IVY NEWPORT

Studioworks

Journal
a letter from ivy

Dear creative friends,

Welcome to Issue No. 44 of the Studioworks Journal! As always, I’m delighted you are here with me and I’m excited to share this with you. So, as you know I have been traveling since May and coming home has been rather interesting. Travel truly does change us and I feel like I have come back with fresh eyes and renewed gratitude. I have also returned with a deeper connection to the power of music. Spending almost a month in Edinburgh, Scotland, and witnessing a lot of beautiful, soulful, live music was absolutely incredible.

Furthermore, I actually got to befriend and gather with some of these artists and hear their stories. It felt like a life-altering experience to hear from local Scots about their tie to their land, their history, culture, and how they express themselves with music. Truly inspiring.

I find the best way for me to share authentically with you is to share what is in my heart at the very present moment. So, you may have guessed that music is our theme for the month.

I’m excited to explore how art and music intertwine and inspire each other and how we can bring this into our own creative practice.

So let’s begin…

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

Music As The Muse

There are many parallels between Music and Art. Both can affect our mood, evoke emotion, and trigger memories. Both can comfort, disturb or inspire. We can all relate to feeling blue and then listening to sad songs to accompany our mood. I do this often, it kinda looks like self-torture – lol – but it helps me process my feelings and release emotions. Who hasn’t made a “break up playlist” right?! Alternatively, I love to play invigorating music to inspire my body to move and release energy in a completely different way. Dancing around your studio can really kick resistance and fear and often helps me begin a painting. Quiet, introspective music can assist us in focus or relaxation. Music is truly a well-loved companion to almost every visual artist I know!

In a technical sense, Music and Art both share elements of balance, harmony, rhythm, and repetition. We see in Art History many of the masters have related their creations to musical theory.

Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944), one of the first creators of abstract art, called his art – “visual music”. He paired music with specific colors and used lines and shapes to express how the music interacted with him.

“A painter, who finds no satisfaction in mere representation, however artistic, in his longing to express his inner life, cannot but envy the ease with which music, the most non-material of the arts today, achieves this end. He naturally seeks to apply the methods of music to his own art.”
– Wassily Kandinsky

Improvisation 27, 1912

Wassily Kandinsky

Here in “Improvisation 27” we can see an example of visual expression illustrating Kandinsky’s connection to music. Even the title of the work is a musical term. He would often create spontaneous works like this and call them improvisations while his more detailed or composed works would be entitled “Compositions”. He felt that, like music, abstract art could more directly impact the viewer’s emotions than traditional realistic works.

Of course, Art can inspire Music too! In fact, it is reported that the great composer Debussy was incredibly moved by the paintings of J.M.W. Turner. It is said he spent a great amount of time absorbing Turner’s evocative seascapes which may have influenced his first musical sketch of – “From Dawn ’til Noon on the Sea”

      Sea View, 1820
      J.M.W. Turner

      Fisherman at Seat, 1796
      J.M.W. Turner

      You can listen to that piece of music by Debussy here if you are interested…can you see the connection between Turner’s visual expression of the sea and Debussy’s musical interpretation?

        These are just two examples of the inspirational exchange between Music and Art. There are countless others in Art History. I always find comfort in learning how the artists that have come before us found inspiration. History always provides such rich examples of great working artists who often struggled and strived just as we do today. By using Music as a Muse, many found deep insight, new ideas, and connections to further their own visual expression of their souls.

        We, of course, can do the same. So maybe, take a closer look at the music you are drawn to or explore new kinds of music. How can it potentially be more woven into your creations?

        “Feed the body food and drink, it will survive today. Feed the soul art and music, it will live forever.”
        – Julie Andrews
        Music As The Muse

        by : Ivy Newport

        Hearing Color

        the mystery of Synesthesia

        Did you know that there are individuals out there (you may be one of them) who have a very interesting sensory gift called Synesthesia.

        So what is this phenomenon? Best described as a union of the senses, synesthesia is when one sensory experience involuntarily, and consistently, prompts another. There are up to 70 different types, such as the ability to see sounds, hear time, and taste shapes; however, the most common involve color. For example, you might hear a bell ring and see the color pink or you could listen to a song and see a variety of colors and forms in your mind’s eye.

        The word “synesthesia” has Greek roots. It translates to “perceive together.” People who have this ability are called synesthetes. Synesthesia isn’t a disease or disorder. Often people with this do not consider it a drawback but rather a gift.

        As an artist, I have always found this sensory ability rather fascinating. Here are some interesting facts about Synesthesia:

        • According to research Synesthesia runs in families and it is estimated only about 1% – 4% of the population have this ability.
        • The connections between sound and color stay the same, for example, if you hear a certain word or tune and see green you will almost always see that same green paired with that same sound.
        • It is believed that all newborn babies are born with this ability but it fades for most at 4 months old when the brain evolves.
        • People with Synesthesia tend to perform better with memory testing.
        • Many Synesthetes are left-handed and are often very tied to creative careers.
        • It is far more common in women than men.

        Some famous painters and musicians past and present who are believed to be Synesthetes – Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, David Hockney, Duke Ellington, Jack Coulter, Tori Amos, Mary J. Blige, Beyoné, Joan Mitchell

        Our dear Vincent van Gogh attempted to learn the piano but found the experience completely overwhelming, expressing that each note produced a different color. Unfortunately, he thought this was attributed to his mental instability, but was it part of his genius? I’m sure you would agree it was.

        (We study Vincent van Gogh in Studioworks Journal Issue No. 5)

        “One can speak poetry just by arranging colors well together.”
        – Vincent van Gogh

        One of my favorite American abstract artists, Joan Mitchell (1925-1992) was reportedly a Synesthete. It was revealed in her biography by Patricia Albers that Joan saw much of the world including letters, sounds, people, and even emotions as colors. Mitchell apparently hid her condition only vaguely alluding to the colors she saw when listening to music, meeting people, or experiencing emotion. However, whenever she painted, Mitchell played music – everything from classical to the blues – and the music inspired colors in her imagination that fuelled her paintings.

        We study Joan Mitchell inside this month’s Studioworks Journal. Enjoy this month’s BONUS LESSON below…

        “My paintings repeat a feeling about Lake Michigan, or water, or fields…it’s more like a poem…and that’s what I want to paint.”
        – Joan Mitchell

        Of course reading this article you might be poking around in your own mind and wondering, do I ever do this? Do I tie music or sound or letters to color? Obviously, most of us are not actual Synesthetes but it’s interesting to explore this anyway… Play some violin music. Close your eyes. What color comes to mind? Don’t question it. Now try some flute music or drums or the sound of a word! I think this is such a fascinating exercise for our creative minds.

        “Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul.”
        – Wassily Kandinsky
        Hearing Color - The Mystery of Synesthesia

        by : Ivy Newport

        Journal Prompt & Card Spread

        Let’s explore our connection to Music by doing some journaling and/or a tarot or oracle spread.

        I’ve chosen 3 cards inspired by elements of music paired with pertaining questions…

        1. Rhythm – How does music connect to my creative practice? Do I find a rhythm or pattern in the ways in which I use music to soothe or inspire me?
        2. Melody – How could music heighten the way I experience the act of creating? Could certain melodies elevate my spiritual connection to my art?
        3. Form – What actions can I take to integrate music into my art if I so desire?

        Please feel free to print out this journal prompt & card spread and put it somewhere in your sketchbook or journal.

            The Goddess Cana Cludhmor

            As many of you know, I adore mythology and I often find inspiration in cultural stories about various gods and goddesses. So since we are exploring the power of Music, I thought it only fitting to take a look at the Celtic goddess, Cana Cludhmor.

            In Irish mythology, Cana Cludhmor was the mythical inventor of the harp, and was often referenced as an Irish goddess of music, inspiration, and dreams. She is the patron goddess of bards and musicians.

            Her Story

            It is told that Cana Cludhmor, walked along the seashore one night. She was terribly sad about an argument with her lover. As she walked she began to hear a sweet sound on the wind. The melody was so comforting that she soon forgot about her sadness and fell into a deep sleep. When she woke, the song continued. She followed the sound and discovered a massive whale carcass lying on the beach. The wind was blowing through its decaying vessel, playing against the strings of sinew. She witnessed this great gift from Mother Earth and she was inspired to create a beautiful instrument to replicate this magical sound – the Irish harp. Which of course is Ireland’s national emblem to this day.

            You can listen to her entire story below…

            The Goddess Cana Cludhmor

            by : Ivy Newport

            Cana Cludhmor is often depicted as a beautiful woman, by the ocean or in the forest playing her harp, surrounded by nature and animals.

            Symbols of the Goddess Cana Cludhmor

            (these I have chosen based on her story)

            • Animals – whales
            • Objects – harp, seashells, the ocean
            • Crystals/Stones – aquamarine, sapphire, pearl, coral, ametrine, moonstone
            • Colors – turquoise, gold, midnight blue, silver, white, deep green

              Check out this Pinterest Board dedicated to Cana Cludhmor

                Musically inspired Artist PROMPT
                • Make a list of the songs that really deeply touch your heart. Listen to a few of these. Why do they move you? What kinds of images, colors and memories arise? Could you make a painting inspired by one or more of these songs?

                I Am in Need of Music

                by Elizabeth Bishop

                I love this poem by American poet, Elizabeth Bishop (1911- 1979). What a gorgeous ode to our deep longing for music – to soothe us and stir us and radiate through us…

                I am in need of music that would flow
                Over my fretful, feeling fingertips,
                Over my bitter-tainted, trembling lips,
                With melody, deep, clear, and liquid-slow.
                Oh, for the healing swaying, old and low,
                Of some song sung to rest the tired dead,
                A song to fall like water on my head,
                And over quivering limbs, dream flushed to glow!
                There is a magic made by melody:
                A spell of rest, and quiet breath, and cool
                Heart, that sinks through fading colors deep
                To the subaqueous stillness of the sea,
                And floats forever in a moon-green pool,
                Held in the arms of rhythm and of sleep.
                I Am In Need of Music

                by : Ivy Newport

                WORD OF THE MONTH

                Music

                Music : noun – ​​vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

                While this definition is pretty solid I also wanted to take a look at the etymology of this word. The word music comes from the Greek word (mousike), which means “(art) of the Muses”. In Ancient Greece, the Muses included the goddesses of music, poetry, art, and dance. I love that the word Music comes directly from the Greek Muses who encompass facets of creative expression and spirituality. There were in fact 9 muses:

                • Calliope, Muse of eloquence and heroic poetry
                • Erato, muse of Lyric or Erotic Poetry
                • Melpomene, muse of the Tragedy
                • Polymnia, muse of Sacred Poetry (hymns)
                • Terpsichore, muse of the Dance
                • Thalia, muse of the Comedy
                • Urania, muse of the Astronomy and Astrology

                 

                I think this only strengthens how interconnected creative expressions are and how embracing all kinds of inspiration can only widen our scope of creativity and the visual arts.

                “Art and music shine a light of meaning on ordinary life, and through them we are able to confront the things that trouble us and to find consolation and peace in their presence.”
                – Roger Scruton
                Word of the Month - Music

                by : Ivy Newport

                Surrender Meditation

                WITH RACHEL HILLARY

                I am sharing this beautiful Surrender Meditation from one of my favorite meditation masters – Rachel Hillary. This one is truly soothing! I really believe that music can help us to surrender into our emotions, blocks and fears. I know it helps me surrender to the process of painting and trusting the Universe. So allow about 20 mins to enjoy this special time connecting with yourself and sinking into the wonderful musical journey Rachel takes you on.

                Rachel will share a little about this experience –

                This practice is created for something I felt like I needed myself right now, a big hug and release in a meditation. It is delicate and emotional, a safe space set on a beautiful beach at sunset with purple skies. With all of my meditations, it is like an energy transmission as well, something is seeded within them with a different flower blooming with each listen. Whether you are suffering pain, grief, heartbreak, or frustration, a beautiful act is that of surrendering.

                lots of love,
                Rachel x

                “Where words fail, music speaks.”
                – Hans Christian Andersen
                Surrender Meditation

                by : Rachel Hillary

                You can download more meditations and connect with Rachel here…

                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…
                Music and Magic

                With Denise Stargazer

                This month I wanted to invite you into the unique world of shamanic rattles. PLUS, a new oracle card deck and tarot pull for the month of August.

                In the shamanic world, rattles are used to move energy across the body and to open and close the various chakras. We can use these sacred ‘music makers’ to help call in spirit and open sacred space. They’re also supportive of trance-induced meditations (if someone moves the rattle for you while you find stillness). The rattles I am using in this video are hand carved from the Q’ero shamanic families in Peru. And each rattle has a very specific sound quality. The larger rattles are used to opening energy portals across the body. While the smaller rattles are often used to pull sacred healing into the crown chakra and third eye. The fact is you are invited to use rattles in any way that serves your heart! Dance, sing, chant, or shake them as you tap into your soul.

                In the second portion of this month’s video, I am introducing everyone to the Kim Krans Wild Unknown Alchemy deck. These cards are pure magic. Follow along as we set an intention and draw for August. Kim Krans is an artist and mystic. Her entire collection of tarot and oracle cards is jaw-dropping-amazingness! I am also doing a tarot draw for this Leo season to see what energy is being introduced to our collective. I am using the Ryder/Waite/Smith deck for this draw.

                Thank you for your ongoing support and love! It is always a delight to share with this community. May the month of August bless you and keep you in soul-alignment. Best wishes!

                Learn more about Denise by visiting her website and follow her on social media…

                Check out her awesome YouTube channel too…

                “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
                – Victor Hugo
                Color Palette of the Month

                This month, I couldn’t help but be inspired by our master artist and proud Scot, John Duncan. Duncan’s work is an incredible tapestry of color that paints each scene with such intention, story and symbolism. He often uses a myriad of jewel tones and pastel hues, masterfully woven into each piece. So, my color-loving friends, this is going to be another month to really play with color. Like the notes in a lyrical song, tones vary and alternatively contrast and harmonize with each other. Pay close attention to how Duncan will pair soft tones against striking saturated color where he wants the viewer to pay close attention and then reduces his tonal value and saturation where the background fades. These compositional techniques are equally utilized in music. I just love the connection. (You will see that some of his work is more somber in tone but with Music as our theme I think it’s only fitting to go for some color right?)

                We see exquisite examples of this in his work, Saint Bride, (1913).

                As always, work with colors that call to you and never doubt your creative intuition. Your colors may look entirely different and that’s ok.

                Highly recommend watching this video about this piece of work…

                “Music is well said to be the speech of angels.”
                – Thomas Carlyle
                Color Palette

                by : Ivy Newport

                Master Artist Guide

                John Duncan

                This month, I’m so very excited to bring you the work and story of Scottish painter, John Duncan. I had the privilege of seeing many of his works in person at the National Gallery in Edinburgh. They are absolutely breathtaking. The tapestry-like colors and details along with the rich symbolism is truly a treat to witness. I chose him, not only because he relates to my trip to Scotland but also because he was part of a very important time in art history referred to as the Celtic Revival. This was a time when many creatives and academics wanted to bring back the true history, culture and beauty of Scotland’s Celtic roots. This meant being inspired by ancient stories, myths and yes, music too! During this time, Scotland wanted to distance itself from stereotypical imagery of wild, savage highlanders and reclaim the true depth, strength and beauty of their Celtic culture.

                John Duncan was a true pioneer of this movement so let’s learn a little more about his creative journey…

                Biography

                Duncan was born in the Hilltown area of Dundee on 19 July 1866, the son of a butcher and cattleman. John, however, had no interest in the family business and preferred the visual arts. By the age of 15 he was submitting cartoons to the local magazine “The Wizard of the North” and was later taken on as an assistant in the art department of the Dundee Advertiser. At the same time he was also a student at the Dundee School of Art, then based at the High School of Dundee. In 1887-88, he worked in London as a commercial illustrator, then travelled to the continent to study at Antwerp Academy under Charles Verlat and the Düsseldorf Art Academy.

                In 1889, Duncan returned to Dundee and exhibited in the new Victoria Art Galleries extension of the Albert Institute. The following year he became one of the founder members of the Dundee Graphic Arts Association (now Dundee Art Society). Most of his income at this time was derived from portrait commissions, including jute merchant John L Luke and Mrs Hunter of Hilton.

                The Glaive of Light, 1897

                Hymn to the Rose, 1907

                Riders of Sidhe, 1911

                In 1897, Duncan returned to Dundee and exhibited Celtic and symbolist paintings at the Graphic Arts Association as well as the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Glasgow Institute among others. It was at this time that he painted The Glaive of Light now in the University of Dundee’s collection. He continued to teach art and design, at the Dundee YMCA, the University and the art school at Dundee Technical Institute. He also created Dundee’s first design collective by gathering together a group of young talents who created and exhibited decorative art and design pieces for the Graphic Arts Association, including Nell Baxter, Rosa Baxter, Elizabeth Burt and Duncan’s sister Jessie Westbrook.

                Thanks to Patrick Geddes’s influence, in 1900, Duncan was appointed as a Professor at the Chicago Institute founded by Francis Wayland Parker. His stay there was not a happy one, and after Parker’s death in 1902 he returned to Scotland and settled in Edinburgh, where he would live for the rest of his life.

                Duncan’s last major work was entitled ‘Mary Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay’ (dated 1929). The work was commissioned and is now held by the University of St Andrews. The painting was completed in spite of the critical antagonisms Duncan was facing at the time. A smaller scale replica is held in the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle.

                Children of Lir, 1924

                Mary Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay, 1929

                A little more info on The Celtic Revival

                The Celtic Revival (also referred to as the Celtic Twilight) was a variety of movements and trends in the 19th and 20th centuries that saw a renewed interest in aspects of Celtic culture. Artists and writers drew on the traditions of Gaelic literature, Welsh-language literature, and Celtic art—what historians call Insular art (the Early Medieval style of Ireland and Britain).

                Research into the Gaelic and Brittonic cultures and histories of Britain and Ireland gathered pace from the late 17th century, by antiquaries and historians like Owen Jones in Wales and Charles O’Conor in Ireland. The key surviving manuscript sources were gradually located, edited and translated, monuments identified and published, and other essential groundwork in recording stories, music and language done.

                Interest in Scottish Gaelic culture greatly increased during the onset of the Romantic period in the late 18th century, with James Macpherson’s Ossian achieving international fame, along with the novels of Sir Walter Scott and the poetry and lyrics of Thomas Moore.

                Throughout Europe, the Romantic movement inspired a great revival of interest in folklore, folk tales, and folk music; even Beethoven was commissioned to produce a set of arrangements of Scottish folk-songs. A growing sense of Celtic identity encouraged and fed off a rise in nationalism throughout the United Kingdom, which was especially intense in Ireland and Scotland.

                “Music and Art are the guiding lights of the world.”
                – Pablo Picasso

                Enjoy this slideshow of his work…

                Here’s a Pinterest board full of work from John Duncan

                More videos to watch…

                Master Artist Guide

                by : Ivy Newport

                Sketchbook Explorations

                EXPLORATION 1

                Music Goddess

                With our monthly goddess, Cana Cludhmor, as our muse, let’s create a portrait or expression of this Music Goddess (or one you choose to work with). Feel free to use any medium that brings you joy! You could also dedicate this page to your favorite musician!

                Check out our curated Pinterest board to get your creative ideas flowing…

                EXPLORATION 2

                Inspired by John Duncan

                Have a peek at Duncan’s’ beautifulworks and then pick a piece to do a study of or create a piece inspired by his work! Really allow yourself to embrace the beauty and symbolism of Celtic art!

                Here is a Pinterest board I’ve curated to inspire you…

                EXPLORATION 3

                Painting a Song

                Okay, so get a great playlist going in your creative space, grab some favorite mediums and see if you can paint a song! This can be wild and abstract like Wassily Kandinski’s or more illustrative and storytelling like John Duncan’s work. Allow yourself first to just listen and see what colors, shapes and images arise then get painting! Songs tell stories whether literally or symbolically. Alternatively, you could try and identify the different instruments in the song and see what colors come up for you. Can you assign colors, shapes and/or lines to various sounds? Have fun with this! Let the music move you!

                “Only Art and Music have the power to bring peace.”
                – Yoko Ono

                MONTHLY ART LESSON

                Realm of the Fae

                With jerney marisha

                So excited to share this magical lesson from Jerney Marisha this month!

                Jerney has had a love for mythology and folk tales ever since she was a little girl. Especially Fairies!

                In this lesson, we will keep our brush strokes loose and leave out as much details as we can get away with. Value will be the star in our painting.

                I hope you enjoy!

                BONUS MONTHLY ART LESSON

                Abstract Landscape

                With IVY NEWPORT

                I’m excited to share this special bonus lesson inspired by one of my favorite American abstract artists, Joan Mitchell. As always, this abstract took me on quite the rollercoaster. The battle between the intuitive mind and the logical mind is real but this process always pushes me to trust myself a little more and to just embrace the unknown.

                So with your inner landscape in mind and the emotions and colors of this place, jump into this work with an open mind and heart. Let your inner child come out and play and simply enjoy the colors and textures of paint, pastel and paper.

                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 forty-four

                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 forty-four

                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

                NEW CLASSES ADDED TO STUDIOWORKS

                Here are just a few of our fantastic classes! I highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t already. Enjoy!