As we approach our 25th anniversary, I am proud to say that we continue to bring together creatives with a shared purpose to take unified action: to use art and design for individual and community growth. We believe in a holistic approach to wellness, which is essential for maintaining creative health and well-being. Additionally, we are committed to sustainable practices that support economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
Our dedicated team leads, delivers, and contributes so much, and we also feel the impact! We should not neglect our needs due to the often busy and demanding Art4Space schedule. We are currently organising our staff summer social. What is the most popular suggestion? “ Can we have a staff stitch night?” Sit together with creativity, care, and community! Expressing creative capacity provides abundant opportunities to grow, develop, and align with the divine. It’s not just about having a career or working in the arts. Could you also ensure that creativity becomes even more crucial to prioritise- writing, singing, crafting, making, dancing, whatever comes naturally to you? It’s not a trivial activity but an intimate exploration of the self, a means of connecting with others, and a mechanism for healing at the deepest level. Similar to physical fitness, nourishing the mind through creativity introduces us to the value of commitment and joy for joy’s sake. What practices of self-expression do you currently have in place? What could you add or amend to encourage your mind to thrive? Some offer a lifelong dedication to creativity, but with some time and investment, those same rewards could be yours to take, too. And it needn’t be expensive!
Recently, I was asked if I remember when I first started doing art at an early age. So, I will share my first experience with the act of creation itself. My earliest memory, at around age 5, is of drawing a horse (I still have the drawing), which served as a starting point and boost for my creative journey. My mum’s affirmation that it was good set the stage for 40 years-long career in the arts. Creating at an early age isn’t just about self-expression but a shared engagement with the self. It’s a process of bringing forth that which resides within, often without conscious thought, allowing subconscious whispers to flow freely. That’s how I feel when I’m in the flow – carefree and liberated. A child artist again. It was clear that creating wasn’t just about drawing a horse but tapping into a wellspring of creativity that fuels. I was fortunate to live with a creative grandmother who expanded what I thought possible. Everything was handmade—she could create anything out of nothing. We can all think of individuals who mirror our aspirations and the person we want to become; if not, seek that inspiration. Examples set by those who came before can pave the way for your dreams to flourish.
The Art4Space community is committed to positively impacting people’s lives and the planet. We achieve this by using materials reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed. We reduce waste and contribute to the concept of turning old into new. This approach aligns with A4S’s mission to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability. Through sustainable practices, we aim to inspire individuals to be more mindful of their consumption habits and encourage them to adopt a more zero-waste, crafty lifestyle. By showcasing the beauty and value of repurposed materials, we hope to gain a greater appreciation. Just like my grandmother taught me.