Arts and Wellness Wednesday - Book Review - Creative Awakenings

Welcome to the blog today.  On the podcast I did a review of the book - Creative Awakenings, Envisioning The Life of Your Dreams Through Art and you can listen to the podcast episode below.

You can check out the book below on Amazon, click on the book for further information 

It is written by Sheri Gaynor and it features inspiration from 12 different artists.  It has so many ideas, mixed media techniques and more within the pages of the book I think it is fantastic.  I have been working through the chapters, and will at some point share some more of my take away's from the book, for now check out the Podcast where I go through the book.

I have listed it on my amazon book list and you can see other books in my growing ideas list of Art Books and Supplies.

New Post Podcast - Creating in Faith - Space Episode - 156

Welcome to Episode 156 of the Creating in Faith Episode on Realityarts podcast. Today's word is Space.

When I look at the valley, mountain, and forests and sea I know there is a God - you can look at the vastness of the universe or your home surroundings. While I don't have the mountains, or valleys near my home we can find the joy in other things that those environments can bring to us. What does the idea of space mean to you both mentally and physically? Check out the Podcast HERE and let me know what you think.

Creating In Faith Weekly Encouraging Recordings are to bless and inspire you to be the best of yourself. It can be really great to pull out your art journal/Journal and express what comes up for you either with images and colour, with words or with both.

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There are so many FREE ways in which you can support the podcast and the work that I do on some of the other channels and it is always a blessing when you connect -

• listening each week and leave a comment,
• Subscribe to any or all of my channels, visit the
• YouTube channel (remember to hit the notification bell)
• Let me know how the content impacted you and if you were inspired to make changes/additions to your work or life.

YouTube www.youtube.com/amandatrought

Blog - http://realityarts-creativity.blogspot.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/Realityarts

Instagram www.instagram.com/realityarts/

Facebook www.facebook.com/realityartss/

Check out some encouraging boards on Pinterest

I also have an Arts and Health NHS Network for information on activities and organisations working in the field. You are welcome to join, it is a FREE resource and if you have any activities or want to talk about your work you are welcome to send me the information and I will see that it gets uploaded. You can create your own profile on the network and connect with others who are passionate about the arts in health too.

Creative Encourager - If you want to talk about creativity and the direction your going and need an ear, sign up for a FREE 30 minute call http://bit.ly/Encoura

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Signature Art Exhibition - Mayfair, London

Signature African Art Gallery - Mayfair, London

I was recently invited to attend an exhibition at the Signature African Art Gallery in London Mayfair.  There was some great work on display and new work is added on a regular basis.  They represent artists from West Africa.  More and more I have been draw to sculpture, and I really love the mixed media work on display, but all the work was fantastic.

If you are in the neighborhood check them out.  You can also check out their website HERE and look at the artists that they represent - such a wealth of talent.

Have a look at the video I created below, I had a lovely time viewing the work, it would have been lovely to meet some of the artists, but that is for another time.  The video will give you a sneak peek at some of the work.

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Art Saves - Book Review - Arts and Wellness Wednesdays

Welcome to the blog, hope it finds you in amazing health.  I had been away and will be sharing more about my trip over the coming week.  In today's post I will be sharing a book review.  The book in question is Art Saves Edited by Jenny Doh and if you click on the title it will take you Amazon.  It is a collection of stories and prompts by some inspiring artist and I hope you will be encouraged by it

You can listen to the podcast recording below.

If you are interested in other Arts and Wellness Wednesday 
 posts I have listed them below.







Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Paperless Post - Customizing Designs

Pastel Paintings

I have been playing about with the card designs on Paperless Post and as well as having an amazing selection of card designs, there are unlimited ways in which you can customize the cards you create to suit your own preferences.  I use their card layout designs in several different ways;

• Sending as cards and just changing the wording - there are some lovely images that they include in their designs.

• Customizing the cards by changing the images, as in the design below, this is in their wedding section and I wanted to use the layout and add my own images.  See my previous post - (There are many free designs and some you have to purchase coins to use).

• Cards can be sent via email or printed - on your own computer or using their printing service (minimum order of 20 cards)

• You can use their card designs in other ways - and I will show you how I edited some of my images to use the design below - You can check it out on their site HERE

Original Design - Starts at 2 coins

 This is the card that I chose because I wanted to include several images that I have made into prints from a series of Pastel Paintings that I had completed.

Customized using my own images

In this design I added a selection of images and changed the wording, it is very simple to add your own photos to the designs and there is also a very useful support section that runs through the steps for you to follow.  To save it to my computer all I had to do is click the right mouse button and save.  I then started to experiment further.

No Filter, Black Border

In this on I added a black border.  Paperless post comes with an assortment of backgrounds that you can use with your images, I thought the border set it off quite nicely.

Black and white filter

There are also a series of filters that you can use on your images, so I used the black and white filter on this next one, and again used the black border.  I wasn't able to change the color of the gold outline, but I felt that it made the wording stand out so it wasn't an issue for me.

Varied Filters, Black Border

On this design I used several different filters, including sepia, technicolor and black and white.  There are additional motifs that you can add to your design.  

The possibilities are endless, so have a play around and see what you come up with.  The other great thing about these are I can schedule the cards to go out to a select list of my collectors as online cards, send out printed cards or use in my social media.

I hope you give it a go!  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Out and about - Exhibition News - Msanii

Msanii Exhibition Sept 2019

I have been spending more and more time taking videos of exhibitions that I attend and where possible speaking to the artists.  I have found it to be a great way to connect with the artist and their work and it is always fascinating to hear what inspires fellow artists. 

I attended an exhibition presented by Artist Alliance Barbados and the work of Hebron Chism and Friends and met some new friends and ones that I knew many moons ago (the world is indeed a small place)

Catching up with new friends and ones I hadn't seen for soooo long!

The Artists participating in Msanii are Rolrick Donovan, Marville Alleyne, Darran Newman and Hebron Chism and was a mixture of Mixed Media, Watercolours, Acrylics, and the definition of the word Msanii means Artist/craftsman   

Take a look at the video

There was a great turnout at the reception and the exhibition continues until 21st September and is open Wed-Sat 11am-4pm - Norman Center, Bridgetown, Barbados.

The Artist Alliance Barbados organises several exhibitions and popup exhibitions around the island and you can find out more about the work they do and previous exhibitions.  The Curator is Oneka Small and she works with a team who share her vision for promoting and encouraging the arts in Barbados.  You can check them out HERE

You can also find out about events by taking a look at the Barbados Visual Arts Magazine published by Corrie Scott each month.  She curates monthly all the art events going on  each month in an online magazine, which you can check out HERE

Angel Walks - Arts and Wellness Episode - 127

Angel Walks - Arts and Wellness Wednesdays

Listen to the podcast

In Episode 127 - Arts and Wellness Wednesday I share information on the sculpture that I created called Angel Walks

Each week I will be sharing a piece of art, it is so important that we share what we do and tell our stories.

The sculpture like some of my other pieces has the apprearence of bronze, but this has a wire and clay armature and is made from fabric.  I really enjoy using these materials and creating a flow, and the way that you can get different effects from the different weights of fabric.  I also use fabrics in wall hangings and other pieces of art.

This sculpture won the NIFCA silver award which I am very proud of

Angel Walks - Amanda Trought

The arts is something that is so important that we all take part in and I hope that my work has an impact on the viewer in what ever way possible, not only being in the physical presence of the work but also viewing it.

Angel Walks - Amanda Trought

Angel walks reminds us that we never know the number of people who come into our lives that are angels in disguise.  We all have the ability to speak love and hope into other peoples lives and be a blessing and you may not realise that just by doing the things that you take for granted can be a real blessing to others and help uplift and change the course of their lives.  Listen to the podcast recording to hear more about the Sculpture.  

Angel Walks - Amanda Trought

Think about your own journey, and the times people impacted you life, those people that blessed you, the things that you did to be a blessing to others.  Think about the things that you now regret saying because it had a negative impact, and whilst your not always able to go back and make things right, think about how you can pay the blessing forward.

Angel Walks - Amanda Trought

Stay blessed and be a blessing, visit my website to see some of the other sculptures available

Arts and Wellness Wednesdays - Episode 124 Podcast

Welcome to the Episode 124 of the Podcast and the Arts and Wellness Wednesdays, and the show notes.

Today I am giving you tips on working with your art journal. and ways in which you can get over the initial fear of working in a book with loads of blank spaces, and get over it you will. Art Journals can also be used where words are hard to find or you want to express yourself in texture, colour, or what ever else you decide to create with in your art journal. If you give it a try you will soon be making your own designs, or even using those ones that you brought that seem so precious on yourself.

31 Art Journal Series

Check out some of the videos that I have created to help you with backgrounds HERE and also looking at a series of art journals I created HERE

On Wednesdays we focus on the Arts and how it can impact our health and well-being. I will be talking with artists, looking at activities that you can do to be more creative across the board and for those who are carers tips and strategies that you can use. I will also be sharing reviews, resources and other insights. I will be looking at the nuggets that the artists share and see how we can apply it in some way to our own lives, what ever your interests.

Check out the Arts and Health NHS Network for information on activities and organisations working in the field. You are welcome to join, it is a FREE resource and if you have any activities or want to talk about your work you are welcome to send me the information and I will see that it gets uploaded. You can create your own profile on the network and interact with other organisations and individuals working in and around the NHS.

For information on arts events in Barbados check out the Barbados Visual Arts event online Magazine Published by Corrie Scott, and also check out the artists, pop up exhibitions and events listed on Bajan Art - https://bajanart.com - also has Exhibition details for Season of Emancipation at St George Parish Church. 9am - 5pm.

You can also find me in other places on social media:

YouTube Instagram Pinterest Website Blog Twitter Facebook

Also take a look at my page on Amazon where I recommend some Art Journal Books for Beginners for you to take a look


I look forward to having you join me, stay blessed and be a blessing.

Podcast Episode 123 - Revelation (Creating in Faith )

Over the past few weeks I had been trying to push myself for change.  There are many things I want to accomplish and many changes that have to be made so that these things can come into fruition.  I shared in my post previously about staring fear in the face and acknowledging your feelings, and that is exactly what I have been trying to do!.  I am not and would never say that it is an easy feat, it isn't, it is not an overnight thing either.  There are somethings that I find easier to do than others.  When it comes to the practical sides of planning and sorting out others I find this much easier to deal with than if I were to do the same thing for myself.  

Listen to the podcast clicking the link above or HERE .  Think about the following:

• What changes in your life are you trying to make
• what words of wisdom have you been given along the way
• What words of wisdom would you give yourself 10 years ago.
• Who are you comparing yourself to? - remember that you are on different parts of the journey
• Who do you admire in your field 
• What advice would you give yourself in 10 years?

This 'perfect', 'got it all together' person doesn't and will never exist.  We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and at some point we will all have a moment when we release an offering in the world that might be less than perfect - so what - we pick ourselves up, we have taken that important step, we learn from it and then we move on.  This is so much better than to not have tried at all and be asking yourself "what if".

Think about what your strengths are and how you are going to be moving forward, ask those difficult questions and think about how you will encourage yourself to get out of your comfort zone more often.

Check out the previous Realityarts Podcast recordings on Wednesdays its Arts and Wellness topics and on Friday it is the Inspirational shorts to set you up for the weekend.  





Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Art Journal Page - Dream, Create, Enjoy!

Mixed Media Art Journal Page - Amanda Trought

I created this Art Journal page in my Gratitude's and Celebration Journal, a journal that I spent time in weekly creating a page and writing out the things I was grateful for that week. It is so important to spend time in reflection, thinking about where you are going, where you are and where you have come from. 

Check out the Video below:

It is important to focus on the things you are grateful for and appreciate, the very things we sometimes take for granted helps lift our spirits and encourage us to move forward in many different ways.

The page was created from that 'dreaded blank page' and we can often get hung up about not knowing what to create, and then allow the 'blank page syndrome, to take hold of us. How do you approach your blank pages? With Fear? or with delight in a new adventure?

Playing with the page meant that applying colour and washi tape and not over think it, the only thing you need to focus on is applying something to the page.

I then added additional layers including stencils, stamps, again just playing on the page with supplies - you will never look at the blank page again in the same way!

I approach each and every surface as an adventure! It is alright to walk away from the page and you don't have to do everything in one sitting.  I came back and then added the image and additional stamps.

Go find your blank page and take some time to play.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Inspirational Shorts - Humility

Humility

Inspirational Shorts are a great way for you to get a quick creative reminder at how precious and loved you are.  There is also a need to remind yourself that you have to love yourself unconditionally, with all your faults - no body is perfect despite what they are telling you.  Today's word is Humility, you can listen to the recording on the Podcast below, and also read it to confirm what your heart already knows

Today is a great day for starting over, there is no weakness in change, it shows great strength. You have to have faith and believe that growth will take place, worry not about what others will do or say, but fix your mind on where you must begin and the journey you will take, you hold the keys!

I hope that you have found something that you can take away in the recording today to inspire and motivate you to be all you dream you to be and more!  One day, one action at a time.  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Chocolate Rain - Review - 100 Ideas for a Creative Approach to Activities in Dementia Care

Welcome to the blog today.  I am reviewing the book called Chocolate Rain - 100 Ideas for a Creative Approach to Activities in Dementia Care.  I found the book to be a great resource and definitely one that you should have on your bookshelf, and be your 'go-to' resource.  I will be updating with the video if you would like to see the chapters and get a feel for the book.

As well as a key resource the book also encourages you to create a list of your own activities and the chapters help you in achieving this.  You don't have to be actively creative to develop the ideas in this book, but high chances are you will end up creative and that's great!

Check out the podcast episode where I talk about the book and share some of my own experience being an artist and carer and developing art workshops and also looking at the impact that art and creativity has on our health and well-being.

 The book is called Chocolate Rain

The book is filled with some really great tips and ideas, and gets you thinking about the things you are doing and how you can be more mindful with someone who may be at varying stages of the disease.  The arts have always played a key role in impacting on healthcare situations in the home or in a care setting, and there are a variety of organisations that work with artists from a variety of disciplines to deliver sessions - from the arts to music, dance, drama and more.

Check out the Arts and Health NHS Network for information on activities and organisations working in the field.  You are welcome to join, it is a FREE resource and if you have any activities or want to talk about your work you are welcome to send me the information and I will see that it gets uploaded.  You can create your own profile on the network and interact with other organisations and individuals working in and around the NHS.

Inspirational Shorts - Encouraging words for your week - Diversity

Welcome to the blog.  On my podcast today, while slightly late I posted an episode of Inspirational Shorts with the title Diversity, and also included some encouragement to help you go about your coming week.  We all need some encouragement from time to time, reminders of how far we have come, how precious we are and not to give up on ourselves.  I hope this short recording serves as the encouragement that comes just at the right time for you.

The title Diversity is a word 'just in time' or 'for this particular time' and it is for you to think about what that word means to you, the things that you are doing, does it remind you to do something, change something.  Does the word speak to your personal life or business life or both.  Take the encouraging words below as a reminder, and every now and then over the course of the week give yourself a reminder as you listen to the recording.

You are precious, a gift, you touch the heart of many. So many miracles have come from you - through your smile your warmth, your heart. Keep believing, patience is the key that comes in many forms and you hold the key to unlock the many blessings that are waiting for you. Everything will come together for good at the right time

Do remember to check out some of the links on the blog, check out my YouTube channel for encouraging videos to assist you in your creative journey.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

The Print Exhibition 2019

The Print 2019 Exhibition opened at the Grove Gallery, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre.

Met up with some Old Friends and connected with some new ones, both Artists and appreciators of art.  I feel that we are all creative and use it in different ways whether we see in numbers, colours, patterns and every thing else. 

I spoke to an economist on the night who talked about understanding the mind of an artist and their inspiration to create - I was sharing that the way I often work is to lay down colours and see what forms and figures emerge - I thought everyone saw the shapes.  

How do you create, do you relate to seeing shapes, forms and patterns in your work?

The young man said he had never experienced looking at a design or pattern and seeing figures but that he loved numbers and saw the patterns in numbers, that there for me speaks of the way each of us use creativity to express in some way.

Some lovely work on display and it is always great to meet new artists and see how they are motivated to create.

Let me know if you get to attend the Print Exhibition, it is on until 17th August, also check out some of the other videos on Exhibitions in Barbados on my YouTube Channel.

If you are interested in taking a digital creative course Bluprint have an offer of 30 Days of Classes for $1

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Inspirational Shorts - Authenticity

Welcome to this week's Friday Podcast - Episode 113.

Authenticity 

The doors are opening, are you ready to walk through? The time is coming - you have put in the hard work, you stayed up late and got up early, you made the sacrifices and carried on making your mark despite the circumstances. The time has come for you to look back at where you came from, look at all your achievements, no matter how small, you have come a long way!  Be proud of what you have achieved, be proud of your authenticity.

*  *  *

I thought I would give you an insight for the weekends, and prepare you for Mondays.  These Friday podcasts will be typically under 3 minutes, and just a pit stop.

Each Friday I share with you an insight or revelation and I hope that It will bless you as it blesses me.  Today it is to encourage you to go out and do some exercise, in whatever way you want to do it. have a journal or art journal handy, so that you can either make notes or create something from what inspires you. 

You can check me out on the following platforms,

Amanda Trought on Social Media (Realityarts):

www.youtube.com/amandatrought 

www.twitter.com/Realityarts 

www.instagram.com/realityarts/ 

www.facebook.com/realityartss/