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May bursts forth with life, and for me, as an artist living in a vibrant multicultural household, it's a month brimming with inspiration. My son’s 8th birthday came right before our 10th anniversary this year (I am going back to our three weddings in Half Moon Bay, Paris, and Hong Kong!). May reminds us to cherish these moments and let them fuel our creative spirit. But how do we translate that into our day-to-day? Here are a few tips, inspired by my own experiences, to attract more creativity into your life this May:
1. Create for Fun: Recommended Art Supplies
This year, for my anniversary, I'm taking a pause and reflecting on how our love story started and painting special moments. From our first date to our travels around the world. Does anyone else forget event details that make moments and experiences special?
I do. I’m painting these for fun in my sketchbook, without paying attention to time or if the painting is perfect. Just to reconnect with the memory.
My go-to for art supplies is Blick Art. Check out some suggestions below.
Moleskine Art Collection Watercolor Album - 5”x8” (my go-to sketchbook)
Sakura Koi Watercolor Sketchbook travel pan set (Great for travel!)
Princeton Heritage Sable Brush Size 6 round (smaller brush, perfect for watercolor painting).
Princeton Heritage Sable Brush - Round, Short Handle, Size 12 (medium round brush. I use this for painting petals on flowers).
2. Curiosity Takes Courage: Embrace the Unknown
Remember that childhood wonder where everything was new and exciting? Channel that! It’s a perfect time to step outside your comfort zone. You can start small and try art supplies you haven’t experienced before, travel somewhere different but local, or delve into French impressionism, a nod to my other half. This May, challenge yourself to try something completely new. I often think about times we’re tied to
Planning for something to mitigate all risks or
Planning to ensure all logistics are perrrfectt
A specific outcome or goal
We hear people always say ‘Stay curious’ but it may take a lot to be curious and to think outside the norm or to be open to new ideas. I recently came across Dr. Mary Murphy’s (protégé of the legendary Carol Dwek, creator of the Growth Mindset) new book ‘Cultures of Growth’ the new Science on Mindset. Mindsets themselves aren't locked in stone, but rather operate along a continuum – sometimes we feel "fixed," sometimes we don't.
Listen to one of my favorite podcasts on the concept at Hidden’s Brain: Multiplying the Growth Mindset with Dr. Mary Murphy.
If you feel stuck trying something new, check out the links above and let me know how you’re attracting more creativity in your life.
“Natalie shows what it looks like to shape work around your innate creativity and not the other way around. How to become a working mother and thrive as a working parent.
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