Sometimes doing something we’ve always done in a new way can bring an entirely different perspective that we didn’t even imagine was possible.
That’s what happened to artist Nancy of Nancy Carol Studio when she tried out creating her art in a collection, as a participant of the Create a Collection course.
What I love about Nancy’s story is that she made two different kinds of discovery.
At one level, she found a deep love for the urban forest near her home, and a way to collaborate with it to create meaningful, beautiful art in a new-to-her way.
And she also discovered that creating art in collections comes with all sorts of beneficial – and often unexpected – side effects.
Read on to find out what Nancy unearthed with this project, and to see her glorious new collection!
What’s the name of the collection?
Echoes of the Forest
What did you discover in creating this collection?
I discovered how much I love the urban forest.
Living in a city and being able to walk in “the forest” at any given time, is a gift.
I literally can walk for five minutes and be in a protected park with trees standing easily over 100 feet.
From cottonwoods, hemlocks and cedars, it really is awe inspiring.
The leaves I have made imprints of are from these very forests.
I have always enjoyed the outdoors, but I didn’t realize how much it fuels my soul.
I also discovered how much I am addicted to making imprints of the botanicals, I can do that all day long…. only to stop and then realize I need to eat.
What challenged you and how did you overcome it?
Writing my haikus onto paper then adhering them to the wood panels proved frustrating as the words would end up smearing no matter what paper or alternate process I used.
In the end I pivoted, as I felt it was just giving me reason to procrastinate.
I offer two versions, one with the haiku on a print adhered to the wood panel, one is the original without the haiku.
I’m o.k. with giving myself grace on this.
So, I didn’t overcome it in the typical sense, but I overcame the voice in my head saying that this was the only way to do it.
What surprised you about making this collection?
I was surprised to see how powerful making collections can be.
Not only from a marketing perspective, but from a practicing artists perspective.
It has given me a true sense of accomplishment.
Planning out my art practice was never anything I did, until now. I find it calms my mind and gives it focus.
Making this specific collection, I was surprised by how I got into “flow” many times.
I do believe this was because I felt grounded by choosing my color palette and theme ahead of time.
This way I was able to “feel” the creation of my art.
I soon realized that what I felt was how the forest must feel too – how it echoes what we feel.
Sounds a little woo-woo, but this came to me so easily that I have no other explanation.
All the love, the peace, the freedom, the gratitude, the new beginnings and the happiness.
Surprisingly these titles came quickly and without effort, I just had to think of my beloved forest.
What’s been happening since you completed the course?
I am planning my new collection!
I have already made some imprints of different botanicals within my neighbourhood and have narrowed down a color palette.
I want to create more 6×6 panels to sell at art fairs in the fall.
So, this course was perfect timing for me. I am so happy to be a part of this new and exciting world of collections!
Where to find Nancy online:
Where to find Nancy online:Nancy has both originals and the prints with the haiku embellishments available. Find out more and choose yours here!
Would you like to create a collection of your own?
If you’ve never worked this way before, it can feel a bit daunting or opaque, but it can be absolutely game changing for your practice.
From stuck, frustrated, and not sure how to tell when a piece is finished, then stalling out for weeks or months, to being able to stay in flow, and create a body of work that shines with your unique voice.
Create a Collection is open twice a year currently.
Find out more and get on the waitlist – or join us – here.
