Stepping Out Challenge - Day 3

Welcome to today's post, I am taking part in the 31 day blog challenge as part of the Ultimate Blog Challenge for October.

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Today I wanted to share one of my favorite challenges and this was my 31 Art Studio Essentials.  

I created a challenge called The Art Studio Essentials Challenge, and it was probably one of my favorite challenges where I took a closer look at the 31 supplies that I most like to used, it included not only looking but also playing with my favorite art supplies.

There are times when you need to reintroduce yourself to your supplies, many of which can be neglected if you have quite a few supplies.  I have had some supplies that I hadn't even used dry up, partly because of the change in climate but they could no longer be used. 

The Challenge also made me realize how much I enjoyed spending time creating in my art studio.  The important thing you have to remember is that you take the time out each and every day.  

Art and creativity is an integral part of life and it is something that I believe we should all take time out to do every day.  You may not be inclined to draw or work in your art journal, your thing might be photography, dance or music, but you must find time to tune into your creative passions.

Day 3 Insights

• I didn't start out having the studio space that I currently work in now, I guess I have grown into it over the years and started out on the edge of my kitchen table.  I had to put everything away at the end of every day, but I made what I had work for me at the time.  We don't necessarily need a large space to do something creative and you need to think outside of the box at times. 

What is your creative space like, are you utilizing the space you have or do you wish for a different space?  Very often we do not see what we have in front of us and desire more, more space more time, more supplies.

Tomorrow I will share some of my favorite supplies from the essentials of my Art Studio.  I hope over the challenge you find some time to be creative and stretch yourself.

Why not join me each day for the rest of October for the Ultimate Blog Challenge as we dive into to some exciting challenges and look at ways in which they can impact on your own life and possibly challenges that you might decide to do. 

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, it is never too late to start! The main thing is to take one step at a time and do something that you find interesting.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Stepping Out - Ultimate Blogging Challenge - October Day 1 and 2

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The challenge season has come round again or did it ever go away!  I am taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge where I challenge myself to write 31 blog posts for the month of October.  There are many different blog challenges that take place throughout the year that helps get you kick started to new routines, regimes and lifestyles, so it is worth taking a look and seeing which one fits with you.  

You can choose what you want to blog on or the hosts might give you a prompt for the day for you to post on.  There are so many things that you could post about; it could be something that interest you, hobbies and pastimes, interesting facts, it can be anything, but you have to show up each and every day.

I took quite a long time in finding the thing that I wanted to share, and I am also running a day late, and then October came upon me so quickly, that is no excuse really, at the end of the day you are doing it to challenge yourself and hopefully along the way others are blessed.

I have taken part in many of these challenges over the years my very first one was with Blogging from A to Z challenge, this currently happens in April.  I have also created a series of different challenges for myself over the years that have ranged from a 7 day, 26, 31 day challenges, 52 week challenge, 365 day challenge and one that took me over a year and a half writing about the things that I was grateful for.

It is always a sigh of relief when you complete the challenge and speak about what you learnt about yourself over the challenge. 

For my challenge this October I will be reviewing and reflecting on some of the challenges I did over the past few years and the nuggets of learning that came out of it for me and what I might decide to take forward and create from them.   I feel that it is vital that you learn something about yourself from taking part in a challenge and when you share your insights you are able to help someone else. 

I will also be sharing a snippet about myself and by the end of the month you can get to know me and my work a bit better.

The challenges are a time for growth and enable you to see things from a different perspective.  I will be sharing 15 challenges that I have done over time, how they impacted my work, my favorites of the challenges and what I might do as a follow on with the information that comes from the challenge.

Day 1 and 2 Insights

• I like creating and taking part in challenges for myself. I find a work better if I have a schedule and know what things that I need to be doing. This also works well for me with the challenge, it is almost like breaking things down into manageable chunks and then you keep working away until you finish, I find that the challenge help me get specific things created or help me process information - like being able to create Tips for Carers I was able to see the things that I did in my role as a carer for my mother.

• Whilst challenges need to be planned to get the best out of them, sometimes you need to just begin, stop making excuses and jump in! I have been known just to start a challenge, and half way I begin to flag because I have become overwhelmed.  Where possible plan ahead and get all the information or tools that you need ahead of time and this will make it easier to stick with it and not start stressing about what you need to do for that day.  You also need to take things at your own pace if you start to flag - but that is where the planning ahead comes in, it is better to keep going rather than stop because you are a few days behind.  That said on some of the days I will do two posts so that I stay on schedule.

Why not join me each day for the rest of October as we dive into to some exciting challenges and look at ways in which they can impact on your own life and possibly challenges that you might decide to do. 

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, let me know if you decide to take on a challenge, it can be for as long or short as you want, if you have never done one before start with a 3, 5 or 7 day and see how you get on.  The main thing is to start and do something that you find interesting.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Podcasting - Just Start

So I decided to start a podcast in the last few months on a platform called Anchor, and have been sharing insights and revelations, about art and creativity, my time as a carer for a mother living with Dementia and things that generally inspire me.  It has been great, I am learning so many new skills, and juggling everything is becoming a fine art!

The great thing about creating the podcasts on Anchor is that it is shared on a variety of other podcast platforms and so if you have a favorite one you will be able to listen on that specific platform.

Podcasts have always been a great way of listening to your favorite content, and Anchor have made it easy for you to create and upload and then take the hard work out of it for you by uploading to additional podcast platforms.

Here are a list of the platforms that my podcasts can be found on:

Anchor Podcasts

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Spotify

Breaker

Castbox

Pocket Casts

Radio Public

Stitcher

Did you see your favorite one, check them out, and while your there check out my current podcast on your platform of choice - It's easy!

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Podcasting Week - 2018 & Creative Live Free on Air Classes

It is Podcasting Week 2018. 

I had always wanted to get into Podcasting over the years but never followed it through. I got into radio and did a 3 year stint on local community radio. It was great, and I found doing the research for the show interesting and knowing the power of radio in taking the message out to potentially the world! 

I have always recording my thoughts on my phone using the voice recorder or video and found I had a lot of content that I could use. I jumped in feet first this year and signed up onto a platform called Anchor. It is very easy to use and you get a good quality sound just from using your phone. It also shares your recording on a selection of 9 other podcasting platforms.

If you have been considering making your own podcasts I encourage you to take the step. I started out making one recording a week, and now I am better familiar with editing and uploading I have started releasing two episodes a week. You can obviously do as little or as much as you like.

The advances of technology now means that you can create your own radio talk show, you decide the hours, and collaboration, location. Think about the topics that you can talk about, or who you want to talk with. It is a great opportunity to share your voice with the world.

Weekly Podcasts - This weeks - Letting go of negative words

Most of all don't hide your ideas away, take the leap, be bold, make that step, and you will have amazing memories to look back on.

There are some courses that you can do to give you a good start and you can take a look at some of the courses offered by Creative Live. You can start learning for free with the selection of live and on air classes. You will learn creative skills from top experts, and with over 1,500 curated classes in Photography & Video, Money & Life, Craft & Maker, Art & Design, and Music & Audio, and more!  There is something for everyone.

Creative Live is has a selection of on-air broadcasts for free or you can purchase a class and own the content for life.

Additionally, you can get your daily creative fix on the iOS app with 1 free lesson of your choice, each and every day. I have included some upcoming classes below for you to check out.

Check Out CreativeLive's Free On-Air Classes

Free On-Air Classes - Week of 9/23

Class Name: Automate and Outsource Your Work

Text Link: Automate and Outsource Your Work Class at CreativeLive

Start Date: 09/23/2018

End Date: 09/24/2018

RSVP Date: 09/23/2018

Class Name: Podcasting for Crafters and Makers

Text Link: Podcasting for Crafters and Makers Class at CreativeLive

Start Date: 09/24/2018

End Date: 09/25/2018

RSVP Date: 09/24/2018

Class Name: Grow Your Business with YouTube

Text Link: Grow Your Business with YouTube Class at CreativeLive

Start Date: 09/25/2018

End Date: 09/26/2018

RSVP Date: 09/25/2018

Class Name: Foundations in Metalsmithing: Bracelets

Text Link: Foundations in Metalsmithing: Bracelets Class at CreativeLive

Start Date: 09/27/2018

End Date: 09/28/2018

RSVP Date: 09/27/2018

Class Name: Getting Started with Pen, Ink & Markers

Text Link: Getting Started with Pen, Ink & Markers Class at CreativeLive

Start Date: 09/28/2018

End Date: 09/29/2018

RSVP Date: 09/28/2018

Try and check out some of the courses, I will definitely be checking them out and will share at some point on the blog.

Check out my podcast, and let me know if you would like to be join me on one of the episodes.

Why not do something new, you never know where it will lead, or add to the work that you are currently doing. Let me know how you get on, or which ones you might try.  Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Letting go of words - The Negative ones!!

Letting go of the Negative Words

After listening to a snippet of a Ted Talk, I stumbled on it and thought that I had book marked it, but when I went back to listen to the rest I couldn't find it.

The short of it was a question which asked you to think of a negative word that you commonly use, and think about removing it from your vocabulary.

What word would you remove and why?

When you remove the word you have to give more thought to your situation.  My word was Insecure, and rather than use that word I had to dive deeper into the situation I was trying to explain away under the banner of 'insecurities'.

It then began to be clear that there were many things that I didn't do because I explained it away as me being insecure.

But when I let go of the word I found that I got to the root of how I was feeling and why, instead of fobbing myself off.

What negative words are you using to describe how you are feeling that you could omit from your vocabulary that only makes you feel stuck and doesn't really describe how you might be feeling.

Let me know what word you will stop hiding behind.  Create a journal page, play with your supplies, or write about how it feels.

If you want to listen to the podcast you can do so HERE

Stay blessed, pass it on and be a blessing!

Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CAFA) 2019

Every year in March the Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CAFA) comes to Barbados, and it attracts artists and visitors from around the globe. I have participated in 3 fairs so far and 2019 will be my forth year. 

The dates for the ninth edition of the Caribbean Fine Art Fair is the 6 - 10th March 2019. 

Our guests curators for the Fair is Victor Davson, Guyanese co-founder of Aljira Center for Contemporary Art and Oneka Small, Barbadian Artist, curator and founder of Artist Alliance.

Applications are currently open if you would like to take part. and you can check out the link HERE

It is a great way to meet other artists, with so many different styles and approaches from around the world and share dialogue and love for art over the 5 days of the Art Fair.  It is also great to interact with art lovers and talk about the work on display. 

I hope you check out the Website and consider being one of the exhibitors.

Here are a few of the photos from last years CAFA Fair, check the link below for a full look at the work of the Artists that took part.

Organizer - Anderson Pilgrim

With family and friends

Amanda Trought - My mixed media Wall Hangings

Fellow Artist and Art Curator Dr Myrah Brown Green

Fellow Artists and Art collectors

Here are some mini videos that I took on the day

Walking round checking out some of the Art work

Remember to put the dates for 2019 in your calendar and make sure that you attend.

So you got a flavor of the opening, you can check out the work of the Artists who participated in the 2018 CAFA  HERE

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

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Moments to Ponder - Just Start - You have everything you need!!

You have everything you need to start!!!

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You have everything that you need to start, so what are you waiting for?  Do you need some special permission, letter from your parents, critic or some other person that you have been seeking approval from?

What you haven't always realized and I talk to myself as well as you, I hope you know that!! But you have everything you need to make a start.  You might not have all the pieces to complete the job, but you don't have to wait until everything all lines up.  You take a step, each and every day, break things down and before you know it you have moved on!.

Think back over your life the many things that you have done, and realized they were not as bad as you thought it was going to be.  The fear was in the unknown, but once you knew it was alright.  Well, there are many other things that you are holding back on, some things are to do with health, that pain or twinge you felt but have been ignoring, that quiet 'me time' you should be taking on a regular basis to find balance in your life, or that creative space you are suppose to be giving yourself.

Don't hold out or back on yourself anymore, it doesn't have to be perfect, improvements come over time, you just got to work hard at it.  Start something today, take 5 minutes and just go for it, if you still 'feel' you need permission to get started, see the slip below - all access pass, no waiting

There you have it, it might feel scary to start, but you have loads us creatives in your corner as your cheerleaders, and family and friends.  Let me know how you get on, leave a comment, check out some of my other platforms and share what you are doing.  It is never too late to start - I believe in your dreams!

Stay blessed and Be a blessing, as you are blessed pass it on.

Moments to Ponder - Feeling Grateful

What are you grateful for?

It has been a while I know and I miss posting for those of you who have been visiting my blog.  I think we have all been there where so many things come at us at the same time that you feel that something has to give.  You make choices, and changes and often the very things that you put a pause on you miss the most.

I have really missed blogging and intend to change things up and start my regular schedule again, and will be sharing in another post some of the things that you can expect each week.

For this weeks Moments to ponder which should have been posted on Monday the question is What are you grateful for?

In the past I have done a Gratitude's and Celebration Journal in which each week I posted a journal page and something that I felt grateful for, along with a word for that week.  It was a great way to remind yourself of what you have at your disposal, but what you can do to be a blessing for others.

I am grateful that I have a platform, many that I can share my writing, art and more and be a blessing to someone who may see my work.  I am also grateful to be able to work in beautiful surroundings and feel the sunshine and sea breeze.

Take some time each day to think about what you are grateful for whether you do it first thing in the morning or last thing at night, take 10 minutes out of your day and write something down, do a journal page, record your own video and post it so that others can share their heart as well. 

Let me know how you get on, if you start an art journal or depict your gratitude's in a creative way that is great!  

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Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Working with Fabrics - Wall Hangings

Fabric Wall Hangings

In the video I share with you a series of wall hangings I created called Forgotten Stories.  Here is how they progressed.

At this point I had painted the fabric pieces and started to add the jewelry and the beading.

I taught myself some simple quilting techniques and ran with it.  I knew I didn't want to make a large quilt, just used some of tips that I needed as I learnt.

Very often we stop ourselves from doing things because we don't have the resources, or skills, but you can learn the techniques as you go along, don't wait until you are an expert as you might find that you get some great results from the process as you go along.  In my research I learnt about the quilts of the Underground Railroad, the messages and symbols contained in them and will share more in another post.

There were several things that I loved doing with these wall hangings, 

•  the process of painting the pieces of fabric, 
• using the range of colors and also 
• creating the marks and designs that seem to come together when they were taken to the next stage and stitched

I called the series of wall hangings the Forgotten Stories.

Forgotten Stories Series

I started creating the series quite a while back and spent a lot of time selecting fabric and hand painting the fabric using a variety of acrylics, fabric paints and later on embellishments.  I never used to have so much patience to create the amount of detail that you see in these pieces, but learnt that the messages come out over time, and in different ways. 

The idea behind the series for me is the forgotten stories that  are told in communities and would traditionally be handed down as you sit around a fire, or people would gather round the village stories tellers.  I also wanted them to capture the essence of a short story that I had written where a young girl accompanies her mother to a fabric store and the owner begins to share how far the fabric has traveled and what all the signs and symbols mean.

With each pattern having a meaning. These stories tells of the kings and queens, the daily lives of a village who did what their accomplishments, the travelers of the land, the trade between the villages and the things they produced.  The carrying of spices, and precious jewels across sand dunes, forests and seas.

The symbols that tells of the strength the technology and skills that were the cornerstone of populations

Charting the journey of the different tribes, showing the gifts the abilities that resides unto this day.

Once each panel was complete I began to add the beading and embellishments to decorate.  You can see a bit of the process in the video above.

Forgotten Stories - Blue

I love the way the pieces turned out and the color mixes.

As my fabric pieces tell their story I hope they will inspire you to share yours.  Art for me is about how we use it to express our ideas, thoughts - our truth and is a tool that can bring a voice to every situation.

Let me know how you use fabric in your work and to express ideas.  If you are looking for additional ideas for using fabric then check out some of the links below for ideas, supplies and more!

Adorn it 

Dollar Tree 

Blick 

Stampington 

C& T Publishing

Craftsy Kits

Central Bank Visual Arts Festival Awards 2018

Celebrations are in order

Here is the video to check out

Well, it doesn't happen every day, and when it does, it is a cause for celebration.  I was blessed to have won a 'Best in Show Award and an 'Incentive Award' at the Central Bank Crop Over Visual Arts Festival.

The Visual Arts Exhibition is on every year as part of the Crop Over Celebrations in Barbados.  It show cases talent around the islands and the exhibition takes place across 2 venues - The Queens Park Gallery and 

the Courney Blackman Grand Salle

Here I am with some of the award winners and the Minister of Culture John King (5th from the left).

Here are some of the Artists that won an award for their work

I was very proud to stand up with the artists who won an award

Check out Barbados Visual Arts Events for the latest in What's happening on the Art Scene.  A new issue comes out each month listing all the galleries and events around the island and profiling the many talented artist.  It is published by artist Corrie Scott a talented artist herself, and she does a great job in pulling together all the information.  

This mixed media piece on show at the Courtney Blackman Grand Salle is called Hunters Journey/Tale, made of clay and fabric.  This piece tells the story of life, truths, challenges, emotions, change and love that we find on our journey.  There is no final destination but the work in progress, and how we choose to tell our stories.

Best In Show Award - Hunters Journey/Tale - Amanda Trought/Springer

Art work the Queens Park Gallery include my Forgotten Stories Series

Incentive Award - Forgotten Stories Collection - Amanda Trought/Springer

Forgotten Stories Series

I started creating the series a while back and spent a lot of time selecting fabric and hand painting the fabric using a variety of acrylics, fabric paints and later on embellishments. 

The idea behind the series is the forgotten stories that would traditionally be handed down as you sit around a fire, or people would gather round the village stories tellers.  I also wanted them to capture the essence of a short story that I had written where a young girl accompanies her mother to a fabric store and the owner begins to share how far the fabric has travelled.

With each pattern having a meaning. These stories tells of the kings and queens, the travelers of the land, carrying spices, and precious jewels across sand dunes, forests and seas.

The symbols tells of the strength the technology and skills that were the cornerstone of populations

Charting the journey of the different tribes, showing the gifts the abilities that resides unto this day.

Once each panel was complete I began to add the beading and embellishments to decorate.  I will be sharing a video of the making and a bit more information in the next few days.

Forgotten Stories - Blue

I love the way the pieces turned out and the color mixes.

My pieces tell their story and will inspire you to share yours.  Art for me is about how we use it to express our ideas, thoughts - our truth and is a tool that can bring a voice to every situation.

I hope that you are able to see all the Art work at the Central Bank Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition at the Courtney Blackman Grand Salle and the Queens Park Gallery, and the work inspires you to own a piece of art and do something creative yourself.