“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” –Banksy
Finding joy in my artwork came from finding rest. I started Resonance Art Studio as a business in January 2017. I hustled hard for that year applying to as many art shows as I could, getting my name out there, creating custom work and completed over 65 original artworks. I accomplished of this all while working as a full time high school art teacher and teaching art on weekends for a private studio. I had incredible creative momentum and motivation.
Just as in life, there are natural cycles of energy in the creative process. There are ups and downs, highs and lows of emotions, motivation and ideas. I was in a constant state of flow for a year pushing myself through blockages and fatigue. Naturally, I burned myself out. Artists are prone to burn out because we are so passionate about what we do. We tend to ignore our own needs in favour of the art. Late nights, skipping meals, ignoring relationships, avoiding self-care. Until finally, our minds, body and spirit force us to stop and rest.
I hit a wall in January. I had a creative crash. Finally, I decided to listen to my body and take a rest. However, resting did not mean doing nothing. It was a break from the hustle. I reconnected with friends and family. I reconnected with myself by making more time for yoga, self-care and meditation. I only created when I felt compelled. I spent time applying for artistic opportunities. I bought some new art supplies and started experimenting with different techniques. I gave my attention to things that inspired me such as music, books and researching ideas about sound and healing.
Think about some of the great foods that need to rest in order to bring out their full flavor. Cakes need to cool before you frost them. Meat needs to rest in order to seal in the juices. I was a cake at rest, waiting to be frosted. Once I had reached my ideal cooling point, ideas started to flow easily to me. I had become very interested in a type of music called Binaural Beats and also started my yoga teacher certification. These two influences came together in my mind to create the Chakra Sound Series.
The Chakra Sound Series is a combination of three influences. I used the sounds from binaural beats music, which are sounds for meditating and allowing healing in different parts of the body. The colours in the background represent each chakra from the crown to the root. The pattern of colour is based on the scientific theory of cymatics. Cymatics is the study of sound and vibration made visible as geometric patterns through the vibration of sand on a plate.
By focusing on happiness in all aspects of my life and allowing myself the grace to rest, I created a space for new ideas and inspiration. I can only be the best business owner, teacher, sister, daughter, friend and artist when I am whole. Wholeness and resulting joy is created when we nurture every part of our creative selves.
Photo by: Me + You Studios
