CherylAnnHillsArtist

 Focus. “Pay attention to what you’re doing” is a common phrase spoken by parents, teachers, and employers alike. Their good intentions bent on ensuring the outcome meets their expectations. But wait! What does it really mean to be focused?? As a kid, no matter how much I would focus on the thought, I still could never make that thing go away. Focus, when presented as simply thought (obsession) and directed on a desire or wish can lead to anxiety. That is a non-desirable outcome. Applied to my own life right now, focus means striping away things that are no longer relevant or important to me. Focus, when practiced in a healthy way is an action not a thought. Removing belongings, habits, routines, and even people that get in the way of and compete with my attention on what is most important to me, right now is the best use of focus. It’s interesting to note that when we are young (under 40) we tend to want to do more. More is everything. More is the epitome of success and inner ha...

When I think of things that define an artist the willingness to try is one characteristic that is prevalent. Willingness, as defined by the Oxford dictionary is: “ the quality of being happy and ready to do something ”. And try is defined as: “to make an attempt or effort to do or get something”. So basically, artists are often happy and ready to make an attempt or effort to do or get something. I see so many artists who are willing to try their craft, create a work and sometimes even share that work with others. But often those same artists are uneasy about sending that same artwork into a gallery call, or an art competition or even applying for a spot at a market to sell their work. Let’s pause here for a minute: Why do I feel its important to share your art? Simply because art is often an expression of joy, or sorrow, or whatever it is that the artist is feeling. (this is the same for dancers, musicians, writers etc) AND when you share your feelings/emotions you can...

As an artist I often consider and reflect on my thoughts and feelings towards my environment. This includes everything from my ideas about my art and how I make it, the foods I choose to eat to the types of clothes I wear, my ideas of my neighbours and friends and my choices in plants in my garden.   Sometimes my ideas and opinions of these things come from a lived experience. Sometimes these opinions come from the ideas and opinions of others.   Children often absorb the ideas and opinions of others simply because their own lived experience is brief. When our ideas are from lived experience, often prejudices can arise. Here is one example from my own experience. When I was a grade schooler, I was bullied by a boy who had red hair. Later in my 20’s it happened again, a man with red hair caused problems for me. So, for a long long time my thinking and feelings towards males with red hair were prejudiced based on these two experiences. Not long ago I met and dated a man with...

First; I hope this blog finds you well, and if not; I wish you a speedy recovery. Our Prime Minister speaks of us living in an unprecedented time .   That’s a statement that could be exciting or terrifying. What we do as a species right now will forever be examined by future generations. I’ve been trying my best to remain non-judgemental as things unfold. We are human. We will make mistakes. Everyone experiences stress and cataclysmic events in different ways. This often depends on our past life experiences and how we process strong emotions. Some will lash out, some will hide in fear, some will reach out to help others, and some will pretend nothing has changed. I was struggling with my creative process prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Now I feel all creative energy drained from me. The damn weather has been cloudy and moody for the past week now too; which really doesn’t help. Being stuck inside isn’t a huge big deal for me. I prefer my own company on most days...

Recently my day job was taken from me, suddenly, unjustly and without warning. Anyone who is in my close circle already knows this. My first reaction was of course, a sense of loss. There was a period of mourning, anger, then acceptance. Then I experienced great relief, excitement and a realization that this was not an ending but rather a beginning. I also had to adjust to an income that was far less than I was accustomed to earning. I had always considered myself somewhat frugal, but now it became important to refine and embrace my frugal ways. There are always areas in our finances that are fluid; flexible enough to meet basic needs when required. I've cancelled my cable TV. No great loss, as I really only watched a handful of the same stations and programs most of which I can get for free using an antennae I already owned. My food budget was generous because, well, I enjoy eating like most people and I felt it was one thing I could justify spending money on. Now I spend far ...