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Sending Love...

Samie Kira September 19, 2014

Across these great miles, I'm sending you love, darling, as you read these words. The love is flowing to you straight from my heart.

I think for awhile, I forgot what an art journal is. I got swept up in paint and pictures and lots of covered space.

I forgot that art journals are for recording how you FEEL. For being inspired by an artist and making a tribute page for them. A place for COLOR and EXPRESSION.

I took myself out to my favorite cafe, armed with collage materials, a glue stick, and some markers & pens. Sitting there with a dopy smile on my face, I stopped thinking about if I covered something up or if my pages were complex. They just ARE. And I love how reflective they are of me...quotes I love, songs I'm listening to, lists of thoughts I don't want to forget. A declaration because I needed one.

Just get out of your own way, Samie. And enjoy yourself while you're at it.

Hi there! I'm Samantha Kira Harding, aka Samie, a writer, artist, & videographer from Phoenix, Arizona.

When I'm not rockin' it on freelance video & graphic design gigs, I'm painting, and writing. All. The. Time.

I exhibit locally in Phoenix & attend fairs with my artwork and book, 101 Mixed Media Techniques.

I've had Fibromyalgia/CFS for 17 years, along with an alphabet soup of medical issues. Creativity and art saved my life. I also write about grief, suicide/mental illness awareness, and chronic illness.

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A flare up had me spending the day at home, mostly in bed or in my recliner. So I had a little fun in my art journal with some easy-to-use supplies. Having a couch box close at hand means I have the ability to make art no matter how I’m feeling. A little bit of paint on your fingers can make you feel better no matter how crummy you feel! #journalgirl

This is where keeping at it really shows its rewards. As I was working on this page, I began to dislike it. I think I started to get an image in my mind as to what I wanted it to become, and that got in the way of what *it* wanted to become. Over the years, I’ve learned my best work comes from allowing one mark to influence the next. This developed naturally when I first got treatment for my general anxiety disorder when it got bad enough it interrupted daily life. When dealing with uncertainty and intense anxiety, sometimes, you can only deal with the next 5 minutes. Do what you can in the now and worry about 5 minutes. Now, this window of time expands as you work through things and get therapy, but with my art, I keep the same mindset. Make a mark. Make another. How does this color look next to this one? What if I dipped my fingers in this color? How about a line here? What if I used my left hand? Don’t think about the final product. Just let the art lead you. And keep letting it until it tells you it’s finished. What marks can you make today? What new ideas can you give room in your life today? #journalgirl

Lunchtime art journaling. I used to be self-conscious about making art while at work. I have a very Grown Up Job in a corporate environment, where I try to dress nice and do my make up, so I felt weird pulling out my art journal and colored pencils or pens. Most people read, or watch things on their phones. But I’m here with art supplies sprawled out on the table, drawing or spreading color. Now, though, it’s a welcome break from being on the computer all day, talking to people, and investigating. I can switch my brain over and be creative, allowing myself a bit of down time in the middle of the day. It’s the same thing when creating in public. Who cares what you’re doing? Most people are focused on themselves. Unless they’re me - I once saw some guys sketching at a donut shop and had to stop and look through their drawings. We got to talking creativity and stolen moments at work to draw a bit. It was fun! Art in public allows you to make connections and maybe inspire others. So I challenge you to try it. Even if you just have a pen and paper and do something small. Get out there and make your art wherever you can and don’t worry about what other people may see. #journalgirl