How do we convert a negative situation into a positive?
How do we change our perspective?
How do we overcome it or integrate it into our lives?
How is our gifting revealed when disability or trauma or circumstance overwhelm us?
What personal characteristics do we need to find a new way of being?
How do we ignore taunting or bullying or pressure to be what we are created to be?
I have used doll-making to explore the obstacles which seek to derail my creative desire.
Black Dog explores my life-long journey with depression
and The Great Divide was part of my healing after my divorce. 
Many situations can stall or derail us.
But somehow, sometimes,
we are graced with a gift which demands to be used and helps us rise above our situation.

Negative space ... do we even notice it?
I find negative space draws me in
to consider the essence of a shape;
to explore what is necessary;
to ask myself how much do I need;
to fill in the negative space with my own being;
to rest with mystery;
to ponder perceived presence and absence;
to ask questions;
to think about the whole and parts of the whole; and
to relate this to my own life and my own art.

"A sword shall pierce your heart"  Luke 2:35
What pierces my heart?
What motivates me to prayer; to action; to creative expression?
Any action that violates the human dignity of another, such as
bullying, whether verbal, physical, emotional, spiritual.
Any action that counters our role as stewards of creation, such as
destruction of our vital rainforests for financial gain or aesthetics.
Any action which fails to protect and nurture our most vulnerable, such as
children, refugees, the homeless, the human 'collateral damage' of war.
Any action  which perverts or subverts our ability to respond to LOVE.

Where does creativity hide?
How broad or narrow is my definition of creativity?
How do I use my life's experiences to develop my creativity?
How do I subvert the creative urge?
How can I release my creative energy?
How do I battle the demons that say I am not creative?
How do I protect my creative space?

How do we remember those who have died,
especially those we have loved dearly?
I create dolls to remember.
Ladies a plate uses my mother's beautiful table linen to honour women of her generation.

How do we remember those who have died tragically, unnecessarily,
especially those who cannot defend themselves?
I stitch and meditate.
Angels of gold are a stitch by stitch contemplation of the children who died in the massacre
at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

How do we remember those who have died protecting me, in sometimes futile campaigns of war?
I use textiles to create a visual memory, a place to pause and give thanks.
My ANZAC series are a grateful tribute.

How do we remember our ancestors, those whose lives we embody?
I have made dolls out of their clothing and manchester. Nana and Gran are an example.

Lest we forget.

What do we need to kick start our creativity?
How do we give ourselves permission to be creative?
Where does creative inspiration come from?
What space - emotional, physical, spiritual - do we require to find our creative voice?
Do we have the courage to be creative?
What do we deny within ourselves if we fail to honour and realise the creative spirit?
How does our brokenness contribute to creativity?
Is there beauty in brokenness?
What decisions must I make to release the creative spirit?
What permissions must I give to satisfy the creative urge?
What understandings must I come to before I discover my creative contribution?

"No two friends are the same. 
Each has his or her own gift for us. 
 When we expect one friend to have all we need,
 we will always be hypercritical,
never completely happy with what he or she does have.

One friend may offer us affection,
another may stimulate our minds,
another may strengthen our souls. 
The more able we are to receive the different gifts our friends have to give us,
the more able we will be to offer our own unique but limited gifts.  
Thus, friendships create a beautiful tapestry of love."

Henri Nouwen

The work of this glass artist is stunning.
But I am more blown away by his philosophy of life;
his generosity of spirit;
his deep gratitude.