Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Alison Fennell

Chances are, you will find yourself with a very wide smile while viewing the delightful watercolor illustrations by Welsh Artist Alison Fennell.  We are quite happy that this internationally known, very accomplished, magical illustrator agreed to spend some time discussing her work with the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.  Thank you Alison!
                                                                      ~ diane fergurson

MBS:  Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started in art?

Alison:  I come from a family of miners and shopkeepers in the Welsh Valleys and I was born in Merthyr Tydfil in 1966.

My grandfather began to paint when he retired and I can remember the smell of oils in his sunny front room where he painted. I did art at school but didn't re-kindle my interest in it until after I left University with a French degree and worked in tourism in France and then in administration for a local builder. I saw an art exhibition locally in 1994 and the artist was there. I asked if he did classes and he did so I signed up. That was the start and his name was Arnold Lowrey.

MBS:  What kind of an artist was Arnold Lowrey? What was it about his work that touched and inspired you to want to explore being an artist?

Royal Lion

Alison: 
Arnold Lowrey is a Welsh painter predominantly known for his spontaneous and emotive watercolours, although he also paints in pastel, acrylics and oils. What appealed to me about his work was the explosive and fluid way in which he painted. He worked wet into wet which is superbly suited to watercolor and produces very daring and expressive effects. This is what attracted me to it. I didn't want to be painting fussy, stilted paintings with a slower medium as I considered oils to be. Arnold lit the fire for me and from the first weekend watercolor for beginners workshop I took with him in 1994 I was hooked!

MBS:  It sounds like he was a very important influence on you.  Looking back, what are some of  the things you learned from him that have carried over in your work and philosophy today? 

Alison:  To use tube as opposed to pan paint. Tube paint is moist and easy to get onto your brush making stronger impressions than pan paint which is hard to load onto your brushes. Use the best quality materials you can - ie use Artist's quality as opposed to students quality otherwise you are working against your tools and materials. He also showed me how to lift paint out with a damp brush. This is super useful for creating the illusion of soft water ripples in waterscapes and seascapes. He also used the flat end of a brushes handle to scraped away paint in sharp lines to create realistic branches and twigs with verve!
Arnold was very emotive and you can feel that in his work - if you aren't passionate about what you paint there is no real point to painting is there?

MBS: Fast forwarding...how did your career unfold from the time you were studying with Lowrey until present day, as a professional illustrator?  How did that develop?

Alison:  I got lucky by being published by a major UK greeting card and poster publisher called Beechwood Publications Ltd. I had spent a year sending off my artwork designs to UK greeting card publishers and had bagged 13 rejection letters before receiving a phone call one November 1997 morning. It was Beechwood and they invited me to bring my portfolio up to London to show them. From that my work was then available in major card shops in the UK. It boosted my confidence no end. Then in 2001 the Royal Cambrian Academy in Wales selected 2 of my originals for their annual show and the selection panel was headed by the late Sir Kyffin Williams (R.A. (Royal Academy member) so this was a major achievement for me.

Last year I collaborated with an American poet Marnie Jones - to have our very first children's illustrated poetry book published. Marnie wrote and I painted and the book is called "In the Morning". It is now available in several Public Library systems in South Wales and has sold internationally in small numbers so far. At present we are searching for a publisher to take it for us and we plan a sequel called "In the Evening" in 2011.

MBS: So you went right from learning to paint to submitting them directly to card companies?  Did
you do any shows, sell or have exhibits before then?

Alison:  I painted for about a year before doing that and I did exhibit at the South Wales Art Society and the Makers Gallery in Cardiff where I had a tiny show - which was fun:)

MBS:  Animals feature so predominantly in your work (that I have seen).  Did you always paint animals from the beginning?

Alison:  I only started painting animals in May 2010. Before that I was mad on flowers for years and landscapes too. I loved the intensity of florals - the opportunities for drama in the colors of petals and leaves was intoxicating for me. For many years I had lots of people and colleagues ask me for floral paintings and as I enjoyed doing them.  I built up quite a body of work and then had another exhibition in Cardiff which sold very well.

MBS:  Do you work in a particular format? A specific size...large, small...or does it depend on the project?  Also, any favorite materials..paints, paper etc?

Seagull

Alison:  Yes - right now I only work in 8x10inch format as frames for this size are readily and cheaply available from popular shops - so framing is easy for people.
My favourite paper is Fabriano Artictico 100% cotton rag paper in 90lbs weight. It is hot pressed and super smooth showing up all my brush strokes and allowing expressive granulations and runs to show which I love.
I use tube paint, always have and always will I guess. My fave makers are Winsor Newton, Sennelier, Rembrandt and Schminke.

MBS:  In addition to your work as an artist I also see that you also have a background in Reiki and Reflexology.  What is the connection between spirituality, your artwork, and the natural world?

Alison: Since learning to practice Reiki and gaining my 1st and 2nd degrees in it I have treated myself, friends, family, animals and plants. I see that every living thing is driven by the universal life force or ki/Chi. In animals eyes I see that they are sentient beings and should be considered as such. I hope for faster progression in the changing of the human mindset to respect and care for animals at a higher level.  This is why I gain great joy from painting animals and more specifically using my art sales to fund animal charities and rescues and their work. They increase awareness of their needs and rights as well as save animals.

MBS:  Can you tell us a little more about your artwork and connected charity work?

Alison:  Essentially I feel an excited urge to capture the essence of what I see in a subject - be it an animal, flower, cityscape or a face. It is that thrill of creating how I feel about the subject on papaer that is what art is for me. I suppose it is all about how much love I feel for a subject - yes - even buildings can be loveable!

In my charity work I could paint for every animal that is currently suffering at the hands of humans. I have lots of energy for this and feel empowered that through my eye and brush I can help put funds into the coffers of charities all over the world. I also hope that through seeing my painting of say a bee or a fox that people may see more and more how beautiful and integral all animals are in our world and not just things apart that live out there somewhere.

Moon Bear Prince

Question 8:  Is there any charity in particular that you are affiliate with?

Allison:  Yes - I am currently working in collaboration with Animals Asia Moon Bear Rescue . I have chosen them because I don't think I have ever seen such cruelty in the way these bears are kept in cages and in tortuous conditions for up to 30 years. It is an unimaginabley horrible industry.

MBS:  I know many artists who are very hesitant about selling their work online. You sell very actively on Etsy.  Are you on other selling sites are well?  How has selling online worked out for you as an artist? Any advice you can give to other artists who are thinking about selling their work this way?

Alison:  I am also on Folksy, Misi and Dawanda. It has been the best thing for me as an artist. You have a shop that has global exposure open 24/7. No need to go knocking gallery doors and asking them to show your work and them have a 33% plus cute worof it too. I would strongly recommend internet selling. I place a copyright symbol across my work too as this prevents the riskrof anyone taking your work and claiming it is their own.  As I sell my work unmatted and unframed shipping is very reasonable and easy to do.

MBS: What is a typical work day for you? Do you keep "hours" and go to work painting like a 9-5 job or are you less scheduled about it?

Alison:  My typical day starts at around 7:30 am when I get up, have breakfast, get showered and dressed and the check all emails and Etsy. I respond immediately to thank any one who has bought from me. That is the first thing I do and never delay it.

Then I paint until about 10:30 am and have a break for tea and toast. I check emails and social networks and sales again and either paint or blog or make my handmade cards etc until 12:30ish. After lunch I usually I have a little hour sleep as painting is mentally demanding as is all the social networking that I do as part of my business. Then I prepare packages that need to get to the post office before 3:30 pm and take them down the road to my local branch. Packing everything takes such a long time because I like to do it very well with lots of fuss and prettiness. I create the best parcel I can with extra things in as I imagine how the person is going to feel when they get it. I want them to have fun unwrapping and enjoy the contents !

After that I take the dog out for a walk. Dotty is my Jack Russel and I love her. We walk around the village for about 40 minutes and when I come back it's time for tea and biscuits again. Then I paint until 6:00 pm. Usually working on new images or commissions. Also I pre-cut watercolor paper and printer paper down to my sizes. I buy them large in bulk to save money and so cut them all myself. After I have had my evening meal I do some errands around the house and watch the news then its back to work for a while - doing paperwork like tax /accounts and records etc.

Then another walk for the dog for 30 minutes. Then I paint all evening until about 9pm. I like the evening painting session as I know I don't have to go out again and the household is usually quieter! I live with my parents at present and my sister plus her 3 sons live opposite so in amongst my working day all sorts of things happen and phone calls come and a variety of interruptions occur. Sometimes I get fed up with the phone going but over all I love working at home as I can rest when I want or go out the back garden and look at my mother's flowers or chat to her etc. It is a great set -up.

The only thing that is a problem is space. I have a tiny room in which my whole life is based. My studio space is less than 3feet square!  I have recently fixed up a makeshift shelf and bought lots of translucent letter trays in which to stash work and reference images as it gets very messy and I lose things in the piles.

MBS:  Has there been any major crisis point(s) in your life and how have they impacted on how your life is heading today?

Alison:  As I mentioned above, I am currently living at home with my parents.  That's because in 2008 I was diagnosed with a life-threatening inner ear tumor. I lost my house, my job and my partner (we split up) all in 3 months. It was a complete closing down of my life as I had known it but didn't know then that it was the biggest break in disguise. I took 2 years to recover from the 12 hours of neurosurgery I had. The tumor was benign and so far no signs of it ever coming back. I was partially paralyzed but with time everything has come back.  My parents looked after me. During my convalescence and obvious free time ( I had to quit my job due to my ill health) I began painting again and little by little I started to sell in 2010 on Etsy. That was the start of me finally realizing my dream of making a living from my art, which as of 4th March 2011 I am!

MBS:  What is the significance of March 4, 2011?

Alison:  I picked that date to sign off as unemployed and to start my own business as I had enough confidence that I was selling enough to keep me afloat and because it was a new moon and auspiscious to start a new endeavour on!


MBS:  Looking back over your career is there any advice you have for those who wish to (seriously) pursue an artistic path?

Alison:  Keep painting things that really stir you. Do not use the word "should" as this kills creativity.  If you only like painting telegraph poles - paint them. Don't feel that you "should" be painting still lifes. I would recommend having a sketchbook in which to doodle and just let yourself play around with things. I have enjoyed reading load s of art technique books, watching demos on DVD and Youtube and also attending classes. Get a scanner and keep a high res copy of all artwork. I wish I had done that in the early days (I have been painting for 17 years) as some of my best works have now been sold.

Also, think about doing a painting blog. People LOVE to look over your shoulder and see how you put that paint on the paper. It also makes you feel more productive when you then have a blog post that you can Tweet about.

Don't be an art diva and feel that your art is too precious to sell or ask ridiculous prices for your work. I have decided that though I love my paintings - I want to live by my art and so price them so that they are reasonable and within people's reach.

Thank you Alison!




You can find Alison's work online at:


www.eastwitching.etsy.com
www.petalessence.etsy.com
www.urbanmeltdown.etsy.com
www.magicalmenagerie.misi.com
http://www.folksy.com/shops/gypsychick

http://alisonfennell.blogspot.com

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Additional interviews from our Artist Series:
Emily Balivet
Laura Milnor Iverson
Joanne Miller Rafferty
Jude McConkey
Atmara Rebecca Cloe

Reflections at Midsummer

Here in Vermont summer comes on rather suddenly, almost without introduction. Only two days ago we had to turn the heat back on in the house and there was an overnight frost warning. At least we didn’t have snow! I think this sense of suddenness is due to the fact that spring is such a tenuous season for us… we suddenly notice a swath of bright fresh green across mountains, and the appearance of flowers, while at the same time keeping our sweaters within reach and our winter blankets out. During the early days of summer we alternate between 80 degree days and 50 degree days, sometimes not feeling the warmth of a day until well into the afternoon. At what is known as “midsummer” we have just realized that yes, warmth and sunshine have returned to our lovely state. Even though winter has its beauty, it does tend to get long up here, and we are all grateful for the return of summer.


It seems fitting then, to actually celebrate such a time as this, not just for the outward abundance of life that is all around us, but also to reflect on where we’ve been during the first half of the year. It is of benefit to recognize not just the blossoming that is everywhere, but the progress and growth we have made in our individual lives. 


In ancient China people saw summer as the most yang time of year, for its elements of heat, light, and dryness. At the time of the Summer Solstice, yang energy was at its peak and then diminished until the Winter Solstice. Yin was born at the Summer Solstice, and reached its peak at the Winter Solstice. This portrays a sense of balance that we can see clearly when thinking in terms of light and dark halves of the year, and this sense of balance was an important element in celebration.
The birth of yin was celebrated around the time of the Summer Solstice, and thus, it was a time for people to honor the feminine – yin is generally associated with the feminine, dark, and the earth. Many worshipped the goddess Li, and outside the walls of the Forbidden City the emperor led ceremonies at the Altar of the Earth.


How might we create a sense of balance for ourselves, or honor the feminine, at this time when yang is peaking? Yang is a very outward, external energy… We can honor the yin by going within in introspection. The yang of summer is very hot and fiery – we can counter it by doing things that bring coolness, perhaps taking a dip in a lake or simply standing in the water at the edge of the ocean. In China this is also a time of choosing to eat healthy and light – noodles become more popular than dumplings and actually sell out during the Xiazhi festival, celebrated during the Summer Solstice. 


I live near a beautiful little waterfall, accessible by a wooded path along a river. If the weather here is hot and sunny, I think the Solstice would be a perfect time to walk down to the falls – perhaps with a picnic of cold noodles and fresh juice, sit quietly in meditation, and then slide into the cool, yin waters of the pool beneath the falls. I hope that wherever you are, you too get a chance to honor the feminine, and find balance within yourself and the world around you, celebrating the natural rhythm of time’s passing and nature’s progress.
                                                                                          

~ Nellie Levine 

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Summer Reading Picks

If you enjoy reading, any time is a good time to pick up a book.  During the summer months however, our everyday schedule often changes... easing up a bit... allowing us some extra time to read and relax.  This summer whether you'll be reading using the traditional book format, or using your Kindle, iPad, or NOOK, here are some suggestions from our Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review Group for you to add to your list.  Covering a wide range of interests, I'm sure you'll find at least one selection to enjoy!  Be safe and have a good summer!
                                                                                                             ~ diane fergurson

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From Abby Horowitz:

Sastun
by Rosita Arvigo
HarperOne

For anyone interested in the healing powers of plants, Sastun tells the story of Rosita Arvigo and her apprenticeship with a renowned Mayan healer.  The narrative is compelling and full of wonderful information.  I love this book.

Rosita subsequently published 2 wonderful books on Rainforest Remedies.

The Maya Way To Heal Your Body and Replenish Your Soul
100 Healing Herbs of Belize

Healings Mantras
by Thomas Ashley-Farrand
Wellspring/Ballantine 

This amazing book was written by one of the few Western experts in Hindu and Buddhist mantras.  It offers an in depth collection of mantras, their uses, and instructions on how to use them. A treasure trove of powerful information!

Spiritwalker
by Hank Wesselman
Bantam

I read this book back in 1995 when it first came out.  It is the story of one man’s spiritual journey into the shamanic realms. Hank Wesselman is an Anthropologist whose autobiographical account of his experiences will keep you riveted. A great read! 







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From Christina Dudley:

The Zahir  

by Paul Coelho

HarperCollins

A story of obsession - wherein the narrator embarks upon a search for his missing wife and finds himself in the process. A meadering story about discovery, love, and enlightenment.

Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat      

by Ibn 'Arabi, with forward by Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak Al-Jerrahi  

Inner Traditions

This text is an excellent resource for quiet, contemplative solitude.  If you're finding yourself alone on a summer day, pick up this book and indulge in the silent Being of Now.

Ishmael 

by Daniel Quinn

Bantam/Tuner

"Teacher Seeks Pupil.  Must have an earnest desire to save the world.  Apply in person."

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 From Nellie Levine:

Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide
by Pamela Miles
Tarcher

I'm on my way to completing second degree Reiki training this summer, and recently read this. It's a great, level-headed and straightforward book that explains what Reiki is and what it does, and offers sound advice on how to approach Reiki practice, for self and others. It is written for those who are already practitioners, as well as for those considering it. There is a big emphasis on how Reiki helps chronic conditions, and how those with such conditions benefit from learning Reiki for self-treatment. Miles also addresses the issue of research, and how as Reiki grows in use among many hospitals, it is gaining more and more respect in the medical community.

Turning Your Mind Into an Ally
by Sakyong Mipham
Riverhead Trade

If you've been putting off beginning a meditation practice, or if you simply want to strengthen your existing practice, this book will offer you helpful guidance, inspiration, and instruction. Written to a Western audience, Turning Your Mind Into an Ally has a very accessible voice - Sakyong Mipham gives us examples of stumbling blocks that we can all relate to, and his sense of humor helps us approach our practice with kindness for ourselves. Although it's very much a beginner's book, I am glad to know this book is on my shelf and I can open it up whenever my practice needs a little boost in discipline.

Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti
by Phillis Galembo
Ten Speed Press

 Haiti is still suffering from the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Through the devastation the news showed us images of the hurt and newly homeless, the survivors, and the dead, of this poor country; yet the story has since faded into the background. Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti is a book of beautiful photography and insightful words that shows us an undeniably indomitable spirit. Published years before the earthquake, it depicts a rich, steadfast spiritual faith that underlies life in Haiti. Enjoy the beauty in these words and images, and remember Haiti! The people of this country still need our attention.

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From Diane Fergurson:

A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness
Viking

This book renewed my faith in fun and intelligently written fact based fiction.  The author, Deborah Harkness, is a professor of history with numerous awards and fellowships.  This is definitely reflected in the quality of her book. "A Discovery of Witches" literally has it all. You will not want to leave this story for even one minute once you begin!  Adventure, mystery, romance.  Interesting historical information on magic and alchemy.  A 1,500 year vampire.  Witches, daemons, Oxford University, the Knights Templar and the American Revolution...all rolled into one terrific story. A fabulous read that you can learn something from too.  Doesn't get any better then that!

The Celtic Way of Seeing
by Frank MacEowen
New World Library

"The Celtic Way of Seeing" takes you on a beautiful journey.  A journey through the mind, the eye, the soul and the heart of Irish spirituality.  Through the retelling of the traditional story "The Settling of the Manor of Tara" MacEowen explores man's connection to the Universal energies through the four basic spiritual directions (well, five if you count the center) - that are contained within the Irish Spirit Wheel or mandala.  What I enjoyed most in this book was the author's exploration of the similarities between the Celtic belief system and a variety of indigenous cultures and traditions.   "The Celtic Way of Seeing" is wonderfully written.  A true joy to read again and again because something new always seems to find you.  After I finished "The Celtic Way of Seeing" I immediately ordered and read some additional books by Frank MacEowen.  I love them too!

Parabola Magazine
Summer 2011 Issue: Giving and Receiving

For those folks who may not be able to find the time to read an entire book this summer, I recommend picking up or downloading the Summer Edition of Parabola Magazine.  Founded in 1976, Parabola explores the traditional myths, symbols, rituals, and art of the world's religious and cultural traditions. Every issue explores one of the facets of human existence from the point of view of many world religions and spiritual traditions with essays and images.  The Summer 2011 issue focuses it's articles on "Giving and Receiving"... something we can all benefit from.



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Moon-In-The-Water

"Moon-in-the-water is a favorite Zen metaphor for human experience.  It is used to demonstrate how human experience is created not only by external objects, but also, and equally as much, by the nature of the mind and the structure of the senses.

In the metaphor, water may be seen as subject (mind and senses) and moon as object (external objects).  There is no moon-in-the-water if there is no water or if the moon does not rise.  Moon-in-the-water happens only when there is water and when the moon rises. However, neither moon nor water waits for the other:  the water does not wait to catch the moon's image, and the moon does not wait to cast its rays on water.  Moon-in-the-water is created equally by water and the moon.

Thus, experience does not happen to us, but is created by our minds and senses and the external objects perceived by them."

Taken from the book, "Moonscapes" by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Photo credit: "Colorado Water Landscape Night Sky Moon" by Julie Magers Soulen

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review: Fantastic Voyage - Live Long Enough to Live Forever

"Live Long Enough to Live Forever."  That's a bold declaration - perhaps even the indictment - of the book by Dr. Terry Grossman and Ray Kurzweil.  Readers will no doubt recognize Kurzweil's name from his famous text, The age of Spiritual Machines, and Dr. Grossman is the founder and director of the Grossman Wellness Center (formally the Frontier Medical Institute) and is widely considered an expert on nutrition and anti-aging therapies.  The text was a joint effort between the two scholars, and addresses numerous concerns regarding both our spiritual and our physical aging process as human beings.

 The text gives an overview int the radical, life-changing modalities of modern science addressing anti-aging and life extension - an emerging field that some consider to be on the fringe of Western medicine.  The authors, however, intend to change all that.  In this compendium of health data, introductory scientific definitions,  and even preventive tips, Kurzweil and Grossman provide both layman and advanced students with a definitive guide on how to practically apply every day life extension techniques to enhance current daily living and achieve greater longevity.

The reader may be skeptical, perhaps even overly cautious with the text at first.  With only a glance, its pages can seem full of daunting details and definitions of such things as RNA and protein blockers, starch inhibitors and fibrinogen, just to name a few.  A closer evaluation, however, will reveal sections that provide tips on how to make smart, healthy eating choices in younger and middle years to prepare and perhaps even prevent the entropy associated with the cellular decay of old age.  Some parts of the text actually give lists of foods and/or supplements that might be beneficial for those looking to enhance their current health, as well as prepare for the future.

The book also gives an overview about the importance of spiritual health and its essential role in the preparation for longevity.  One section delineates an array of precise techniques for meditation, and describes the role that meditation can play in the alignment of the spiritual and the physical.  The authors maintain that spiritual health is every bit as essential for balanced living and longevity as is proper nutrition and exercise.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the study of anti-aging and life extension, but should not be undertaken lightly.  Its pages are chock full of important information, lists and techniques that - when applied with care - can no doubt render the desired benefits of longevity.  Furthermore, every reader concerned with health and wellness overall should undertake this read - it is indeed a fantastic voyage.
 
"Fantastic Voyage - Live Long Enough to Live Forever"
By Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, M.D. Publisher:
Plume (September 27, 2005)

Reviewed by:  Christina Dudley

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Reading The Mind Body Spirit Odyssey on Your iPad with Flipboard

If you have an iPad and enjoy the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey, did you know that there is a really cool way to access the blog and keep current with our articles by using the Flipboard App?  All you have to do is download  Flipboard, hit edit, select a blank square that says "add a section", type in Mind Body Spirit Odyssey and our blog will appear as one of your selections (it's in the last row lower right in the photo).  I recently discovered this totally by accident, and was simply blown away with how beautiful our material looked!

Flipboard will give you the ability to read our content in a magazine style format which will update every time we post something new.  As you can see from my sample page on the left, below "The Zoe Report" on the bottom left - next to "In a Creative Context", I also added The Mind Body Spirit Marketplace our Fan Page on Facebook. The Marketplace magazine updates every time someone posts something new on our Facebook Page.

 The Mind Body Spirit Odyssey has articles going back for over two years and there really is a variety of interesting material to read.  Lifestyle and diet articles, interviews with authors and healers, book reviews, interviews with visionary artists, inspirational prose and stunning visual collection of artwork and photography!  If you are an iPad or iPad 2 user...definitely give it a try!  It's free, why not?
                     ~ diane fergurson

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A Baby in Your Dreams?

I had a dream the other night that I was carrying around a baby.  A chubby, healthy, adorable little baby. Everyone who saw the infant immediately fell in love it.  In my dream I carried this baby with me everywhere I went.  I fed and changed it.  Watched over it.  Nurtured it.  Toted this child around with me constantly, no matter where I went or what I was doing. 

I've been interpreting dreams fairly accurately for myself and others for a long time, and I know enough about the symbolism involved that I immediately knew that my "baby" did not literally mean a "real" human infant.  Although the symbols that are involved with dreams may vary from person to person, due to points of reference and cultural beliefs, most primary symbols remain pretty constant.    

A baby in a dream, for example, symbolizes an idea or project that is in it's infancy or beginning stages.  If your project or idea is still small, and you are nurturing it's growth and continually working on it, then in your dream you will be "caring for your baby".  In your dream if you are dropping the baby, then you are dropping a valuable idea or project...it's a warning.  Bathing and changing the baby means cleaning up any mistakes or messes you have made, and sometimes starting over.  Too many babies in your dream refers to taking on too many projects or having too many ideas, goals, responsibilities or problems to effectively handle at one time.  If you loose the baby, it means that you are loosing sight of your dreams and ideals.  You may want to step back and re-evaluate what you are doing in your life.  If you kill the baby, you are sacrificing something that is important to you and may want to ask yourself if your decision is really worth it.

If you are interested in dreams and what they may be try to tell to you, and good book to pick up is "The Mystical, Magical, Marvelous World of Dreams" by Wilda B. Tanner.  This is an older book (originally published in 1988), but it came highly recommended to me by some serious dream folks at the New Age Center in Sedona some years ago. It is very practical, reliable, and easy to understand.  As an aside, it really is important to be very careful what books you purchase on dreams, metaphysical topics or spirituality in general.  Make sure the author is experienced and credible.  I've read outstanding books by exceptional authors on many subjects, and others that have been just downright goofy.

Getting back to my dream baby... Yes, I knew exactly what my dream was referring to.  It's a creative project I have been consistently working on for a long time.  It's been slow going, and the project has been slowly growing, but it is basically still in it's infancy.  Everyone who see's what I've been up to falls in love it - that fat, healthy, cute baby from my dream. I think the Universe was just sending me a message to keep going and be patient.  That things are coming along just fine!

~ diane fergurson 



                                                                             

Photo of Baby Cameron courtesy of Joy Glenn Photography

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Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Atmara Rebecca Cloe

When we put together our 2010 Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Holiday Gift Picks, the artwork of Atmara Rebecca Cloe was one of our choice selections.  Atmara's stunning spiritual, healing and therapeutic images have the ability to uplift any viewer into a higher, more positive place.  We hope you enjoy learning more about this inspirational artist and her beautiful work!
                                                                                                                ~ diane fergurson

MBS: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started as an artist?

Atmara:  First, let me say, I have no formal training as an artist. I was working as a music teacher in the 80's and became ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (which I continue to be to this day). I had to stop working, with the exception of teaching a few voice lessons each week, and I dedicated myself to my spiritual growth and awakening. In the mid 90's I found myself in a place in my life where most of the people and social/spiritual community I had been a part of was dissolving; really just a natural progression of people moving on to what was next. What was next for me turn out to be computer art.

I have always had an interest in art, but do not have the coordination in my hands to be successful with traditional painting and drawing. In the synchronistic way my life seems to unfold, I saw an ad in a local paper for a graphic design school which was not far from where I lived. This was just at the point where computers were becoming powerful enough to be used for art. I had no idea where my life was heading, but I was able to take a few classes at this school and manifest funding for my first computer.

Since this was 1996, the Internet was just in its infancy. I started out with the idea that I was going to do web design, and in doing a little of that, someone asked me to create 6 images for portal pages for a site that was going to be a resource for the arts and spirituality. The site never got off the ground, but I created 6 pieces of art, several of which are still marketed today. I had no idea I could do this, but I found I had an eye for what worked, visually and energetically, and the ability to teach myself computer software, and things just progressed from there. 

MBS: For those who aren't familiar with your work, your artwork revolves around spiritual imagery. Primarily Mandalas...but also some really great crystal related work. Why Mandalas in particular?

Atmara:  I started working first with New Age imagery and a couple of software programs, Bryce and Poser. They are 3D programs for landscapes and human figures. I didn't actually do my first mandala series until the end of 1999. I wasn't well acquainted with the form, but something just drew me to try to make some.

Between 2000 and 2005 I did both figurative work and began to explore more with mandalas and some abstract imagery. Since 2006 I have done nothing but mandalas and a few abstract pieces.

There never has been a conscious choice about what I create. I would say the images call me to create them. I don't know why I currently only doing mandalas. They are just what wants to be created through me. I love them, and I love the process of creating them because I have no idea when I start what they will look like, and I get to witness them emerging on the screen as I play in Photoshop.

So why mandalas? I think you have to ask the mandalas themselves. I'm really not the decision maker in this process.

MBS:  Yes, it's interesting how they kind of create themselves! I agree with that! I don't work with computer images so I'm not familiar with the process you use at all. Do you ever start from a particular image that you then work with? Or is it more just starting with patterns and colors?

Atmara:  It's a little of both. I use images that either attract my eye because of their colors or their energy. I put them through a kaleidoscope filter first, then I choose 2 or 3 of them and work with them in Photoshop. Each becomes a layer which I blend together with the other layers using the blending modes in Photoshop. I play with color adjustments, with effects filters, really I just play using all the features Photoshop has to combine the kaleidoscope images until the composite image looks and "feels" finished.

MBS:   I've seen your artwork sold and marketed under the tile "New World Creations". Is that the name of your company? How did that come about? Can you tell us a little about it?

Atmara:  Yes, that's the name of my company. When I began doing digital art in 1996, I decided to work under a company name rather just as Atmara Rebecca Cloe. There's really no story to it. I just asked the question, "What should I call my company?" and New World Creations popped into my head. So I used it.

MBS:  Mandalas imagery...I know from experience, that there are a number of people who are not familiar with Mandalas at all. What is the explanation do you give about this beautiful symbol if asked?

Atmara:  Actually, I can't remember anyone asking me what a mandala is. I guess when they see my work they at least figure out that it is a circular form of art. I just went to Wikipedia to see what they have to say and this is the first line "Maṇḍala is a Sanskrit word that means "circle". In the Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions their sacred art often takes a mandala form." For more details about the history I would refer people to an explanation from Wikipedia.

MBS:   For many artists, spiritual development and creating spiritual art go hand and hand.
Can you share some of your thoughts and experiences with this?

Atmara:  I would say they have certainly gone hand in hand for me. When I first started creating art the imagery was very New Age which was a reflection of what I was exploring spiritually. I was inspired to create by seeing the artwork other New Age artists were creating.

In the last 5 years, I have been a student of Gangaji (and actually learned the video editing skills I use for my mandala meditation videos while volunteering for The Gangaji Foundation.  My work has been almost exclusively mandalas during this time. It hasn't been a conscious choice. As I said in an earlier question the art creates itself through me. Perhaps the truth of who I am (which is the primary discovery I've made as Gangaji's student) finds it easier to express itself through an abstract form. I would find it almost impossible to describe in words that which I have realized spiritually in the last 5 years, so the creation of an abstract form of art seems to be in alignment with that.

MBS: What is a typical work day for you? Do you work every day on your images or are you less scheduled about it?

Atmara:   I don't have a workday as such. Because of being chronically ill, most of my energy on any day is spent just doing the things we all do to take care of life. I do try to post on my Facebook page, Mandalas by Atmara, each day. I seem to be an information gatherer. I've naturally falling into a role with this page of not only showing my mandalas and mandala videos, but of posting links to interesting mandala related web pages. I have a Google Alert for mandalas, which means they send me a list of links each day related to mandalas, whatever they have indexed in the last 24 hours I assume. So from that I post anything I think will interest the "likers" on my Facebook page.

But other than keeping up with the Facebook page each day, there is nothing else I do on a daily basis. When I do have some extra energy and am inspired to do so, I'll work on a mandala, or a mandala meditation video, but there is no schedule to that. It just happens when it happens.

MBS:  How do you market your art?

Atmara:   I have always marketed my work online. Again the illness dictates this since I'm not able to go around to stores to market my prints, or organize shows, or sell at street fairs. When I first started creating art the Internet was very new. Ebay had just started and it was possible to get your work seen there, since there were only a few thousand people using it, rather than the hundreds of thousands that are today. There were also other smaller auctions where I could list as well. In those days I made my own prints and sold them directly through these auctions.

But they got too big for my work to be seen by many people, and it was taking too much energy to make my own prints, so luckily, Zazzle.com can into being. I started with them when they were just in their beta stage, hadn't even officially launched, and they were only selling prints at that time. Now they are a huge company that sells not only prints, but all sorts of gift items as well. I sell exclusively through my store there now.

I've always had a website. Last year I did a complete renovation, changing it from an old html site to a Wordpress blog and content management site. The site still points you to Zazzle to purchases prints, but I do also license my work. I would say that licensing has actually been the biggest income generator for me. It has dropped in the last few years with the economic down turn, but all my work is available to license.

And I also create personal mandalas. You can find out the ”what and how” of that on my site as well.

MBS:   Do you have any advice for those who wish to (seriously) pursue an artistic path?

Atmara:  Follow your heart. In fact, that would be my advise to everyone, about all their decisions in life. If we all lead with our hearts instead of our minds, from love rather that fear, this planet would be transformed.

 

MBS:  Thank you very much for interviewing with us!  Your work is just beautiful and it truely helps make the world a more positive place!

Additional interviews from our Artist Series:
Emily Balivet
Laura Milnor Iverson
Joanne Miller Rafferty
Jude McConkey

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To Star in Your Own Tragedy of Woe

I was outside, taking a walk with my dogs on one of the most beautiful spring days in recent memory and I happened to run into a friend of mine.  In my view, one of this person's most amazing gifts in life is the ability to zap other people with the most thought provoking life observations that come completely out of left field.

Today's conversation went something like this:

Him:  Boy it's a beautiful day today Diane, isn't it?

Me:  It really is.

Him:  Isn't it amazing though how there are so many people around here that can find something to
complain about on a day like today?

Me:  I know...

Him:  It seems like it's always something with them.

Me:  I know.  It's like over the winter people complain that they were too cold and had to shovel snow.
They couldn't wait for spring.  Now they complain their allergies are bothering them.  It never ends.

Him:  In a few weeks they'll be too hot.

Me:  Exactly. 

Him:  I just try to keep away from people like that.

Me:  Me too....I just don't deal with them.

Him:  These people who complain all the time, it's like the are staring in their own tragedy of
woe.  Could you imagine having to watch yourself be the star in your own life tragedy?  Repeating
the same thing, the same complaint, the same negative experience or story...over and over to everyone you meet...day after day?  Having to listen to that?  That would be just awful.

Me:  Yep, it would be...but there are plenty of people out there who do it..constantly.


My conversation with my friend obviously stuck in my head.  "Tragedy of Woe".  Having to watch and listen to yourself... like a play..."over and over".  yeesh

This is an interesting topic for me because I, unfortunately, grew up around a mother who complained constantly.  Still does.  Day in and day out...over and over...the same dull beat, the same stories, the same delusional, non-consequential minor tragedies that only she seems to have to experience during this lifetime.
I guess I must have found her behavior it so innately revolting when I was growing up, that I  basically turned out pretty much opposite.  Unless there is something serious going on, I'm usually pretty happy.  Focused normally, but happy... or at least I try to keep an even beat.  I make it a point to not complain to others about the petty, mundane bothers in my life....and I don't like to stick around to hear theirs.

I have always known that spiritually it's wrong to burden other people with your problems, but I'm surprised how many people don't understand that concept.  Seeking support and guidance for a serious issue or during times of crisis is one thing.  Constantly venting your woes and letting your funk rub off on other people...leaving them in a depressed state after you visit with them... is quite another thing.

In the 2010 Holiday Gift Picks for our blog, I recommended a book called "Golden Book of Reconstruction Letters" by George Llewellyn - originally published in 1941.  Although there are many valuable passages and words of wisdom in this great little book, there is a wonderful affirmation on constructive thought that sums all of this up perfectly.  Wise words to keep in mind.

Remember to smile and enjoy your day!

                                            ~ diane fergurson

        Affirmation
(Constructive Thought)

Talk Happiness.   The world is sad enough
Without your woes.  No path is wholly rough;
Look for the places that are smooth and clear.
And speak of those to rest the weary ear
Of earth, so hurt by one continuous strain
Of human discontent, and grief and pain!

Talk Faith.   The world is better off without
Your uttered ignorance and morbid doubt.
If you have no faith in God, or man or self,
Say so.  If not, push back upon be shelf
Of silence all your thoughts till faith shall come.
No one will grieve because your lips are dumb.

Talk Health.   The dreary, never-changing tale
Of mortal maladies is worn and stale.
You cannot charm, or interest, nor please,
By harping on that minor chord--disease.
Say you are well, or all is well with you.
And God shall hear your words and make them true.
       
                                                    - Author Unknown

This Beautiful Battered World

Mandala #1:  This Beautiful Battered World by Diane Fergurson 2001

Regardless of how you may personally feel about the unfolding of current events in the media, be careful you don't let yourself get caught up in the negative fray.  Change the channel on your television or radio.  You've been informed about what's going on, so process this information in your own time, in your own way...without constant outside bombardment.  It's not good for you.  Emotionally, psychologically or spiritually.  Vibrationally it's perpetuating a lot of agitation in people right now.  Be conscious of this in your dealings with others.  We urge you to focus your energy on the positive endeavours in your day instead.

   -please share-

A May Day and Beltane Blessing

Everyone I talk to is impatient for warm and sunny days, tired of the cloud cover and chill air of the darker half of the year. I'm certainly ready to celebrate the green growth of spring! This desire to feel sun on our skin and soil beneath our fingernails makes Beltane - or May Day as it is generally practiced today - such a comfortable, accessible holiday. May Day is widely and openly celebrated through the British Isles, as well as in many places in the US. People dance around the May Pole, sit by bonfires, and gladly toss their winter worries away as they look ahead to brighter days. Dreams come back to life, as we draw upon the fertile energy of the day.

Spring Nymphs by Emily Balivet

Traditionally, Beltane was celebrated by the Celts with much dancing, drinking, music, merriment, and romance. It was one of the two most important of their celebrations - celebrating the light half of the year. The name Beltane is believed to mean "fires of Bel" and honors the ancient sun god Beli, or Belanus. Druids looked after the Beltane fires, by which people and their livestock would pass, with the belief that they would be cleansing themselves of the illness or misfortunes they may have experienced through winter, and perhaps blessing them with good fortune for the months to come.


We can light our own bonfires, and we can honor any deity we like... We can make a May Pole or just make some music... what I think is important if we are to celebrate Beltane today is that essential message of taking a deep breath of fresh spring air, embracing the renewed life of warmer seasons, purifying ourselves of our past troubles, and looking with openness to the growth ahead.

About the artwork... This is the beautiful Spring Nymphs by Emily Balivet. Please take a look in her shop, for more exquisite, mythological goddess art.

In addition, if you would like to learn more about the history and tradition of Beltane, we invite you to watch this short, beautiful machinima film, Beltane Blessing by Celestial Elf.  It's absolutely enchanting...a magical way to start your day!

~ nellie levine

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You may also enjoy:

Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Artist's Interview with Emily Balivet

Lughnasadh Blessings

My Path, Your Path: Many Roads Lead to OZ

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day

Hong Kong, China

In case you are out and about on Saturday morning and see groups of people in the parks practicing some Martial Arts forms, April 30th is World Tai Chi and Qigong Day.  It is an annual event that is held the last Saturday of April each year to help promote the related disciplines of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong.  It is held in over 60 countries and has been going strong since 1999.

This multinational effort is ongoing and it's purpose is to expose people to the growing body of medical research related to Traditional Chinese Medicine and to help them fine resources and teachers in their own towns and areas.  Our class in Montclair, New Jersey will be at Verona Park this year and among other forms will be doing the Circle Walk Practice of Ba Gua Zhang which we have been studying for the last few months.

Ireland

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day's stated goals are to:

 1) Educate the world about emerging medical research revealing health benefits that Tai Chi Chuan and qigong offer.

2) Educate about the increasing use of these ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities in business, education, penal and drug rehabilitation.

3) Provide a global vision of cooperation for health and healing purposes across geopolitical boundaries, and also an appeal to people worldwide to embrace wisdom from all the cultures of the world.

New Jersey, USA

If you are suffering with medical issues, emotional difficulties or if you simply want to learn how to use Qigong, Tai Chi and Traditional Chinese Medicine to cultivate better health, prevent illness; while also embracing, enhancing, and celebrating your spiritual connection to heaven and earth...seek out classes where you live.   

~ diane fergurson

You may also enjoy reading:
From Jing to Qi to Shen: An Interview with Healer Darren Orr
Eating with the Qi Diagram
Qigong: An Interview with Joanne Kornoelje

photos courtesy of Wikipedia and the Mir-Yam School of Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Meditation

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Interview with the Barefoot Shaman - Organic and Heirloom Seeds

Five Colors Organic, Heirloom Swiss Chard

It's Spring... probably one of her busiest times of the year... but I was able to pull RaDonna Fox, The Barefoot Shaman, aside for a few minutes for a quick Mind Body Spirit Odyssey interview.  I wanted to ask her a few questions about organic gardening and NON-GMO seeds.  I'm such a fan of her shop on Etsy, and am very enthusiastic about some of the plant varieties she has to offer, especially after having receiving my seed order in the mail!

As a bonus to this interview, RaDonna has generously offered to send some free tomato plants to one lucky reader who will chosen at random.  To sign up for the drawing, just leave a comment under the interview along with your email address!  Also make sure you follow of our blog!  The deadline for the drawing is Sunday May 8th, 2011.   Happy gardening!
                                                                                                    ~ diane fergurson


MBS:  Can you tell us a little bit about your background? How you got involved with herbs and gardening?

Black Russian Tomato -Organic Heirloom Seeds

RaDonna:  Sure, I actually have a degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver in Holistic Medicine, a certificate in Aromatherapy, and am currently working on a Master's in Psychology from Regis University. I have other degrees but I don't think you want the entire list.
My mother was raised on a farm in Brewster, Kansas and there have been farmers in my life forever. My mother actually still lives in Kansas on a smaller farm these days. She taught me a lot, and I have spent an extensive amount of time learning and gardening myself.   I lived in Kansas on a farm for about six years. I raised goats, and chickens, and grew gardens and flowers on over an acre of land. I had not gone to college yet though.  That happened after my time on the farm.

Well I love the environment, people, and herbal medicine more than just about anything.  And I started to see grand improvements in people who took herbs correctly.   The problem was though, that many of the herbs people get from the stores are only 3% pure.   Check out quackwatch.com sometime for more information.

Eventually I decided that offering herbal seeds, something I loved, would be of great benefit to people and is something that is very much needed in the world. I combined my education with something I loved to do and went forth!
Someday I would like to have a "peace" center where people can come and garden, get herbal medicine, reiki, massage, psychotherapy, a place where they come to just find some real peace - in this chaos of a world we live in. I also love to write, and that is really the foundation of much of this, that and doing something I truly love. I hope that answers your question. I could give you a whole dissertation but, I will spare you!

Organic Heirloom Purple of Sicily Cauliflower

MBS:  I was really surprised to read just now that you said that many of the herbs in the stores are only 3% pure.  Can you tell us a little more about that? I didn't know that! That's amazing! Is that because the plants themselves, the manufacturing process or what?


RaDonna:  Yes, there really is no standardization or regulation.  So it is commonly found, through independent studies, that much of what is in the bottle on store shelves consists of...pardon the pun... "floor dust" or inert ingredients. You never really know what you are getting, unless you look over some of the studies, which can be found at quackwatch and other online sites.


It's really sad that so many people don't know about the quality of the herbs they are buying and are being duped by some dis-honest manufactures.  Then there are other problems... like with Kava Kava. It's popularity surged and the grower started to harvest 2 types of Kava that the Polynesians never used before in addition to young plants and aerial parts of plants. Unfortunately, this carelessness and greed created a problem with our ability to safely use the plant.

This again is why I offer the seeds.  If you know what you grow, it really helps. But, there are also issues with growing your own though.   A drought year, for example, can produce stronger medicine so it is wise to "know" what you plant. Take small steps with tea, start with one teaspoon instead of two, etc....

MBS:  I noticed that you sell a lot of organic and heirloom plant seeds in your shop. What is an heirloom plant or seeds for readers who may not be familiar with that? Also, what is the difference between organic and heirloom?

RaDonna:  Organic seeds are untreated with chemicals and fungicides for at least 3 generations of that plant species or 3 seasons. There are many seeds that are untreated, but have no guarantee that previous generations of seeds were untreated. Some of the fear is that the chemicals etc, may alter the genes of seeds for many generations of that plant. An heirloom seed is one that reproduces itself from it's own seeds. Hybrid seeds are designed to produce one crop and then the seeds are basically sterile, they will grow, but won't produce say tomatoes. Hybridization, in my opinion is really just a way to corner the seed market so people can't grow their own.

What's most important though, is that I would like people to know that NON-GMO seeds are the most valuable kind of seeds for everyone. Monsanto has created a variety of corn known as insect guard. Several varieties in fact. This corn, and it's pollen has been genetically modified so that it kills the bugs getting on it, a real convenience to the farmer. The problem is that this corn is also the cause of the death of the monarch butterflies as well as the collapse of the honey bee hives. It is so very important to choose seeds that not genetically modified, there is no testing of these seeds, and I believe they will one day prove to be dangerous.

Thank you very much for taking the time to interview me!

RaDonna Fox
The Bear Foot Shaman

thank you RaDonna!

The Moon and the Stars, Organic and Heirloom Watermelon

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You may also enjoy reading:
Going Vegan- Discovering a Wonderful Variety of Delicious Foods
Baby Carrots- Do You Know What You are Eating?