Baring My Heart - Using Art to Heal

Have you noticed that I've been re-posting a bit lately?  It's because things have been going on in my life that are hard to deal with.  No, I'm not talking about the political situation in the USA, although that IS very hard to deal with.  I'm talking about family, and illness, and sadness.

Wishes and Dreams of Love and Empathy

I've been candid about my struggles with depression.  But in late February, my younger daughter went through a very difficult time after several months of struggling with depression herself.  She's doing much better, and learning every day how to live with the intensity of her feelings.  But it hasn't been easy.  (She gave me permission to write a bit about it.)

Salad of Feelings With All Eyes Upon You

So it's been hard to write this blog, while feeling that there is a big part of my life that I can't share.  I am not going to go into all the details, because that wouldn't be fair to our family.  But I know that many of you also have experience with intense feelings, sadness, depression and anxiety.  And it is always good to know that we are not alone.

Deaths in the Desert

Speaking of not being alone, I have been doing a lot of art and activism around immigration and anti-Muslim sentiment.  Here I am at a recent demonstration and press conference at Newark Airport, the day after the most recent travel ban was struck down.

In fact, my lesson for Wanderlust 2017 uses that as an inspiration. I was inspired by this Georgia O-Keefe quote:

to create a mixed media canvas using shapes and color to express things I have no words for. Click here to visit Everything Art, and I'll see you in the classroom.

Here is a beautiful video about one aspect of immigration.  I hope it moves you as much as it moved me.



Thanks for meeting me here. Wrapping you all in a big hug.  xoxox

         Visit Stencil Girl Products and RubberMoon Stamps to see all my designs!

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:

InLinkz.com

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

Last Chance to Enter to Win!

Hi all -

My friend and art sister Miriam Schulman has pulled together ten creatives to offer holiday gift ideas this fall in her Handcrafted Holidays online workshop.  What a treat to be working with Carolyn Dube, Andrea Gomoll, Marjie Kemper, Systole Kirkeeng, Jand LaFazio, Danita Salcido, Joanne Sharpe and Blenda Tyvoll for this exciting class.  

Miriam has been offering a free video series of Artist Chats (interviews with each of us that include giveaways) before class begins. 

Check out my interview, and enter to win a stamp and stencil!

Today's the last day to enter to win!!

I am thrilled to announce that I'm a teacher for Wanderlust 2017. 

Do you know about Wanderlust?  It is an online yearlong journey offering you videos from 24 guest teachers and 2 resident teachers on a weekly basis. Each one is full length, high quality and downloadable, so yours forever.

You will also be invited to the Wanderlust community, a supportive and friendly gathering place.  If you decide to join, I would greatly appreciate it if you use my affiliate link, as this is part of how I will get paid!

Dyan Reavely, Andy Skinner, Rae Missigman, Cinnabar, Kate Krane, Mindy Lacefield, and more! 

Click here to view more details

         Visit Stencil Girl Products and RubberMoon Stamps to see all my designs!

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:

InLinkz.com

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

If you are entering a GIVEAWAY, please add your email address in the event I need to contact you.

To avoid SPAM, please write it like this: jessicasporndesigns (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank You!