There’s a reason why I do what I do as an artist. It is not a hobby, it is a calling. It makes me happy from the inside out and it feeds my soul. I’d paint even if I never made a penny at it.
What makes you happy? It’s a loaded question for sure! It took a long time to figure out what makes me happy. I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do and it has brought me absolute joy. Art calls to me and it's something I am compelled to create. I simply can’t imagine my life without it. What brings you joy? Happiness is following what naturally calls to you. I am also compelled to write this article and share my thoughts. Maybe you’re good at singing, dancing or painting? Following your joy can be a purposeful and meaningful path in life. We all have something we’re good at. It takes courage to share yourself with others and that’s why most people don’t pursue it. If you’re looking for a sign, well here it is. Follow your art! You help make this world a more beautiful place with your unique skill. Don’t ever hide your creativity! There’s a reason why I refer to an art project as my next “piece”. It is a “piece” of my heart and soul that I am sharing with you. Creativity is like sharing a piece of yourself with others. Yes, it takes courage to share who you are with the world! Don’t let fear get in the way of following your true joy. Art is my purpose in life and it makes me happy. Whatever your creative spark happens to be, all you need to do is let it shine! Happy painting Find me on Instagram @theartistwithin86 Email: [email protected]
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First, I want to thank all those who purchased one of my Christmas ornaments. I started with 200 of each design and, with your help, sold out again in 2023. The good news is I already have this year's design in mind. I also hope to partner with a local business to create a special custom design, so please stay tuned.
Honorable Mention Award This was a great Christmas gift and quite a highlight in my career as an artist. There were entries from all over the world, and I was so proud when I won an "Honorable Mention" in the Art and Colour 365 Magazine. My piece, "All the Small Things," was entered in the 2023 Figural/People Competition and is currently featured in their latest e-Edition. You can check out the online gallery at www.artandcolor365.com to see all the winners. I plan on entering into future competitions. Station Gallery Juried Show My piece, "All the Small Things," was accepted into the Station Gallery Juried show. Fellow members of the Port Perry Artist Association also had pieces accepted. The show is on for a limited time, so please visit sooner rather than later. Check their website for further info. Local Supporting Local I am so excited to work with a local business to create a custom sweater design for a 10th-anniversary celebration. Can you guess who it is? Yup, you'll be seeing my work adorning a limited edition "Old Flame Brewery" 10th anniversary sweater. For further information, please visit Old Flame today. Thank you to Bre Ferguson for reaching out to me. This is an amazing example of local supporting local. Want to see more of my work? Check me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com//the artistwithin86 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theartistwithin86/ Website: theartist-within.weebly.com Email: [email protected] Happy Painting! Well, it’s been a busy month. I first want to thank those who attended the Port Perry Artists Association Fall Show on November 11th and 12th. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you at the Spring show in June. Here’s what I’ve been up to otherwise.
Christmas in Port Perry Ornaments My “Christmas in Port Perry” ornament features the Rotary Gazebo and is a big seller. I have a limited stock of this design available at All Fit All Ages Gym in Port Perry. My ornaments make an amazing stocking stuffer! 1 for $25, 2 for $45, 3 for $60. You can stop by All Fit All Ages Gym in Port Perry to purchase in cash or secure your order by eTransfer to [email protected] You can also purchase my ornament at “That Place on Queen St.” Thanks to Elizabeth and her support. Please stop by today to purchase yours! I also plan to work with a local business to create next year’s design. Stay tuned. St. John’s Presbyterian Church Christmas Bake and Craft Sale Join me on Saturday, December 16th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. John’s Presbyterian Church at 319 Queen Street. I’ll be selling my “Christmas in Port Perry” Christmas ornament and a few special treats, too. Help support local by coming to this event and purchasing my ornament. Local vendors will be on site. From Baked items and local artisans, your contribution goes to help support those in your community. My thanks to St. John’s Presbyterian for hosting the event. Thank you! A sincere thank you to those who have supported me again this year. I look forward to sharing more work with you in 2024. Now, to work on next year’s ornament design. Happy painting! Instagram@ theartistwithin86 The Artist Within
June 2023 “When you buy something from an artist, you are buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You’re not buying just one thing, you are buying a piece of a soul …a small piece of someone else’s life.” -unknown It is so important to support local artists. I love sharing the above quote because it articulates exactly what we as artists want our audience to understand. We put our heart and soul into what we do. If you think art is a “frivolous” pass time, I assure that is far from the truth. Port Perry is a creative hub and I’m always amazed at the variety of artists in our small town. Artists are your friends next door who are decked out in a home studio working on a painting wood carving, or metal sculpture. These are people who sink every last dollar to pursue their creative dream. What you don’t see are the hours of time dedicated from basic sketches to final product. I always encourage artists to never underestimate their worth. Your time and energy are worth much more than you think. Send Me Your Story I’d like to share the journey of a local artist in my next article. Whether you work with wood, metal, paint, photography or anything in between. Any and all artists are welcome. Whatever creative path you’re on, let me help! If you’re an artist in Port Perry, follow my @artistsofportperry Instagram page. My work is currently on display at All Fit All Ages Gym in Port Perry or visit the Port Perry Artist Association’s “The Backstreet Gallery” at 183 Queen Street. Check the PPAA on Instagram @portperryartistsassociation Email me: [email protected] Instagram: @theartistwithin86 Visit: linktr.ee/theartistwithin86 Happy Painting! Finding the Artist Within, A Path to Wellness by Lee Down 20-04-2023 The worst time in my life led me to my true purpose. Two and a half years ago was the lowest point in my life. I had experienced several life changes in the course of a very short time. I found my way through the darkness and from that emerged The Artist Within. On Shaky Ground If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know how scary it is. The question I asked myself at the time was “Why is this happening to me?” I’ve spent my life helping people as a personal trainer. I was used to being the strong one. It seemed as if I was unraveling and I didn’t know why. Much like creating a piece of artwork, perspective is everything. I learned the hard way that you can’t run away from yourself. For 18 Years I worked and helped my family run our gym. I left the comfort of that job and started a new one. Change can lead you in many directions, some of them good and some not so good. My whole life I’ve been afraid of change. I had a hard time admitting my new job was not going well and it showed. I suffered three panic attacks in the course of a week. The third and final panic attack saw me laying on the classroom floor on the verge of passing out. It was there and then I knew I had to quit my job. I decided no amount of money is worth my mental health. I chose to quit my job and my boyfriend ended a seven year relationship. This was the final straw that broke me. From there I spiraled into what I consider a very depressive state. I was really on shaky ground and I was constantly afraid of what might happen next. The Journey Back to Myself I found it hard to go back to work with my family. I was scared to drive to work or even go to the grocery store by myself. I recall the first time I met my nephew, his crying sent me in to a panic. I physically had to leave the room and I wouldn’t dare hold him. I honestly thought I was losing my mind. I was so low down and I saw the world as a very negative place. I became a shadow of who I was. I recently had the chance to read Lee Downs’ “Prioritizing your physical wellness as an independent-artist”. After reading this, I felt compelled to share my story. Finding purpose during an emotionally difficult time isn’t simple. It took me close to a year to feel myself again. My mom’s advice still rings in my head, “The only person who will get you out of this is you.” Strength in Mind At the time I was wallowing in my sadness. I decided I didn’t want to be that way anymore. I was not serving myself or anyone else for yet matter. I had to be selfish and start looking after me again. Every single day, I got up and went to the gym. I had to wake up every day and tell myself, “You’re okay. You can do this.” I needed to be around positive and encouraging people. Physical exercise has a distinct effect on your mental state. The stronger I became physically, the more confident I felt. Slowly but surely I became more in control of my fear. I would not let myself give in to it anymore. Every day was a step forward out of the shadows. There’s no question I had my moments. It took me a long time to learn how to turn off my “anxiety voice”. I would openly say to it, “Shut up!” I couldn’t let fear and doubt take over again. Deep breathing became another coping mechanism. I’d stop wherever I was and slow my breathing and count down from 100. Even if it took me 15 minutes, I’d let myself calm down. Breathe in, breathe out, “100” I’d whisper to myself. Repeat. Finding a constructive coping mechanism really helped. Whenever I felt anxious I’d employ this technique. I started to feel empowered because I knew I could help myself. “I dream of Aurora” I firmly believe that being outside in the quiet of nature is so beneficial for the mind and spirit. I’d go for walks around my neighbourhood. I found it calming and meditative. I’d start to think about my life and how I was going to move forward. During one of these walks, I started thinking about “Aurora Borealis”. I’ve always wanted to see it. I started to think about the empty canvas sitting at home.“Why not go home and paint it?” I thought. After 15 years of not painting anything, I hustled home and brought out my paintbrushes. “Can I do this?” I asked myself. The truth is I had no idea how it’d turn out. I suppose at the time I just wanted to be somewhere peaceful and beautiful. I felt such joy because for first time in a long time I felt purposeful. The Artist Within Creativity is like a storm and when it rains, it pours. I felt a compulsion to paint for the first time in a very long time. Where was it coming from? All this emotion was suddenly coming out and I needed to express it. I’m not the greatest at verbalizing my feelings. I found solace and comfort whenever I picked up the paintbrush. I was not concerned with anything other than what was right in front of me. Creating art can impact your mental health in profound ways. Whenever I felt a moment of anxiety, I’d pick up the paintbrush. Whenever I felt sad, I’d pick up the paintbrush. Instead of laying in bed at night feeling sorry for myself, I thought of what I could create. I closed my eyes and imagined the picture I’m trying to create. I still do that. Art is my saving grace. It allows me to express myself when words can’t. My whole perspective shifted and as I wandered further down this road I felt more like me. I didn’t know it at the time but this was paramount to my inner healing. Life was calling me and I had no choice but to listen. Being in that negative state taught me my strength. If I can face it and come out the other side, I know I can do anything. I am more than confident that anyone can find their Artist Within, too. I am determined to be successful and there’s nothing that will stop me. I know my purpose in life. I am an artist and this is what I was born to do. Life can knock you down, but you can pick yourself up. Here I am over two years later and I’ve had two solo shows. I’ve had work accepted into juried shows. I’ve built an audience and completed several commissions. Doors have been opening because I am choosing to follow my “art”. Out of darkness came true purpose… The Artist Within emerged. Happy painting About the Writer
My name is Lauren Walker and I am “The Artist Within”. I am a professional artist and freelance writer in Port Perry, Ontario. I use the love of my small town as inspiration for my work. I believe the only path to follow is the one you create. I started thinking after mom and I spoke... criticism comes whether we want it to or not. Usually it's uninvited opinions from people who think they know better. You get used to it over time and it makes you tougher. As you gain more confidence, all those jabs roll off your shoulder. It shouldn't matter what other people think.
Any artist knows that we are our own worst critic. Uninvited criticism is pretty unnecessary. If you're like me, you walk by the picture a hundred times wondering what's off about it. Eventually it occurs to you and you fix it. Confidence is making mistakes and learning from them. I always tell myself, "I'll figure it out. I always do." You're going go hear criticism whether you want it to or not. I'm always grateful for helpful criticism from people who are legitimately more experienced than I. I don't listen to the "nay-sayers" that wonder why you choose to be an artist and to "get a real job". That goes in one ear and out the other. Those who want to see you succeed will work with you, not against you. There's a reason why I will always encourage people to chase their dream. Everyone needs a cheerleader in their life. We just need one person to encourage and support us. There are so many people telling us "no" that we just need a bit of positivity. I'm incessantly positive and there's no amount of criticism that'll ever change that. I know what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. That's all anyone needs to know. Happy painting! The Artist Within I must admit, inspiration has come in fleeting whispers the last few months. Maybe it's the winter time blahs? I guess it happens to the best of us at times and we just have to ride the wave so to speak. I have recently found great inspiration in my latest piece "A moment of innocence" which features my niece. This is what I mean by fleeting whispers, I felt truly compelled to complete this piece. Something about it just spoke to me and I had to put in on canvas.
Inspiration can be fleeting but when you capture it, it truly moves you. Not only that, it moves other people as well. You can't go searching for these grand moments, they simply present themselves. On a warm November afternoon my niece sat on a rock and pulled along her ducky watering can on a string. The moment simply occurred it was something I couldn't put out of my mind. It is one of those rare occasions where it simply captured the essence of childhood. I'm happy to share my latest work and I'm so proud of this one. I hope you enjoy it too! Happy painting :) I’d like to announce my “Christmas in Port Perry” ornaments are now available for purchase at All Fit All Ages Gym in Port Perry. It’s a custom made ornament designed by me and the price is $19.99. For further information please stop by All Fit All Ages Gym today. Stock is limited and they are going quickly! November was a busy month! My first show at the Town Hall Theatre on November 3rd was successful! It was a lot of work but I’m so grateful for those who came out to support me. My display is up all November and a special limited edition print will be available for purchase. Proceeds from sales of this print go to support the “Reshaping the Future” campaign at the Townhall Theatre. Thanks to Jeanna and Alissa for their tireless effort. Thanks to Tracey at Framers gallery for help with the limited edition print. Contact the Townhall Theatre for further information. November 12th-13th was the PPAA Fall Show. I’m happy to say it was a success! I almost sold out of my “The little Blue truck’s Christmas” cards. I have limited stock of my Christmas cards so please stop by if you wish to purchase. If you happened to see my display at the show, I’d like to remind you that prints are available for anything you saw. I am able to make prints in any size as well. I want to say thank you to the community for supporting my work. I look forward to seeing you at my show in January at the Kent Farndale Gallery. January 7th to February 3rd. For further information please contact me. To see this and other work please visit: https://www.facebook.com/artistwithin86 Email me: [email protected]m Happy painting! I spent a lot of time putting off and waiting until another time. The time is now. This is all you have. I try to do one thing every day that contributes to my dream. Whether it's signing up for a new workshop or telling people about my shows, I just do one thing. It just goes to show when you take a chance and reach out, one opportunity leads to another.
I completed my piece of the Town Hall Theatre and invited board member Jeanna Smeenk to the PPAA 2022 Spring show. From that meeting an idea was born! You’re officially invited! I have joined forces with the Town Hall Theatre to help kick off “The Reshaping the Future” campaign. My very first show will be featured Thursday, November 3rd from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Patrons Lounge. I’d love to see you there because I’d love a chance to meet those who have supported my artistic journey. I’ll be featuring pieces from my “Old and New: Buildings of Port Perry” Series. I’ll have custom made Christmas cards available as well. They’ll be up for the month of November. If you can’t make it, please check the Town Hall Theatre website for regular hours. Prints available for purchase go towards Town Hall Theatre. The Port Perry Artist Association fall show is the weekend of November 12th-13th from 10-4. I will be there! I’m hoping my “Christmas in Port Perry” Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase. I’ll also have custom Christmas cards and a display of my latest work. I’ve learned that taking a chance can lead to great opportunities. Follow your art! Check my Facebook page for further information: https://www.facebook.com/artistwithin86 Happy painting! The Artist Within What is it about back and white pictures that draw me in? Do you ever find yourself staring at an old picture and being totally captivated? I find black and white pictures more interesting because of the dance between light and shadow. There are so many shades between black and white. Finding that harmonious balance is key to a stunning painting. Light and shadow make all the difference. When I was painting my train (as seen here) I wanted to make sure the front of the train stood out. You can see where the light hits the circle and the darkness on the underside. It’s working to create a 3D effect so it feels like the train is coming at you. Without this balance, it would look flat. In general I use pure white as the highlight and purr black as the shadow. How do I find the different tones? Sometimes I take a few blobs of white and add one drop of black to the first then two drops to the second. I also have a neutral gray and I add white to create the sky. The danger is creating a washed out effect. Too much of one color and there’s no deviation. The shadow on the side of the boardwalk is pure black and gradually lightens up as you move towards the train tracks. The question is, where is the light coming from? Obviously the closer the object is to the light, it is lighter. The further away, it is obviously darker. Either way it’s a gradual shift. I have to find shades between the darkness and the light. It’s all about practice, practice. Whether it’s color or black and white piece, it’s important to know where the light is coming from. This creates a much more realistic effect. The lesson here is light and shadow help create a more balanced piece. Black and white pictures remind us of a simpler time. I love painting them! As someone said, “People look at old photos and put them in a drawer. A painting you can’t put away.” Maybe a gentle reminder of simpler times is something we all need. Happy painting! |
Lauren Walker
As The Artist Within, I use the love for my small town of Port Perry as inspiration for my work. As a long time resident and artist I love to showcase its vivid landscapes and bold colors. There is beauty in our own backyard! Archives
February 2024
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