IVY NEWPORT

Studioworks

Journal
a letter from ivy

Dear creative friends,

Welcome to Issue #28 of the Studioworks Journal! As always, I’m delighted you are here with me and I’m excited to share this with you.

This month, I wanted to explore the meaning and power of potential. What is it? What does it mean for our creative journey? How can we realize, embrace and embody our true potential? These are some pretty big questions and ones that deserve our attention. So let’s dig in shall we?

xo,

So you may be wondering, where do I start? To that, I say, wherever feels right to you. Each month we will have a theme, a creative affirmation, a power word, a color palette, sketchbook exercises, art projects, articles, recommended reading, and access to wonderful inspiration and resources. I want you to think of this as a delicious new magazine, you know the ones you occasionally splurge on, with soft, velvety pages, beautiful images, and inspiring content!

Each issue will invite you to explore your creative practice in whichever way works for you. Experience each issue at your own pace. Take what resonates with you and put the rest aside for another time.

Grab a cup of something lovely and dive in.

MONTHLY THEME

Your Potential is Calling
“This day, like all days, holds great potential.”
– Jeff Davidson

Can you hear it? Can you feel it? That faint whisper, that yearning deep within you…yep, that’s your creative potential. Like a new morning, as the sun creeps over the horizon your creative potential has the desire to emerge. To stretch its wings. To taste the air. Why do we so often cage it?

As artists, as seekers, as human beings, our creative potential is infinite and only restricted by our own limiting beliefs. Once we embrace this concept, we can focus on what’s standing in our way instead of dismantling ourselves for not being talented enough, practiced enough or worthy enough to pursue our art. We can shed light on the obstacles and be a compassionate witness to the shadows they cast upon our path.

We can recognize that we are NOT our limitations. Our limitations are constructs of the ego, the critic, the inner child, your parents, your disgruntled art teacher from high school, society etc.

Essentially, as real as our obstacles may feel, they are illusions. They are fabricated by our wounds, our fear and our mistrust. While we are guided by these misgivings, our potential will lie dormant, patiently waiting for us to reach within and plant our seeds in the ground.

“Everybody has a creative potential and from the moment you can express this creative potential, you can start changing the world.”
– Paulo Coelho

Potential invites us to explore what can happen if we plant those seeds? Could we possibly uncover a tiny measure of relief, of comfort, of joy? What if we move past our limitations? Where would it take us? What could we create? What could we become? What impact could we have upon the world if we only answered the call?

Well, the good news is – you are here. You are a part of this artistic community and we are in this together! You are not the only one who fears their own creative potential. You are not the only one to shy away from the vulnerability of making art. We’ve all done it!

We have days when we really lean into our courageous selves and our potential is expressed and celebrated and we have days when we shrink back and scuttle into the dark corners, shying away from what calls to us. You are not alone in this. However, to fully embrace our creative potential we need to take a closer look at it.

What does our creative potential require to be realized? The short answer is effort. Action. A willingness to make a move. A blank page will remain so without you putting down the first marks. A canvas will lay unused until you finally pick the dang thing up, put it on your easel and begin to layer paint on it. You may not know the final outcome (that’s part of the adventure) but you do need to take the first steps.

I truly believe that “talent” or rather mastery is potential and practice realized and embodied. Recognizing and fully embracing, that first, there is potential within you and then secondly, putting pencil to paper, brush to canvas, to engage in practice. The result of potential and practice is, of course – experience.

In turn, experience, over time, becomes mastery. As for talent….well, in my opinion, this is an overused and overrated concept. Having “talent” or not having “talent” just becomes another obstacle. As though, only a few special individuals got the exclusive “talent pass” and only those people should make art or express their creativity. Blah! What a load of nonsense! (For more on this check out the Studioworks Journal # 1 where we debunk talent and instead explore discipline.)

“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.”
– Winston Churchill
Understanding the Obstacles

Ok so, now we know what potential wants from us – a willingness to engage in our practice and imagine what is possible – but what about those pesky obstacles? Even if we acknowledge that they are NOT who we truly are. Even if we accept that most of them are illusions of the ego…just how do we move past them?

I won’t understate just how difficult this can be. I won’t tell you it’s easy peasy and all you need to do is stay positive and keep your chin up. Blocks to our creative potential are tricky and unfortunately, they are ingrained rather deeply in many of us. I’m not speaking of dry periods or fallow stages in your creative cycle but rather the stagnant, stubborn blocks and self-limiting beliefs that stand between you and your true creative potential.

Instead of pushing these obstacles aside, what if we took some time to examine them. To really try and understand and have compassion for them. What if we even made art about them?

I’ve been reading a book called the Zen of Creativity by John Daido Loori and in it he describes his journey of cultivating his photography practice. He describes how instead of ignoring, denying or fixating on the barriers to your art, we should instead become intimate with them. Furthermore, we should express these blocks in our artwork!

When you are feeling unworthy of your creativity what does that represent to you? Can you paint the feeling of being unworthy? Can you draw what fear looks like to you? And I don’t necessarily mean drawing a big scary monster to literally represent fear but dig deeper. What shapes, colors, textures, images, symbols resonate the actual fear you are feeling? Can you express on paper, canvas or whatever medium you work in, the feeling of unworthiness you might be experiencing? I love this quote about enduring a creative block or barrier –

“My experience is that eventually an image emerges out of the despair – an image of the despair. Painting that image breaks the block.”
– Warren Criswell

Did we get to the moon by denying gravity? Of course not! First, gravity had to be defined, understood, studied and then literally pushed through. We do not move through things by stepping around them. A lotus does not see the light of the sun until it first pushes up through the cold, dark mud. We do not grow or understand our full potential without bravely walking through the proverbial fire. Once we know we won’t actually be burned, we can traverse the hot coals and cross onto the cool, sweetness of the grass. Once we understand the root of our barriers we can untangle their hold on us. Once we understand gravity we can literally defy it.

I love this powerful koan* by the Japanese Zen Buddhist monk, Torei Enji –

“From the power of jumping into the water – the frog can float.”
– Torei Enji

As stated in “The Zen of Creativity”, – “Art Koans cannot be solved intellectually. It’s important you don’t try to rationalize them. Simply be aware of the feeling you are being asked to express. Sit with the barrier, be it. Sit with the question, not the solution.” – page 126

Can we be the frog that forces its way through the barrier of the water, in order to float? Can we dive into the heart of our obstacle or barrier to ultimately transcend it? The potential to float is indeed promising isn’t it? Floating sounds a lot like flowing to me…and flowing is the reward of engaging in our creativity. It is in the flow state where we discover our true potential and align with our highest purpose.

So as you walk on the Artist’s path, as you reveal your glorious potential, be prepared to get very familiar with the barriers holding you back. Get intimate with them. Get curious. Ask questions. Dig deep. Discover where and when these binds originated. Express these blocks in your work. Then, free yourself from their grip.

“The only way out is through.”
– Robert Frost
Your Potential is Calling

by : Ivy Newport

I love this poem by Danna Faulds that beautifully expresses the power of our potential, of the incredible metamorphosis that can occur when we answer the call of our soul…

Metamorphosis by Danna Faulds

“Called beyond the confines of this chrysalis by a force I cannot see or name, I am compelled by pain and something bigger than myself to leave the protection of all that I have known.

There is struggle, doubt, an awkward setting forth. Finally I break free of the cocoon and find myself surrounded by air and light.

I dare to act, still not knowing what I am; instinct, or maybe faith bids me move forward, make the leap, explore this mystery of change and flight.

I find myself with wings that dwarf my former world. Unfurled, they dry quickly in the sun. I, who expected to spend my days crawling, now teach myself to soar.

Such a rush of wind and freedom – that first flight teaches me more that I had learned in a lifetime of crawling.”

 

Metamorphosis by Danna Faulds

by : Ivy Newport

Creative Archetypes

WHAT IS AN ARCHETYPE

An archetype is defined as a universal symbol, character, pattern or element that is understood throughout the world, regardless of culture. It carries meaning and layered symbolism that reflects upon the human experience. For example, the “hero” is an archetype and this character is seen throughout the lineage of humankind, in stories, myths, paintings, music etc.

In Jungian psychology, the archetypes represent universal patterns and images that are part of the collective unconscious. Jung believed that we inherit these archetypes much in the way we inherit instinctive patterns of behavior.

For our purposes, as artists, I want to explore how these archetypes relate to the creative path.

THE SAGE ARCHETYPE

(Also known as the Wise Woman, Guru, Mentor, Teacher, Expert, Advisor)

When I think of the Sage archetype, images of a gray bearded Merlin enter my mind or the powerful wise woman crone who is sought out for her secret knowledge. These mystical portrayals are seen throughout art and literature around the world.

The archetype of the Sage, for example, can be found in popular western mythology as Wizard Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, Yoda in Star Wars, or Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter. But the same character is found in Baba Yaga of Russian folklore and the wise Old Woman of Japanese fairy tales. The Fairy Godmother may also fulfil this role of the wise old guide who offers the hero advice and foresight at a crucial stage in her journey.

Mysterious and universal, the Sage archetype invites us to examine our own wisdom and the sources of it. Let’s explore the core framework of this Archetype –

Can you relate to some of these inherent aspects of The Sage?

OVERARCHING BELIEF: The truth will set you free.
CORE DESIRE: To find truth and meaning.
FEAR: Unknowing or being misled, ignorance
WEAKNESS: Can over analyze and fail to act.
STRENGTH: Wisdom & Intelligence, insight, willingness to share and teach

What is truly beautiful about the Archetypes is that we all possess aspects of them within us. The fact that you are reading this, reflects your own Sage desire for knowledge and discovery on your Artist’s Path. How can we embody the Sage archetype to assist us creatively?

Well, The Sage asks us to explore, learn and eagerly seek out knowledge. She encourages us to pursue our own truth and find authentic resonance. She can energize us when we go to research or prepare for new experiences such as an art workshop or experimenting with a new technique.
You Sage will beckon you forward, leading you step by step through process, gathering wisdom along the way. I invite you to spend some time honoring this aspect of your creative self.

Sketchbook prompt:
  • Create an image of your inner Sage. You could collage, paint or sketch her. Spend some time thinking about what wisdom she has to impart to you….

Enjoy this Pinterest Board filled with beautiful Sage themed creations and imagery….

Creative Archetypes

by : Rachel Hillary

WORD OF THE MONTH

Potential

DEFINITION

POTENTIAL – having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.

“Face new challenges, seize new opportunities, test your resources against the unknown and in the process, discover your own unique potential.”
– John Amatt
Writing Prompt

As previously discussed, realizing your potential and allowing it to come forth is so incredibly exciting and freeing so let’s go a little bit deeper and journal about this topic…

1. When you think of your own potential what comes up for you?

2. What do you dream of doing in your creative life? Make a list and don’t worry about the how right now.

3. What tiny steps can I take towards these dreams?

4. What is the biggest obstacle in your path of allowing your potential to flourish?

“The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.”
― W. Timothy Gallwey

 

Writing Prompt

by : Ivy Newport

Full of Potential Artist PROMPT:
  • Create a What if Jar. Make a list of “what if” questions and then cut your paper into strips. Some great “what if” question examples are – “What if I spent 30 mins a day drawing?” or “What if I submit a painting to a show?” or “What if I sit with my paints and practice mixing colors for 30 mins each day?” Go for it and ask questions that seem unattainable right now. Then periodically through out the week, pull a slip of paper out of your jar and spend some time dreaming about the what if’s and what actions you can take to move closer to the potential of these experiences.
Sacred Grounding Meditation

WITH TRINA LEE

Engaging in our full potential requires a measure of stillness and awareness. Becoming grounded is a great place to start, which is why I’m featuring this beautiful meditation by Trina Lee! Trina is a dear friend and certified EFT Tapping practitioner.

I hope you enjoy.

Sacred Grounding

by : Trina lee

You can download more meditations and connect with Trina here…

“We are all on our own journeys as artists. Many can lead us part of the way, but only the artist can truly discover his own potential because it lies within himself.”
– Mary Moquin
Monthly Affirmation
Each month we will have a positive affirmation. I recommend you print out this affirmation and put it in your sketchbook or somewhere in your studio. Recite the affirmation out loud each time you show up to create. Saying words aloud is powerful and can begin to re-write some of our own limiting beliefs or calm our fears. Try it now…
Color Palette of the Month

This month, I couldn’t help but be inspired by our Master Artist – Marie Laurencin. I first saw this artist’s work while at the L’Orangerie Museum in Paris! Her paintings took my breath away with their fluid femininity and soft colors. So this month, as we gently explore our potential and our barriers, lets dive deep into an emerald and blue pool, touched by lavender and rose. Let ebony, soft grays and whites be our contrast, our light and dark.

“I am not a has-been. I am a will be.”
– Lauren Bacall
Color Palette

by : Ivy Newport

Full of Potential Artist PROMPT:
  • Your imagination LOVES the idea of potential! What is and what could be?? So for fun, draw a circle. Now list all the things a circle could be…or even better drawn some of these things…just have fun. Let your inner child come out and play with this idea.
Master Artist Guide

Marie Laurecin

So this month’s teachings about our Master Artist is going to be a little different. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to teach about this artist in a class called Studying Under the Masters with Jeanne Oliver. It was one of my very first teachings online! I poured myself into this class and loved creating it! It has been in our archives and I’m so excited to pull out these lessons this month and share some of them with you!

Marie Laurencin may have painted soft, pretty portraits of (mostly) women but she pushed the boundaries of cubism, refused to fall in line with her male colleges and embraced femininity as a strength, not a weakness! I absolutely loved studying her and all the variety of ways she expressed her full potential.

We will kick it off with a guided lecture about Marie Laurecin so you can learn more about her and her work….

“Why should I paint dead fish, onions, and beer glasses? Girls are so much prettier.”
– Marie Laurencin

Here’s a Pinterest board full of her work to inspire you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIE LAURENCIN…

Master Artist Guide

by : Ivy Newport

Full of Potential Artist PROMPT:
  • Potential equals possibilities so let’s play with this idea. Get a simple pencil or pen or your favorite brush – how many different marks can you create with this tool? Get creative and try something new! Creatively interacting with our mediums can result in some truly unique techniques!
Sketchbook Explorations

Instead of our typical sketchbook explorations, I will provide you with video lessons based on Marie’s style in ink, watercolor and oils. I think one way to truly explore your potential is to dive deep into studying another artist and try and work the way they work. It raises so many possibilities and questions about how you work, how you could work and how you want to work! Marie loved to explore different mediums so let’s play along with her and see where it takes us…

EXPLORATION 1

Ink Play with Marie

Marie loved to create with ink! She enjoyed the graphic nature of this medium and created many pieces with it! She liked to simplify her forms with her classic doll-like style and experimented with mark-making. Enjoy this first lesson with Marie as we warm up to her way of working. Feel free to add soft washes of color from our color palette too!

Here is a Pinterest board with some examples of her ink work…

EXPLORATION 2

Watercolor Play with Marie

Marie’s soft watercolor painting are so beautiful to look upon. So let’s try creating one of her stylized portraits in delicate washes of color. Do as many of these as you like. I kept mine small so I could do the same! Watch as I create one…

EXPLORATION 3

Painting with Marie – Master Study

Marie also loved to paint in oils so let’s do a Master study of one of her works that speaks to you. I chose to study the beautiful painting below but feel free to explore her work. Her primitive style is deceptively simple and helps us focus on our composition and forms over detail. Remember, you don’t have to stick to her style, infuse the painting with your own flair if you like!

“Worse than being dead / even more pathetic / is being a forgotten woman.”
– Marie Laurencin

 

MONTHLY ART PROJECT

The Water Bearer
By Jeanne-Marie Webb

So delighted to welcome back our guest teacher, Jeanne-Marie Webb! This month she shares an absolutely gorgeous clay project for us! If there is one thing that beckons us to explore potential it is a ball of clay! Oh the things we could make!! Watch as Jeanne-Marie gently creates this beauty out of paper clay. I love how her style melds so perfectly with our Master Artist too! Both are masters of stylized feminine grace! Enjoy!

Let’s get started!

STUDIOWORKS

Submission Calls
If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming Studioworks Journal, we’d love to have you join our Creative Network! Our intention with Studioworks has always been to cultivate community involvement and collaboration. Featuring members from our creative community is such an honor and a beautiful way to share the light you all bring. Come join us!

STUDIOWORKS PODCAST

issue twenty-eight

You can also listen to this month’s issue of the Studioworks journal. I find I love listening to books, podcasts and music while I draw, paint or go on a long walk. Enjoy.

Studioworks : issue twenty-eight

by : Ivy Newport

inspiration: curated
One of my favorite things to do is to curate inspiration. From Pinterest boards to books, resources, playlists and more – I love to share anything that might facilitate learning, expansion, and sparks of curiosity! Being an artist, we naturally crave these things so here are some of this month’s picks from me to you.

Books to Discover & Enjoy

MUSIC PLAYLIST

I had so much fun curating this list. I hope you enjoy!!

PINTEREST BOARDS

CLASSES TO TRY

Here are just a few of our fantastic classes! They feel in alignment with this month’s issue! I highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t already. Enjoy!