Barbados Sea Island Cotton Birds Nest

Restoration Journal

I have been spending a bit more time in my Restoration Journal which I created a while back, and is made from an old university prospectus that I picked up at an opening.

It is great to be able to recycle and make something creative, and find ways to use the supplies that you have alongside the things that you may have in your home and bring new life to it.

Each morning one of my routines is to work in my journals both written and art and spend time reflecting on the things that I need to do for the day.  I am blessed to have quite a large window that I can gaze out of as I contemplate.

I noticed a while back a couple of birds landing on the branches of the mahogany tree in front of me and they kept coming back as if they were checking me out, I later realised they were looking for prime real-estate to set up home.

 

Bird Checking out the Branches for a new home

And that is what they did! Over time they began to collect cotton from the cotton plant and build a nest for themselves.  They strengthened it with a few twigs in some strategic places and then it was done.

Barbados Sea Island Cotton Birds Nest

I imagine it to be ultra comfortable and soft, they are using Barbados Sea Island Cotton after all, and it is known all around the world for being the softest, and greatest quality, so they chose wisely.

Other lovely sites that I get to see as I gaze outside my window are rainbows, sounds quite magical doesn't it.  I appreciate the time I get to spend in the studio and the  insights that come from being in a creative space.

Before the rainbow comes the rain, but nature is in sync

As the birds build their nest and make the most from their surroundings I too look around my space and am grateful for what I have at my disposal, and how I have made it feel homely to me.  

Think about where you are and the things that you have in your space that you can sometimes take for granted, and look at them with new eyes.  What wildlife can you see around you adapting to their environment and utilizing what nature has available.

Rainbows adding the magical touch to the studio

Spend time in your art journal and create a page that expresses how you feel about your space, those things that you can sometimes take for granted, or those things you need to see with a fresh pair of eyes.

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Realityarts Podcast - Episode 67 - Family OUT NOW!

Today on the podcast I talk about Family and what it means to me, both the immediate and extended.  I also touch on those people who you spark from and feel sometimes on first meeting as if you have known them for a long time.  

Coming Home - Mixed Media Art Page

Take out your journal and create a page about what your family means to you, what memories of your family do you have, and experiences that you want to hold on to and pass down to younger generations.

Join me on the podcast, you can also listen on your favorite platform and find me on there as well, I am looking forward to connecting with you

If you listen to podcasts on different platforms check below and see if yours is listed and you will be able to enjoy my podcast from there, take your pick!

Anchor 

Google  Podcasts

Spotify

Breaker

Castbox

Pocket  Casts

RadioPublic

Overcast     

Stitcher 

Apple Podcasts

Stay blessed and be a blessing

Form & Fire Ceramic Exhibition, Barbados

Form and Fire Exhibition brings together 6 Ceramicists based in Barbados and I went to the opening, check out the sneak preview below and meet the talented artists.

In the video Juliana Inniss explains how the group came about

Exhibition opening - Argentina Embassy, Barbados - Artists - Amanda Trought, Ancel Daniel, & Juliana Inniss 

Juliana Inniss finishes her hand-built vessel forms using alterntive firing techniques such as Raku, Naked Raku, Saggar and Sawdust firing

Artist Lynn Haynes

Lynn Haynes throws porcelain vessels on the wheel and embellishes them with flowers and other tropical themes.

Artist Gail Riley

Gail Riley hand builds work from Chalky Mount white clay and indigenous terracotta clay incorporating other local clays as slips

Artist Ancel Daniel

Ancel Daniel hand builds clay masks which are then incorporated into 2D mixed media work

Artist Melanie D'Oliveira

Melanie D'Oliveira works are inspired by tropical fruit forms which.

Artist Martina Pile

Martina Pile's hand built and wheel-thrown work incorporates sgraffito into tiles, bottles and dishes.

A fantastic lineup of artists with a passion for ceramics but their own unique style, you really do need to see the work in person.  

If you are interested in learning about ceramics you can check out the list of books, tools and more on 

Realityarts Amazon Storefront

Podcast Episode 65 - Creating in Faith - Loss and Purpose

Come and join me on the podcast.

In today's episode I talk about loss and purpose. What do we do with the feelings of the loss of a loved one. When does the weeping turn to joy and how can we walk through the pain into the blessings of their memories.

There are so many of us who feel that if we don't think about the person then we won't feel the pain of loosing them but the opposite is true, we will try and numb the pain but we will still feel it, coming in waves when something reminds us of them, and it could be the smallest random thing that sparks it off.

I found that the more I thought about all the things that we did together, and laughed at those moments it helped me wade through the pain.  The more I did it I found that when I did think about them I would think back to joyous times, the times we shared and the things that they would have wanted to be remembered for.  One of the saddest things we can do is to decide not to think about the person as if they never existed because we cannot bear the pain, without realizing that when we do journey through instead of covering up we will have some amazing stories of strength, love and compassion, our memories of our loved ones will intensify without the pain, and we will be able to find laughter at those times we shared.

You are not alone

I will always miss the physical presence of the person but the feeling of their spiritual presence as if they were in the room sharing the moments that I am going through fills me with comfort.  

If you are going through the loss of a loved one, take your time, it is a gradual process and I am here if you want to share.  If you are able to journal or do something in your art journal you will also find comfort in creativity.  Don't shut yourself away but reach out and as you are blessed be a blessing to another.

Art Journal Texture

Mixed Media Art Journal Page - Amanda Trought

There is a quote which says 'Creativity takes Courage' Henri Matisse, and I definitely think that you have to show up for yourself each and every day.  You will get those times where you don't feel like creating, and in these times especially you have to show up - not for anyone else, but for yourself.

To show up for yourself you have to first see 'You'

And not be afraid to put yourself out there, and then do it all again no matter who you think is or is not listening.

I wanted to play around with textures and brought out some embossing powders that had been sitting on my shelf for the longest time as I previously used them when making cards and didn't see other possible uses for them.

This is why it is essential to play around with your supplies and see how many other ways you can use them or what you can combine them with.

I also used a stencil made from recycled materials and applied Gesso to the page.  It is amazing the things that we have around our homes that can double for a creative tool!  Texture is important to me and helps tell the story that is waiting to be told.

It is only when you start looking at the detail on the page do you see all of the delicious textures that are evident.  I hope that you find the courage to step out in your art journal and experiment, you may like what comes up.

Open Studio Tours - CaFA Art Fair 2019

It was great to be part of this years Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) as one of the artists and also sharing my studio in Barbados on the open tour. 

 I shared about the use of techniques using recycled materials, mixed media and more. 

It was lovely to have people in my creative space and it made it come alive even more

Fellow Sculptor and Mixed Media artist Afreekan Southwell 

Studio Tour Visitors blessed my creative space

Next years tour aims to be bigger and better with it being the 10th year of CaFA

It was also great to be part of the main exhibition which brought into the Island over 40 Artists sharing their amazing work.

Sharing a moment with Curator/Artist Oneka Small and Artist Russell Watson

Artist Earl Darius Etienne demonstrates his fabric pieces

Therapeutic Art with Artist S.Ross Browne

Designer modelling her own clothes

 And shared my work in the main exhibition of the Fair

Still working on a few videos of the exhibition and will share as they get done.

For further information on the Caribbean Fine Arts Fair 2020 - https://www.cafafair.com/

CaFA 2019 in Full Swing

Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) is in full swing and there is amazing work from around the Caribbean and wider.  Yesterday was the Gala and it was opened by Minister John King and a special award (Caribbean Luminary of the Arts Award) was given to the family of the late Winston Jordan

Friday's Tour Available to Book

Call - (246) 822 3694

Visit www.bajanart.com

If you are not able to join us I will be sharing the highlights of the exhibition, you can also see the parts of the Gala Live

HERE.

I will also be speaking with The Money Mob Host Paul Muhammad and co-hosts today on Urban Jazz Radio 

It will be great if you could catch the show We will be talking all things Creative, the Arts, International Art Shows and Urban Gardening!!

Also on the show - FRANK ADOM, Managing Director Of PROSTACURE the award winning herbal tea. Talking about Prostate health and well-being.

On every THURSDAY from 6pm - 8pm on Urban Jazz Radio 

With a repeat on Saturday between 10.00am - 12.00pm

News, interviews, debates.

With your host - Paul Muhammad and co hosts Glenys Russell, Sister Barbara, Rosalyn Reid

How to listen:

Urban Jazz Radio Player: http://urbanjazz.org/ujr_popup_2.htm

📻 Via UJR Talk Radio on Tune In App: http://tun.in/sfz4K 🌍 

Via the UJR Talk Radio website: http://umojaradio.co.uk or

Urban Jazz Radio: www.urbanjazzradio.net

I do hope you can join me, your presence is always a blessing!!

Barbados Visual Arts Magazine March 2019 Issue

For those of you who love the arts, each month I will be sharing with you a monthly online Arts magazine edited and published by Artist and Photographer Corrie Scott called Barbados Visual Arts.  When I used to come down to Barbados, this was my go-to publication because it has practically everything that is happening creatively around the Island.  Also remember to check out the Barbados Arts Events Facebook Group for more events.

In this Issue you will find the following and more:

Gallery openings, arts workshops, reviews, featured artists and more. The cover painting is by Artist Joanna Whittaker.

FEATURED EXHIBITIONS

Artist Heidi Berger ‘My Sister and I’. Hosted by Frame & Art Gallery.

Weaver artist Sylvester Clarke ‘Expressions’ Curated by Artist Alliance Barbados. Hosted by Norman Centre

Artist Walter Bailey Curated by Artist Alliance Barbados. Hosted by Norman Centre.

Group Show at The Barbados Arts Council Gallery.

STUDIO TOURS

Featured artists in the Open Studio Tours collaboration with CaFA and Artist Alliance Barbados on Thursday March 7th and Fri March 8th

FEATURED ARTISTS

Artist Joanna Whittaker

Artist Ann Rudder

BPS March theme of ‘Fine Art & Abstracts’

FEATURE

‘Creativity Is The Foundation Of A Strong Community’ by Sarah Thomson

Plus many individual pages of art and photography. With added arts events, open studios and workshops.

Also check out some of the previous issues of the Magazine, there are some great articles and information about the artists on the island.

A big Thank you goes out to Corrie Scott who pulls all this together for FREE each and every month.  

Do SHARE the information and support the arts and artists in Barbados, and make sure that you put the events in your diary, you won't want to miss them!!

For now, stay blessed and be a blessing, if you want to know more information about anything in particular you can leave a message in the comments or on the Facebook.

Review - Paperless Post

I was asked to do a review on a company called Paperless Post, and to see what I thought about their services, and it couldn't have come at a better time, because of the service that they offer.

I have been in between homes in London and Barbados and with birthdays, anniversaries and more often coming up I am always looking for a way to remember to send that card for that special person, and stay in touch with friends and family.  Often I have used social media to say Happy Birthday greetings, but receiving a card has always been my preference in this fast paced life.

Paperless post seems to cover two areas in one sweep with their online Invitations, Cards and Flyers.  It is much more special receiving an electronic card rather than a one line message on social media and you can send greeting cards and more via their site.

They are also great for those planning an event and need to send out invitations locally and around the world, and you are able to track whether the card has been opened.  So for those planning weddings and parties you can get a better idea of numbers and following up on your invited guests - all you need is their email address.  You can receive cards as well, and send a reply from your account and keep track of who you have sent a card to.

Paperless Post partnered with designers and lifestyle brands, delivering millions of cards around the world and have an impressive range of designs that you can alter to your own specifications, whether it is the colour, text, backgrounds, and the inside of the envelope.  You can also upload your own designs, and as an artist I love the idea of being able to upload my work and send as a greeting card.

A drawing I created and will upload as an online card

You can send a standard online card for free, for additional functions you will have to purchase coins to use to edit the cards and get a selection of online envelopes. You can purchase 100 coins for $20.  You can create a standard card with text details and envelope for around 6 coins, which is about 1.2 cents per card!!.  If you are sending out invitations and in volume then you will need additional coins which you can purchase to meet your needs.

Flyers are another thing that I am always creating and you are also able to create online invitation fliers that you can post on social media, or send to your mailing list and receive a response to you invitations and keep track of the attendees.

For those of you who still want to send a printed card you can do so.  Paperless Post have a print partner called Paper Source, they have a minimum order quantity of 20.  But you are also able to print your own cards using a design and templates they provide you can do it yourself and add your own spice to the overall look, and is great if you are on a budget.

One of the things I like most about Paperless Post is that I can schedule cards to go out to loved ones.  I can design all the cards for the birthdays coming up, or just send a 'just because' card and then schedule them to go out for specific dates, and they have access to the cards immediately.  So what you waiting for, check it out and let me know how you get on.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Come and join me on Patreon

Join me HERE

Thinking about doing a class?

Resolutions Exhibition - Argentina Embassy, Barbados

It was a blessing to be one of the artists chosen to exhibit in the Argentina Embassy in Barbados, and the opening evening was a great success with an amazing group of people who were able to spend time talking to the artists.

Visitors to the Exhibition

Ambassador Carlos Marcelo Salord and Minister for Creative Economy Culture and Sport - John King addressing the gathering

 I had two pieces of work on display, hanging sculptures.  I had decided that I wanted to present the sculptures in a different way.  They can also stand up

Precious Jewel Sister, Mixed Media - Amanda Trought

 They were lovely to create and incorporate a variety of materials and embellishments which taps into my love for mixed media.

Earth Metal Sister - Mixed Media - Amanda Trought

I have a few exhibitions coming up over the next few months and will be sharing the work and details

Sculptures making their way home

 All work is for for sale should one speak to you and they will be posted on my website

Sculptures Details - Earth Metal Sister, Amanda Trought

Sculptures detail - Precious Jewel Sister - Amanda Trought

As usual it is great having you here, and I will be posting more regularly and have some exciting projects to share with you, and a few challenges for you to take part in as well

2019 Podcasts, Courses and Bonuses

Well we made it through to the 2019, and I started working on a new series on my Podcast called 'Creating in Faith' which helps you look at your creative practice and with suggestions and journey insights.  What happens when you are asked to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone?  Say 'yes sure I can do that' while I freaking out on the inside?

I was asked to lead an online group in a weekly practice and by the time it came for me to get on with it I realized that it wasn't as big of an issue that I was making it and if I just let go of the doubts and the fear I could actually enjoy the process.

I want to share that journey with you in which I had to lean upon my faith to get through, some days I didn't want to create in such a disciplined way but I pressed through, because I realized that the growth was in the journey.  

Each Monday I will be sharing insights - using a different word each week as a starting point, and encourage you to take some time to be creative in some way.  Don't make excuses why you can't, would've or could've but find some solid reasons to give yourself the time and stick to it.  I suggest that if it is not something you are used to doing then you start off with say 10 - 20 minutes - you should be able to find that time for yourself on a daily basis, or break it down if you have to into smaller chunks say 5 minutes - there is a lot you can do in that time.

This weeks title 'Leap' encourages us to step up and step out - feeling the fear, but doing it anyway!   I encourage you to make time to work on yourself, your dreams and goals and put things in place that will see you achieve those things that you always wanted to do.

While you are there, check out some of the other episodes that I have created.

The Mixed Media Play Date Online course that I will be teaching on has started!  I would love you to come and join us.  I have a selection of bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link - Check them out HERE.

May 2019 be the year that you unfold your gifts, shine your light and be a blessing to you and others.