
2021 Archive series- Lillybochic -Stephanie Konu Art
Where everything else falls…in the life category.
2021 Archive series- Lillybochic -Stephanie Konu Art
Now that we have all gotten accustomed to the worldwide Pandemic and its constricting measures; I have come to reflect on some regrets about my artistic practice. Looking back, I wish I would have tried a little more, and learned a lot more. I can’t place too much blame on my past self, because hindsight is 2020. Regardless of whatever year this still is, here are my…
5 Regrets about my artistic practice
Do you have any regrets stemming from a big change in your life? I would definitely like to hear about them! Leave your comments in the section below, and thanks for stopping by.
Stephanie
Many of my blog posts are actually just letters I have written to myself. I like to believe that my words can help other aspiring artists on their own journeys. In my solitude I think “Hey Steph, why not write some of this stuff down, rather than talking to yourself and making hand gestures to no one? Might seem less weird”…
Ha ha ha a joke of course!
Ah…anyway! I came up with this list in response to my latest inner dialogue of self-doubt. I feel like things move very slowly at times when I desire the opposite. Maybe this has happened to you as well? Here are my…
My sincere hope is that most of my readers fall into category #6. I know I do. Thanks for stopping by.
Stephanie
As an artist, I have struggled with getting the right people to see my work. Although the fulfillment I get from creating things is the force that keeps me going; fulfillment alone does not pay the bills. In order to earn revenue from my work, I need to target my message in meaningful ways.
At times this can be difficult considering the world is now bathed in digital media; but here are 5 good reasons why your art is not reaching its best audience…
These reasons are all based on my own experiences as an artist. Have you ever faced challenges or setbacks with gaining an audience for your work? Leave a comment in the section below, and thanks for stopping by.
Stephanie
My latest painting for the summer of 2020 is a blue, gold, and turquoise abstract painting. This glorious scene is entitled “Solar Rays”.
The painting is 24 inches tall by 27 inches wide. This is because of an error in cutting the size of my stretcher bars. I wanted the size to be 24 x 24 inches, but mistakenly forgot to account for the 1.5 inch width of the wood itself. Thus, 24x 27 inches. Live and learn.
This unique painting was conceptualized from a desire to show a solar ray escaping into the outer atmosphere of a star.
The light that escapes is pure energy, travelling outward into the cosmos. I used a blue background with this work, as opposed to my early work that usually featured a black negative space. The effect of using blue and turquoise in a negative space is a more welcoming one, as people are usually more drawn to comforting colours like these.
I am enjoying the direction of my new work. I am focusing on displaying my calmer attitude towards life (since motherhood specifically 😌) in my work, and I love where it is taking me.
My ability to express myself creatively has also expanded into my writing. I challenged myself to write a blog post every day for an entire month, and I exceeded the goal. From July 8, 2020 to August 8th (my favourite day of the year) I published a post relating to my new direction of personal development topics.
I implore you to check them out! I may write a book with the content, but as of now, I am still testing the rhythm of how often to maximize my reach.
Please visit my YouTube channel if you haven’t already. On my channel you get to see me in action as I discuss topics that have resonated with me in my life. I am hoping that with the right amount of attention to my channel, that I can expand the content because I really love to speak on camera and communicate my message of hope and positivity to everyone I meet.
Thank you for stopping by and checking out my latest work.
Stephanie
Depending on where you are in your journey, you may have started to notice signs that seem to appear to you on a daily basis. As you pursue your passions and go toward living a life that is purposeful, and what you have always wanted, you will see these signs over and over again.
Living your best life is not the easiest thing to do, as it requires you to be brave and to humble yourself in the face of who you used to be. Once you start, however, you will likely be confronted with one of these…
A big event was about to start that involved senior counsel, and the youngest one was tasked with setting up the TV screens, projectors, and other computer devices for their presentation. When the youngest counsel began having difficulty setting up the equipment, myself and my colleague took two different approaches to solving the connectivity problem.
My colleague began to make jokes about the situation. She did not take his plight seriously, and even suggested that the event may need to be rescheduled because she “wasn’t really in the mood to work that day”.
My approach was to investigate the connectivity problem, and to suggest solutions like replacing some of the equipment with other available devices, and to rewire the connections with different cables. My solutions were also ridiculed by my colleague, but in the end, I was confident that I was the more competent person between us. I was also immediately hit with a sense of disappointment, that although I was well on my way toward living my best life, my workplace was not conducive to the growth that I was projecting for myself.
My spirit animal is a field rabbit- the little brown ones that you see near wooded areas. Rabbits have had an odd way of darting across roads, appearing in my path while on walks, or even stopping by my garden to nibble on plants. What makes these appearances odd, is that they usually occur when I am dealing with difficult decisions, or new experiences.
I often see 11:11, 11:22 (just now omg), 5:55 etc. I take these sightings as a sign that whatever I am doing in that moment is leading me closer to the life I have always wanted. When these numbers appear to me, it is always as a result of an unexpected glance at the clock, and never a timed action resulting from a manipulation. Seeing repeating numbers is sign that you are living your best life now, and that things will only get better from here onward.
Are you living your best life? Do you have other signs that you have noticed before you arrived at this gorgeous plateau of enlightenment? Leave your comments in the section below, and thanks for stopping by.
Stephanie Konu
As a freelancer, I am always trying to learn new ways to stay productive. It can be difficult to push through the mindless distractions that arise everyday. These distractions are the worst when you know you need to start a project, but keep finding yourself in the kitchen eating something else…again.
What do you use as procrastination methods? Do you find that procrastination eventually leads to productivity? Leave a comment in the section below, and thanks so much for stopping by.
Stephanie
Planning a memorable birthday event for someone you love can be a daunting task. Depending on who the loved one is, you may have limited options for what you can choose. When your loved one is an artist, you will likely need to think outside of the box to come up with a good plan.
As an artist, I am often bubbling with creative ideas for parties. I have always enjoyed hosting events at my home, and I like to think that I am skilled at being a great hostess. If you are planning a birthday for an artistic friend and you are looking for ideas, look no further because here are my…
I love the environment of an axe throwing hall. The smell of freshly cut wood, and the sounds of a metal axe hitting a target in the midst of conversation and laughter is an inviting prospect. Axe throwing allows for an unconventional gathering of friends and family where skill and accuracy are required to win; perfect for your artist who thrives on such challenges.
If you live near Toronto, Canada, there is a fantastic aquarium located near Union Station called Ripley’s Aquarium (part of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not brand). Aquariums are a great place for an artist to visit on special occasions because it can help to encourage creativity. Being exposed to graceful fish and undersea creatures can encourage mental connections that lead to greater thought development.
To make the night extra memorable, close off your trip to the aquarium with a visit to a venue that plays live jazz music. The vibrant environment of a jazz club is one that cannot be missed, as jazz music is scientifically proven to encourage productivity and mood. These are two benefits that will have your Artist over the moon and looking forward to diving in to their passions when the next opportunity arises.
Although board games often get a bad reputation; your artist will enjoy a planned tournament style birthday filled with ultra-competitive games that are easy to play. Now when I say easy, I’m talking snakes and ladders, or the card game “Speed” (my personal favourite). Any games that are low on complexity, can be extremely entertaining with the right people. With the right amount of skill, you will have your Artist happier than chips and dip!
This one is pretty self explanatory, but you can easily add a theme, costumes, or anything else you can think of to customize this idea for your Artist’s birthday event.
I have always wanted to do this: rent a boat, go fishing with 3 good friends, and record home-movie style video of the excursion while out on the water. The openness of water allows the party to feel unrestricted and a level of honesty is visited upon the group. If you like deep conversations with close friends on a retrospective occasion (like a birthday), this is definitely the way to do it.
What better way to please your Artist by organizing a private paint night complete with a painting instructor? Drinks can be served, and at the end of the night, everyone goes home with their own finished work as a keepsake. What a great way to create memories!
I hope you enjoyed my 6 ways to celebrate an artist’s birthday- do you have unique ideas for birthdays that you have tried? Leave your comments in the section below, and thanks for stopping by.