Media of Emotions

There is a plethora of artistic media. Sometimes we are intrigued by the media first before even creating or wanting to create artwork. There are those who may not be artists, or desire to become artist as a profession. Sometimes the magic is found in the media – by the markers, watercolors, tools, and different textured canvases. Mesmerized by the artistic techniques, the blending of the colors, or discovering what will happen when the media mixes. Not to exclude, the fun textures of tools and their technology. Although, artistic tools and media expand much further – they bring out comfort, emotions, epiphany and healing.

Many reasons can stop us from pursuing a desire, taking action, or just lifting a finger. Communicate with You shows the importance of learning to open up to yourself. Different artistic media can assist in opening emotions you did not realize you had inside. Let’s take a look at some examples or what happens when:

The desire and ideas to put your creativity on paper stop just by looking at the paper. Perhaps, there is a lack of motivation or an instant triggering of thoughts which causes your mind to go blank. Each person has many different experiences. In addition, during your communication process you may discover you are not comfortable with what you are observing or the first thing that might come to mind is that it is pointless – doubt sneaks in. The purpose is not to try, not to expect – just to be! Remove negative thought patterns by just doing. It is okay if something does not have a purpose or a reason. An action is automatically worthy of the present state!

Ready curated boxes of media are a great way to start. Especially, if you are new to art tools or do not know where to start or what to pick. After all, there are many options and stores filled with endless isles. Another idea is without thinking or planning what kind of art you want to make go to an art supply store and purchase media that catches your curiosity. There is also the option to let an employee pick something out for you that they have found fun! All of these are great steps to becoming more and more open with yourself, your surroundings, and others.

These are the media used:

The Tombow VIP box is a good place to start exploring. I discovered these because they have a VIP program with exclusive content sold to members first at a low price.

They also e-mail exclusive discounts through the program! The Spring VIP box included:

Dual Brush Pens. The colors used: 985, 373, 379, 772 and 885.
Water brush pens. Three sizes: Small, medium, and flat.
Tombow Spiral Art Journal that came in the box.
Princetone Angular Shader brush (Not included in box , but used in video.)

First, comes you!

Different artistic media can help with the discovery of your emotions in several ways. You may prepare by setting up a calming ambiance by lighting a candle or essence stick, and turning on calming music. I prefer, and find that it is very important to not include these steps right from the start. Practicing to be present with your self first is very crucial. Different sound or smells have the ability to create distractions. Go with what your body feels is right for you. You can also alter between, music, candles, or complete silence.

During the process try to observe your energy by sitting still in front of your tools. Practice some breathing exercises – anything that naturally assists you in being present. Open yourself to discovering new things and emotions. Set an intention that you will communicate with yourself. The focus here, is not the art in particular or the result of the art, but your energy prior to starting. Including, the way your energy moves and shifts throughout the process of analyzing your tools, and creating art. You are your own company!

Let’s discover these tools:

Analyze the paper by touching and noticing the texture. Thinking about the ways the texture will change your art. Such as, curves will highlight tones or make them disappear. Another is, whether or not the paper is too thin for the watercolor, or if both sides of the paper are the same texture or opposites. Even the different ways the paper feels against your skin, on your fingers, or palms – cold or warm. This prepares you to be more present and notice.

Close your eyes, and feel your way through to discovering your new tools. Observe the textures of the tools. Then, compare the details when you were observing them with your eyes open versus closed. This is another way to discover how to be more in the moment, and present. This opens up to understanding the things you notice or fail to notice when adjusting your focus. Additionally, this assists in becoming more patient.

Let’s explore:

First, test the colors out on a separate paper. Swatch them out, and blend them together to see what colors you get. Observe how much water the paper retains. Compare how much water your are using versus how much you want to use. Try to get as many color swatches as you can.

Now, pick your favorite colors that you have made. Put it away and wait a day or two. Look at the colors again. Compare to see if your thoughts have changed with the colors that you initially picked the day you were exploring. Did you add more colors to your favorites list or did you find that you wanted to remove one?

These color swatches can be used as a guideline for a new project or a painting idea you decide to make.

Remind yourself not to rush. You do not have to have a plan. Just make small movements.

(I made this video a while back. I have published it unedited. I decided to do this, because as I played it back the energy seemed so calming and soothing – no distractions. Give yourself a positive, good experience with your self! I will link video here.)

What is next?

There may be difficult to get thoughts out or you just can not point your finger on a certain feeling you are noticing. Take some time to read and answer the “ask your heart; program your mind” questions below. This does not have to be completed all in one sitting. You can work on this the day after this first step, or when you feel you are ready. Now, that you have opened communication to your self try to continue this openness, and take it a step further to what your heart feels will bring you closer to soothing your soul.

Then, it all starts! Wow, who knew that just by trying new media you would get the push to make art?! Let’s give it a try…

Next, read part two of this blog titled, “Mediation through Art”, and watch the video.

From my heart to yours,

Vlora

Ask your heart; program your mind.

Have you searched and discovered new media?
What are some new art tools that make you wonder how they are made or how they might feel on paper?

When your emotions start speaking to you remember to breath, ask, and be gentile with yourself:

Why don’t I have the mental strength to put anything on paper?
Am I afraid to ruin the paper or worried that the work won’t turn out the way I envisioned it?

Keep asking yourself questions until you’ve gotten to the bottom of it. If you are unable to move forward make a note of where you left off with your thoughts so you can continue when you are ready. Then, take it a step further: