Why is Art Important?

Picasso quote the purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls

I could not think of a more appropriate quote for the times we are currently living in. Art has truly been a lifeline for me this past year (creating my own, looking at others’, listening to podcasts about it). It’s helped me to remember that there is more to life than the monotony of my daily routine and hold onto hope for better days ahead.

You can read more about my thoughts on Picasso’s art (including its connection to African tribal masks), how art influences our world, book recommendations and more in my January newsletter!

2021 Calendar Giveaway!

2021 Calendar from Shalom Schultz Designs

Fresh flowers for a fresh start! I’m giving away this FREE printable 2021 calendar for a limited time only. Featuring 2 brand new designs, each 5×7 card displays 6 months at a time and can be framed or pinned to your bulletin board for a refreshing splash of color. May this be a year of hope and positive changes for us all!

The Season of Giving!

Christmas Word Tree Art Print

It’s the season of giving! So, I’ve made this art print available as a FREE download, for a limited time, to anyone who signs up for my email list. 🎄 File includes high-resolution 8×10 and 5×7 print sizes—perfect for framing or mailing as a flat card in an A7 envelope. Need a last-minute gift or some holiday artwork to brighten up your space? You’re in luck! Merry Christmas!!

Year of the Fierce Woman

FIERCE word art in bold colors of black, white, orange and pink. Ink and marker drawing. Geometric and abstract.

It’s done!!! This, the first piece of entirely hand rendered art I have completed in over 7 years, represents the attitude with which I intend to face everything this new year tries to throw at me. Nearly a year ago, seeking an outlet to express my frustrations over so many different things, I started it. But, as they say, “life got in the way”. In less than 4 months, I’ll be turning 40…this past year has given me much to think about and at the end of it I finally came to a crossroads. After what I like to call a “slap in the face from the universe”, I realized that the time to reach for my dream of becoming a full time artist is now, that “someday” will never come and that I’ve allowed doubts and personal insecurities to hold me back long enough. I’ve set my 1st goal of completing 10 pieces and re-opening my Etsy shop before my birthday at the end of April and (unlike in the past), I’m logging my time to ensure that I reach it. A favorite quote says, “We are what we repeatedly do”. So, I’ll be making a lot of art this year and I couldn’t be more excited! Keep an eye out for progress updates, new pieces and help me stay accountable, won’t you? Bring it on, 2019!

What Deserves Your Energy?

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Another good one from @itscatharriss on Instagram. I have to say, the closer I get to 40 (still have a few years to go), the easier this gets. Partly because I don’t suffer from the same insecurities I once did, but more so because I am acutely aware with each passing day, just how few things in life really, truly matter. And those that DO deserve all the energy I can give them. What DESERVES (not just demands) your energy?

How To Turn Fear Into Success

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Wow, I just had to share this great thought from @jennscalia on Instagram. I’ve become somewhat of a ‘worry wort’ in recent years, allowing all of life’s problems, big and small, to overwhelm me to the point where I feel helpless and stuck (and in turn, accomplish very little). I know I can be better and that I shouldn’t let my insecurities keep me from reaching for my goals. Time to face the facts and work harder!