Focus, Flow

I made the collage above using postcards prints, and a business card, from the artwork of an artist who owns a really cool restaurant and gallery space in Jim Thorpe, PA, called FLOW.  My family and I visited the place with some of our close family on an outing last winter.  My husband and I had read about it in a magazine and always wanted to see the place in person.  From the outside, our family questioned whether or not we knew our stuff, but once we got in, and after the whole experience, it was clear why we had been so excited to go.

 

I framed the compilation that I created from the postcard prints and placed it on the wall behind my counterspace, where I spend time preparing food for meals.  I needed something there to look at as a reminder of what inspires me and of what I am seeking, just like how my word 'freedom' sits on the ledge above my sink.

 

Last week, my kids and I kicked off our new season of homeschooling, and as any transition presents its challenges and special needs, I knew I needed to create something to help me focus on my goals and reasons for doing what we do. 

 

I traced the letters "F-O-C-U-S" on cardboard, and used materials from my collage collection to decorate them with messages and symbols of inspiration and motivation.

 

"Shift from annoyed to enjoyed"

"Changing the way"

"feel good, live simply, laugh more"

"A revolution of hope and healing"

"The Joy...  The Joy...  The Joy..."

"Love is the flower you've got to let grow..."

 

After gluing on the images, I covered the whole creation with glitter mod-podge, one of my favorite inventions.  Then I added some sparkly silver and gold stars for a special last touch.

 

Where will I put this, I wondered?  I wanted it somewhere that I could see it regularly, to be reminded and inspired by the messages in this piece.  I tried it out on top of the framed compilation from FLOW, and it fit just so: 

 

 

I am still able to see the images from the original collage in the background, and be reminded of the messages and visions in the artwork that spoke to me.  I especially like how the FLOW business card is fully visible between the C and the U.  Now this piece as a whole has more meaning to me and it is helpful to see it while I am spending time at my counter, catching glimpses of inspirational phrases and images that are meaningful to me.  

 

This is a special creation to have to the left of my sink.  This whole area is a space that I spend good chunks of time in, and it is helpful to ensure that it is a place that contains elements that are meaningful to me, that speak to me, and remind me of the intertwining of my inner and outer worlds, combined to help me focus and make me whole.