Painting ‘Human Nature’
Human Nature From my studio where I work by the gorgeous morning light, I see a duality. Outside in the wild, untamed garden, the beautiful autumn colours come into focus as the last vestiges of summer ebb away with the changing of the clocks. Nature shakes itself of its green and give way instead to vibrant reds and browns. Fallen, crisp leaves carpet the land, spread deep on the grass like offerings laid by careful and [...] November 14, 2018
Painting the Spirit Animal Series
The spirit animal series is one of importance to me. But before I discuss how they came to be, it is important that I provide you with some context. My Art Inspiration I have been a seeker for personal and spiritual growth for the past 20 years. I have learned to focus my thoughts on the positive and to find the good in life and in people. I am what you may call the ‘happy [...] October 17, 2018
My spiritual practice
When I was a little kid, my grandmother used to take me to this little church in the village and I always hated it. My grandmother was the most loving person I know. She always put everyone before herself, making sure we were well looked after on both a physical and emotional level. If I had a headache she would sit for hours and rub my head and sing to me. On cold winter nights she [...] January 21, 2018
A Bird’s Eye view
Sometimes we have to stand back and take stock of our lives. Every December or January, depending on available time, I take a few days to look at my life. I start with writing my annual journal, describing all the important things that happened in my personal life, my career and my charity work. I write about people who influenced me, places I visited, books and workshops that had a great impact on me. I write about [...] December 21, 2017
Questions
As my life unfolds I have more and more questions. I know people throughout history have asked these questions before me. From the universal questions of ‘Do we have a collective purpose?’ to the personal question of ‘What is my purpose’? We try to find fulfillment through our work, our children or our marriage. We are not satisfied just being, we have this need to know that there is something else greater, bigger, better and it’s out [...] December 3, 2017
Art in your home
As you can imagine, my house is full of art. However, in my living room I only have one work that I painted, everything else is art that I have bought. Someone was visiting me recently and as she was looking through the collection of paintings on my walls she asked me a question: ‘Why did you buy this painting? I’m sure you can do one just like that.’ I was shocked. I didn’t understand her question [...] November 28, 2017
Quest Discovery
I am very privileged to have this week’s blog written by Karima Noor Elmaghraby Radwan. Karima is an art historian and lecturer from Washington DC.After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill where she completed an BA in Classics and an MA in Art History, Karima worked at Christie’s in London in the 20th century decorative arts department and then later moved back to the US to teach art history at various colleges around the greater DC area. Karima has [...] November 20, 2017