Celebrating Creativity – J. Light’s Art Journal

We are creative beings. Yes, you too!

There are so many ways to be creative in our lives:

• hobbies
• social gatherings and ceremonies
• problem solving
• cooking
• gardening, landscape design
• house decorating
• play
• childrearing
• dressing
• the arts
• intuitive living
• the list is endless

Creativity is part of who we are! 

Witnessing other people’s creativity is inspiring – a gift that keeps on giving.

How delightful to find out what inspires them, and how that inspiration is translated through their ways of being and doing.

J. Light’s story is one that touched my life directly.

Her initial contact and our conversation was a pleasant surprise. And her request inspired my own creativity.

May it continue to give to her and to all those who are touched by her idea-come-to-life.

I received an email from J. Light in California on September 14th:

I have a handmade journal that I bought from an artist in Ireland. I have been meeting, inviting and commissioning artists to add art to her pages. Can we discuss this possibility?”

Of course I was intrigued. Following a beautiful Zoom call connection, I was on board. Her journal was on my doorstep days later.

In her own words, J. Light explains the “why” behind this project:

My art journal project began as a way to connect with my friends. I was feeling isolated, craving connection and beauty. It was a practice in inviting women to participate, as I am usually not one to make requests of others. I have asked each contributor to include a heart somewhere in the image. I love how each piece reflects the uniqueness and style of its artist. It was noteworthy, after three local contributors, how I wanted to send the journal out of state. And then, even out of the country. It is my hope to support artists, and make new friends in this process. I intend to eventually invite poets to choose an image from the journal to inspire a piece of writing.

Here’s to HeArt Around the World…the joy of creative expression and friendship.

The vision for my double-page spread started floating in my consciousness a few days before I started work on the project. But as many of my paintings, it evolved layer by layer as I was painting.

Adding to this personal nomadic art collection was an honour.

Enjoying the contributions of others was a part of the process.

The message that came through for J. Light is one that can benefit us all. Micheal Beckwith expresses it so well:

“Grow deep roots to harvest rich fruit! When your roots run deep, you cannot help but bear the fruit of the Spirit.”

Painting the tree of life within the sideways Vesica Piscis represents the birthing and rebirthing of limitless love and life – the roots and fruits of which expand beyond the boundaries of time and space. 

When J. Light’s journal arrived back in California, she wrote:

Your contribution fills my heart and speaks to my soul. I thank you.

What other symbolism or messages can you feel come through for you in this image? Feel free to comment below.

May your days be filled with your own unique and creative ways of being and doing. And may we all continue to inspire each other. 

Here’s to celebrating creativity!