JOY & INSPIRATION: February

by Susan Green February 18, 2016

In the studio I'm busy working on a new line of leather journals, sending out Mother's Day orders and gearing up for wedding season. Bright, clear days bring me SUCH joy and trick me into thinking it's Spring. But the next day February's greyness dulls everything, reminding me that really, I should still be hibernating, dreaming and feeding my soul until Spring starts. Here's what's helping:

Me & Orla

Former speech therapist, now writer, photographer and Instagram mentor, Sara lives in Yorkshire and blogs at www.meandorla.co.uk where she reflects on living and working creatively, and shares helpful strategies and techniques for improving your Instagram feed.

a life needs secret plans... I tried to explain how I edit my pictures to have a consistent style on my blog. I'm not sure it makes sense, but come take a look! ? Meandorla.co.uk / link in bio

A photo posted by Sara (@me_and_orla) on Jan 25, 2016 at 10:46pm PST

 

Midori Takaki

Japanese ceramicist Midori says: "I create something small almost daily at night. I call them my journal. I am writing in ceramics." Her Mother Nature Bear is in progress and is just wonderful. Can I clear a corner in my house for her, I wonder? Read more about Midori's work at www.midoritakaki.co.uk  

'The story of Mother Nature Bear' on my blog, DoGoo - Contemporary Clay Idols https://t.co/RIyhxXKUjT #ceramics pic.twitter.com/QcqI2G5DAA

— Midori Takaki (@MidoriTakaki) February 16, 2016

 

Jonna Jinton

"I felt miserable and had an inexplicable longing for something completely different. Nature, tranquility, fresh air, meadows, lakes, sunsets. Silence. Peace of mind. I longed Grundtjärn, the small village of 100 mile north where we have throughout my childhood had a summer home. 

So I decided to move."

Swedish artist Jonna followed her dreams and the result is breathtaking. Discover her work and the extraordinary landscape she lives and works in at www.jonnajinton.se   

Kulning is the word for the ancient Swedish herding call, that has its roots in the nordic medieval age. Because of its special high-pitched sound it was used to communicate with animals and creature through very far distances. Ever since I was a child i have felt something magical and enchanting about this sound. It really touches me in a way I can't explain. So the last months I have practiced this vocal technique to learn it myself. So this is a short example of me doing "kulning" :) If you want to see the longer version you can find it on my facebook-page. (Link in profile). #kulning #swedishmoments #visitsweden #folkcreative #ig_naturelovers #sweden #folkvibe

A video posted by Jonna Jinton (@jonnajinton) on Feb 12, 2016 at 11:26am PST

 

 

Thanks to Jonna, Midori and Sara for making beautiful, hopeful and inspirational work. 

What's bringing you joy this February?

Susan

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