The Soulful Artist

Divine Expansion: Day 12 of My 30 Days of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

January 13, 2021

Day 12 of my 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.

Too many times I’ve looked at my work, admiring with a happy heart, only to feel a bit of questioning, wondering if what I’ve created is “good enough.” It’s fleeting, lasting only a moment, but that moment of doubt is a disservice to my creation.

What I create has never been before. What I create is an original, birthed by my own hands, tears, sweat, maybe even blood. My breath … exhaled.

In the few years that I’ve been painting I’ve attempted to emulate the works of other artists I love. It’s taken me some time to learn what I enjoy creating. It’s taken me some time to develop my own likings, my own style, a deep love an appreciation for my own creations.
My art. My creations. My style. Row style.

If I’ve learned anything it’s to love and appreciate EVERYTHING about what you create. What you create deserves its just due. Loving what you create means that you must love yourself, something that many find difficult, but is important. Love of self is the greatest form of expansion. Expansion allows for the Divine, it allows for play, and it allows for greater expansion of one’s self.

Today’s creation comes from my love of the Divine, of Angels. It comes from paint skin, left over from other paintings, other creations. It comes from a love of self, from a love creating, and from a love of the promise of creating even more.

Being Present: Day 11 of My 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 12, 2021

Day 11 of my 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.

I didn’t have a clear idea of what I would create today. I was kind of just going thru the motions, playing with paint and just thankful to be able to create. I have to admit that I was multi-tasking also: cleaning out my space and listening to a podcast all at the same time. That’s life, right? There’s nothing wrong with multi-tasking, except that it takes us away from being fully present.

When we are not fully present we miss out on the joy that is unfolding before us at the moment. I will admit that I have not always been fully present in my life. There but not there. Sigh. My biggest regrets in life are the moments that I was not fully present with my children. That’s it. Those are the only moments I would want to do over.

I thought about that while I was painting today because I was getting frustrated that I wasn’t making anything, that I was just pushing paint around. I realized I wasn’t feeling as if I was creating anything because I wasn’t present. I had to physically stop and reset. It was only then that I felt as if I accomplished something.

When you feel disconnected and as if things aren’t going your way, try stopping and taking a step back, then taking a breath to reset and begin again. That’s the thing about life … you have the ability to begin again at any given moment.

Spirit Of Play: Day 10 of My 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 11, 2021

Day 10 of my 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.

Who remembers Spirograph?!? Ugh! So. Much. Fun! So many memories! I remember getting my first one. I remember I was with my Grandma at the GoodWill store in San Francisco when I saw it and I begged her to please get it for me! It was AWESOME! And I spent hours and hours creating with that that thing. It was the older one so it’s the one that had the pins to hold it down!

I bought a newer version a few years ago for my children and that’s the one I use today. It still elicits the same joy within me and it’s still fun.

That’s the point of this challenge! To have FUN! To stimulate your joy muscles. Creating isn’t meant to be difficult. Making art isn’t about making products, if it does, bonus, but honestly, it’s about getting you back to that place where you feel joy, where you can Scribble or color or doodle to your heart’s content as you did when you were a child.

Your Spirit thrives on joy. Your Spirit operates from a place of joy. You may remember how easy it was for you to create when you were a child as you laughed, played, ran, colored, joked. We lost a lot of that child-like joy as we got older, but it’s still possible to evoke our playful selves to emerge. How? By evoking the spirit of play!

Enjoy your time. Enjoy your creative spirit. Let your inner child come out and PLAY!!!

Magic: Day 8 of My 30 Days of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 10, 2021

Day 8 of my 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.

Magic wands for the extension of my own magic! And a little potpourri for my creative space. (There were NO owls harmed in the making of these wands.)

The spiritual and mystical side of me surprisingly comes out more and more everyday. Where I’ve hidden myself before out of fear and what would happen when people find out, this time I’m leaning into the discomfort, and into the things that light me up. I trust that I’m being led to expansion as I share my creativity and passions. It’s been incredible to share my gifts with others, and I’ve been led to people who accept me as I am and help me as I navigate this journey.

Living a creative life calls for authenticity. It’s following that which brings you joy, what makes you tick, what gives your soul life. It’s about saying “Fuck Yeah!” when you’re excited about something and not settling. It’s about listening to your intuition.

If what you’re doing is not a “Fuck Yeah!” then it’s a “Hell No!” and that’s not what you want. You want to be fueled by what freakin’ lights you up. It’s likened to feeding your body fast food instead of a gourmet meal, or putting regular gas in your car’s gas tank when you know you need Premium Plus for it to run well. Look within and listen to the still small voice that speaks, that gets excited when it’s right, and shrinks and balks when it’s not for you.

Life is too short to settle and to not do the things that light you up. Have fun. Pay attention to what you give your time to. Make sure you’re not wasting it scrolling.

Unapologetically You: Day 8 of My 30 Days of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 10, 2021

Day 9 of my 30 Days of Creativity Challenge!

Short and sweet today because it’s my weekend to work. It’s so fun to collage in my journal. I realize my theme today centered around not being afraid, about having the courage to be unapologetically yourself.

Up until recently, I’ve had some imposter syndrome when it came to my art and creating. I’ve kept mostly to myself, quietly and happily creating so many beautiful things, yet not sharing with many because to me my art and my creations looked “amateurish.” I was afraid of being scoffed at, and laughed at.

Here’s the thing … the things that I’ve created, or painted have NEVER been before until I birthed them. I won’t lie, there’s still a tiny bit of self-doubt that creeps in but it stays for a moment and then quietly makes it way out because it knows. I no longer as, “Who do I think I am?” because I know that I am an artist and a creator. I know, and from the deep recesses of my heart I feel it.

My creations may not be in museums, but they hang on the walls of houses of people who love and believe in me. You don’t create art to be famous, you create because you are a creative, a creator and the world needs your brilliance! The world needs you to shine like the star that you are!

Not creating because you feel as if what you have to offer the world carries any weight is a disservice. It’s an insult to your spirit. Comparison is the thief of joy and by you not sharing your gifts denies your soul of it’s joy. It robs us of the beauty and joy that you would share with us.

By shining your light, you give others permission to shine theirs. Be unapologetically you. Do what makes your heart smile and your spirit soar. Live your life fearlessly! And if you’re waiting until you get better at your craft, or until you produce something that you believe is worth showing, you’ll be waiting for a long time. Start now. Start right where you are. There has never been a better time to be you and to share what only you can share!

Tap In – Day 7 of My 30 Days of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 8, 2021

Day 7 of My 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.

I love journaling! I’ve kept a journal since I was a small girl, always writing, doodling, documenting, drawing … It’s amazing how much my writing and even my art has transformed since I’ve been keeping one. Where I once searched for answers outside of myself, asking crazy questions of God and The Universe, I can see that over the last maybe decade, I can see the answers to my own questions are not answers found on the outside, but that the things I am seeking are already within me, answered. I only need to tap in.

The biggest changes I’ve made in my journaling practice is the fact that I write every morning (or whenever I awaken since I work the night shift) without fail. This practice, called “Morning Pages,” I learned from Julia Cameron in her book, “The Artist’s Way.” I make it a point to make the intent to ask my Spirit/Soul what it would like me to know/do/be/go/meet today, I then pull one of my own Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization, and a playing card, and I write. The writing is meant for you to purge the thoughts that prevent us as artists from creating, and by writing in longhand it forces you to slow down. Writing every morning has become my meditation, my time to reflect, tap in, and to communicate with my Highest Best Self (HBS) and/or with any one of my spirit guides or angels that want to come through. If you don’t know what to write, I’ve been know to write over and over, “Just write,” or “I don’t know to write,” etc. until the writing begins to flow with ease. Some of the things that emerge is nothing short of amazing! It’s been a game changer for me as I’ve gained clarity and have received really insightful answers and some creative guidance.

In recent years I’ve begun keeping an art journal. I paint, draw, doodle, practice my writing in it, but one of my favorite things to do is collage. It brings back memories of being a child, using scissors and cutting, and pasting! I love it. It allows me to access my inner child and we create some great things together! It’s been so much fun.

Grab your journal! Tap in and allow your soul to speak. You’ll be amazed at what comes forth!

Shape Shifter: Day 6 of 30 of My 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 7, 2021

Day 6 of my 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.

Making art is hard. It’s a challenge that when coupled with self-doubt it makes for a disastrous outcome. Paintings and works left undone, forgotten. Self-criticism is rough. But if we look through a wide angle lens versus a macro lens you’ll see it from a different perspective and you may find beauty in what you’re creating.

My painting today, was initially a painting that I attempted to copy from another, however, I didn’t find it very good so I buried it in a box (swipe to see it, it’s the second photo). I pulled that painting out today and repurposed it. That’s the thing about painting, if you don’t like it you’re not happy or satisfied you’re not obligated to keep it as it is. It’s only paint. My intent was to keep things light and joyful, so … I finger painted over it. Finger paint.

We are more than what’s initially placed on a canvas. We’re allowed to change, and transform, and transmute. We all have the ability to shape-shift. We all have the ability to create our realities and our future. We only meed to be brave enough to do so.

She who is brave, is free …

Micro-Painting: Day 5 of 30 of My 30 Days of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 6, 2021

Day 5 of 30 of my 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge.

I talk to a lot of people about their passions and creativity. It’s not really what you think. I’m a Nurse by profession so I talk a lot as a distraction when I’m doing unpleasant things (giving injections, starting IVs, etc.). What I’ve learned is that a lot of people have forgotten their creative side, or they use the excuse that they don’t have the time to pursue the things that light them up.

My creative practice is usually under 30 minutes when I’m strapped for time. When I’m not pressed for time, I am able to devote as much time as I desire. The excuse of, “I don’t have time,” doesn’t really fly with me when I know many people who scroll through IG and FB for hours – HOURS – at a time.

I also hear people balk when they tell me that 15-30 minutes isn’t enough time to accomplish anything. I’m hear to show you that my little creations for today was 30 minutes max, then I even went for a run afterwards and still got a nap in before I head off to work.

15-30 minutes a day IS enough time. These little “micro-sessions” are commitments with yourself to make the most of what you can with whatever time you have. Don’t discount the amount of power these little pockets of time can have. As humans we thrive on creative flow. It’s how our brain plays and like I posted yesterday, it has very similar benefits as meditation.

My 2 little micro-paintings today are both 4”x6”. I have a whole slew of these little micro-paintings. I love them so much. They’re fun and easy.

Listen, you don’t need a bunch of supplies. You don’t need paint, or canvases. You don’t need a huge space. Markers and a meditative coloring book. Pencil and paper for mindless doodling. Journaling only requires your journal and a pen. You only need to carve out the time. So … no excuses. Do this for yourself.

Present In Every Moment – Day 4 of 30 Of My 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 5, 2021

Day 4 of 30 of my 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge.

Sometimes I feel as if I don’t have the time to take to paint and create, even if it’s only for a few minutes. It’s when this happens that I know that the time I take is necessary. The time I spend creating is my time to reset. It’s my quiet time, my time to reflect, my time to go within. My soul speaks to me when I’m creating. My best answers come to me when I’m lost in the zone.

Being quiet for 5 to 10 minutes and just letting yourself get lost in what you’re doing becomes a meditation, or a prayer. God, Spirit, The Universe – whatever it is that you call your Higher Power – can be found in all things and the time that we take to create allows time for commune. It’s provides the same exact benefits as meditation – increased resistance to stress, neuroplastity, improved immune function, and so many other things. Your mind and body relax. It’s like releasing a huge sigh. That’s why it’s important to take the few minutes to allow yourself to play.

I used bubble wrap to paint today. I love bubble wrap. I love popping the little tiny bubbles, but for my painting it provided a little bit of texture and contrast. It’s different and I like it.

My words for this year are presence and moments. To be present in every moment is my intention for the year. I don’t find it ironic that I came across a quote by Henry David Thoreau that reads, “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”

Have fun with whatever it is that you are creating. Use non-traditional tools to paint – bubble wrap, forks, corks from wine bottles, anything. Use colors that light you up.

Just Start – Day 3 of 30 of My 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge

R. Wallen, R.N.

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January 4, 2021

Day 3 of 30 of my 30 Days Of Creativity Challenge.

When it comes to creativity, for some, the most challenging part is in getting started. What I’ve learned is that if you wait to feel like it, you won’t ever do it. You just have to start.

I’m a runner so when I think about how to explain just getting started, I think of how much thinking about running makes me not want to do it. I can come up with several excuses before I even get started – it’s too cold, my feet ache, I’d rather stay in bed, blah blah blah. And by the time I’m done making excuses, I could’ve already been done with my run. On the days when I don’t think about it and just get out there and run getting started is hard, but once I get going, it gets easier and I actually enjoy my run.

Creativity is like that. You think about all these things before you even get started – your space needing to be set up, the medium you’ll be using, thinking about what you’re going to do, etc. instead of just starting. Too much thinking can lead to your demise. There are times when I find that I’m having difficulty getting started so listening to music, singing, dancing, just moving helps me to get started. Do something. Do anything. But just start.

Today I made some cards using excess paint. (I hate “wasting.”) I take the extra paint I have, put it on some card stock paper, and hand write a quote on it. Doing this combines my love of art and words which I am able to share. I’ve sent out hundreds of these cards over the last couple years. I love sending out “snail mail.” For me, it’s always a nice surprise to receive something in my mailbox that’s not junk or bills.

If I have your address, I’ve probably mailed you a card or two. If you want one, I make it a point to mail out several every month for birthdays, encouragement, love bombs … DM me your address and you may find one in your mailbox!