Have you ever wanted to understand the creative process at a deeper level? In early 2000, after encountering two artists, living in British Columbia and  Shanghai, I was on a mission.  I wanted the intellectual understanding and  spirituality I experienced in their work to flow into my paintings and writing. Years of research, and a strong belief in the philosophy I developed, lead me to write my two books, Gleaner or Gladiator : The Struggle to Create and Invisible Realities : Finding the Hidden Dimensions in Art.

After years of working in my studio and exhibiting the results, I now share these insights with others. Last year saw me give eight workshops.. was there really that many.. from the Bundaberg region down to Melbourne and across to Tauranga in N.Z. This year I want my studio time back, however I will be giving an April workshop at Tallegalla.  There are still places left so contact me for more information and please come along. If you are in Brisbane in April please visit my solo exhibition at Neo Gallery in Ann Street. More information coming soon…

You can view more about the books on ArtClique

Gleaner or Gladiator book

Invisible Realities book

Have you cleaned out a cupboard recently? What an amazing group of resources you might find, just like I did when I moved my office downstairs recently. It is interesting when something nags at us yet we resist. About 15yrs years ago I converted the spare bedroom upstairs into my office. It was always looked a mess as it was too small and I collect lots of information and resources. I have just discovered some of these again.

My new art studio downstairs seemed to be the logical place to work and it was always in my original plans, yet it seemed so convenient to keep the office where it was. A rather large part of me was concerned that the feeling in my art studio would change if I altered the workspace and used it for another reason than creating. I had read that there should be  different places for different jobs.

I succumbed just before the floods and it was a lot of work. Then suddenly I had a group of unexpected visitors needing our support. The new bedroom was not only brilliant but had conveniently caused an unplanned spring clean just in time. Now that everyone has gone back to their homes this room looks just great. I poke my head in there and sigh and wonder why it took me a year to do this move.

What is it about change we fear so much? Sometimes just getting on with things is the logical answer, yet I had to seek reassurance from a few friends that all will be ok. So take my advice and listen to that inner voice when it tells you what you need to do. Don’t doubt it like I did in this instance. It is the voice of your soul speaking to you and we find when we trust it, it has our best interests at heart and does know what is best for us.

By the way I have a weekend workshop planned here in my studio for the 16th and 17th of April. Information is available by contacting me on lyne  @lynemarshall.com.au  [ a break in this link intentional to avoid spam] Below a couple of paintings from my Underpinning Ipswich series from 2010.

Lyne Marshall - Cooling Ponds 30 x 30 x 8cm

Lyne Marshall- Remnant Pools 30 x30 x 8cm

Happy New Year …
Did you know gratitude can cure illness?  The long term Christian practice of grace at meal times has added advantages it seems. Try asking for the food you are about to eat to give the benefits of good health and healing and then keep the faith, for this positive outlook will work. There has been a great deal of scientific research to prove that positive thought can change the properties of water, food  and more importantly, our lives.  Masaru Emoto, a renowned Japanese academic and researcher, has written several books on the wonders of water. Another interesting researcher on positivity  is Graeme Sait who spoke at the recent Woodford Folk Festival. His web site is www.ntshealth.com.au

So how does gratitude affect the output of a creative artist? It is easy to forget achievements in the face of adversity and therefore wallow in self pity. I occasionally read articles that debate the poor income of artists, even those highly acclaimed. Income, just to survive, is often not derived from the arts. So if you are one of the passionate artists who have a day job to support you, be eternally grateful. While I spent a small lifetime supporting my art as a Registered Nurse, I was not always grateful for the wisdom of having such a reliable income. Instead I secretly wanted to run away to my studio and live the life of a full time artist. Eventually, at the right time, I did.

We do get what we dwell on, and gratitude removes the focus on poor results and places it squarely on achievement. If you decide to have all you require to live a good life you will find the money is always there to buy what you need or desire. My own dream, or rather goal, of having a purpose built studio, and a small Japanese inspired garden, to work in full time, has been fulfilled. Still I need to remind myself to be grateful when things don’t go as I plan. I know I can’t be all things to all people and to continue along my own path is essential.

Getting back to water, my own fascination to explore water in my artwork goes back to having grown up on island. Water can have a destructive element and my heart goes out to those affected by the current floods in Queensland. The rain is coming down again outside my window as I write.  My only flood issue is the causeway on our creek that rises very quickly to stop us getting out. So I am grateful that my inconveniences are small and for the volunteers and services that are helping those in need at this time.

Below is a picture of the causeway on Woolshed Ck Road and the force of swollen Plain Creek that kept me from my bed on the evening of Boxing Day. Dont forget to visit my  art and books website  http://www.artclique.com.au

Local flooding on Woolshed Ck Road at Tallegalla.

Solar power without the grid, lots of rain and no sun, and two broken generators, has slowed my latest blog input, but excuses aside, I am back to working my way through the Twelve Qualities of Creativity. I have a question for you.

Do you feel confident to talk or write about your creative output? It’s not always easy if you want to reach the viewer from their own perspective of the world. While a creative work will have many layers, which result from the artist’s life experiences, the viewer will interpret from their understanding. This convoluted reading can overshadow the intended meaning which may take something away from the outcome.

A humble artwork can speak from a level that is not about the subject matter, yet has the ability to change the world perspective of the viewer. This might seem like a big call, and most could relate this more easily to a book or film, however understanding is really about the viewer giving the creative work  time to speak to them in a language they know. This may take a little contemplation during or after the event.

In this busy world we rush past life, and miss the subtleties. An artist with a purpose knows what and why they create and they will have had many influences. The audience would like to hear about these, but first their creation has to attract the viewer long enough for them to reflect on their own journey. A brief solid sentence,  that is not to academic or full of waffle, can quickly pull the viewer deeper into this experience.

Artists tend to gather like minded artist friends and I see this on social media sites. They influence each other and are inspired by the achievements of their colleagues. What happens if you don’t follow a particular genre and feel like you are out on your own? Its best to find like minded artist friends but lean heavily on your research. Learn from others, but only those who have proven themselves through time….and discover how to articulate what you have to say in your art.

Below is a belated photo from my workshop ‘Finding the Inner Artist ‘ at Sculptors Qld late November. Only missing is the lovely Jan who took the photo.

November workshop group at Sculptors Qld