ahem, a choosy artist.

I have learned over time that ‘cheap or student’ items are too frustrating for me

So, yes it can be expensive and I APPRECIATE that I am able to buy exactly what I like to use and need

And it calms me beyond any other means

In fact, the actual gentle placement of a paintbrush dipped in paint and drawn across a page is calming within itself

and I love repetition and BRIGHT colours.

What I Do (and do not)

I don’t even try to do anything related to reality anymore.

I have tried it: portraits, flowers, landscapes and more but I found it frustrated me

So, I began to do

WHAT

WORKED

FOR

ME!

And recently I admit I have culled a LOT of my art journals.

I know! Sometimes they have served their purpose.

Using my art and craft through the years of head and neck cancer surgeries and recoveries it came into its own…and as for Covid, I needed distractions then.

So, what is here is no longer around. I have to be ruthless…and I took pics!

These are some of my books with art in them…not finished. Yet. Different sizes are my preference as in smooth white paper surface (black too at times) with a high-ish GSM
I cannot bear to use anything which bleeds so all of those alcohol based items purchased a while back are for the grandkids when they visit.

These are something new: 3 different sizes of ‘flip books’ for quick pattern play/doodling* fun. *don’t like this word….

A year or so ago I was introduced to an on-line class using small square books and posca paint pens and I LOVE using them. Here are some finished ones.

And my pretties waiting for me…new books!

And the last drop of information about me and art is my flower drawing. It is the most relaxing go-to of all. It’s repetitive and oh-so mindful.

Last one:

What is your go-to for creative mindfulness?

I hope you have a great week ahead.

Denyse.

Here I am joining with Min and friends for here Wednesday’s Words and Whimsy today.

And for the time it’s needed I’ve become a member of #TeamWWWhimsy to ensure the commenting is shared and conversations continue.