re defining the artist within

When I was in high school, I used to paint. I really was not that great.For me the art room was a great place to hang out, I had a great teacher, we got along well and he would encourage me to paint what was important to me, and try and express how it influenced me. At the time I was a angsty teenager obsessed with music and my painting and drawings reflected that.
When I left school, I really didn't pursue my art, I felt like it had served it purpose for me,art had counselled and healed me through high school and it was time to move on. Throughout my adult life, I would buy sketch books here and there, but I have never really picked up a brush again.
In my mind I had to re establish my relationship with art as a form of expression.
I have discovered different medium to express my creativity whether that is creating clothing,poetry or crafting using fibre as a art medium.

Over the summer we went camping with some really good friends, they are our camping companions, going bush without them, feels very strange.
A place we went to for a day trip has etched itself into my memory.
It's beauty consumed me, I was in my element.

This week I had a child and husband free night, that's a rare thing!
I had so many grand plans, I was going to go to the gym, maybe a movie, go to yoga, eat whatever I wanted, enjoy a quiet gin. So many plans, so little time.
Well in the end I actually did none of them,instead I came home and crafted. I knew I had to commit a couple of hours, fibre craft requires time and patience.
The piece took me a long time, I needle felted areas of it.
I made peace with my inner artist and finally got that majestic place out of my mind.

                                                                         My supplies

                                                              For the love of wild county

Meaningful work

At the moment, I am working in three centers, running a garden and sustainability program. I have witnessed a progressive shift in awareness among the staff and in particular the children. 

It truly is a great feeling to create a connection with children and pass on knowledge about caring for our environment. I love coming in and hearing the enthusiasm in the voices of the young children, eager to join me in the garden.
Whilst we are doing meaningful work and learning about the importance of growing food, there are other elements at play. I have noticed and observed the way children interact with each other,and how they work things out among themselves. The work that is being done in the garden has a ripple affect to a child's learning, the inter personal and social skills that emerge, is profound.