Daily creativity in small bites - the journey continues
When words, paints and brushes meet
Dear one,
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I post daily notes featuring small drawings or paintings—usually created late at night—alongside reflections on daily happenings. This practice keeps me grounded, connected to what brings me joy, and reminds me of my own self-worth. I encourage you to explore creative self-expression in small ways, too. It’s a fulfilling and nurturing practice—one that might even inspire you to create bigger pieces over time.
This week, I had a few special moments that filled my heart. One of my dear friends from Substack shared two pictures with me—she had purchased two of my prints from my Fine Art America shop. I can’t quite describe how that felt—deep gratitude mixed with the joy of being seen, appreciated, and recognized for my… well, let’s call it skill. (It feels a bit grand to say that, but I couldn’t find a better word!)
Once upon a time, I was a full-time artist—a self-publisher, a workshop organizer, a guide for those wanting to take the leap into intuitive painting, goddess painting, monoprinting, and more. It was a vibrant, colorful chapter in my life, filled with extraordinary artists from around the world, local connections, and cherished friendships. I truly believed that art would be my forever path.
And then—the BUG happened. And other unexpected, life-altering moments. I had to hit the brakes and set that part of me aside. Reinvention seems to be a theme in my life, and once again, I had to adapt.
But oh, how my heart soars when someone purchases a painting, a piece of applied art, or a workbook from my online shops. (I’ll share the links at the end of this post.) Every single purchase supports me—and more than that, it brings me immense joy.
Another memorable moment was related to art again. Substack helped me connect with so many like minded people and in doing so it make me feel as if I belong again.
Yesterday I joined and on a Be Free Pathways session. It was such soulful experience, a meeting of the minds and souls. They are hosting weekly online expressive arts forum/course designed to guide you through the transformative power of creativity. Details for the next gathering are below. Do get in touch with Laurie or Catherine!
Topic: Be Free Pathways March 19th
Time: Mar 19, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Thank you for being here, for reading, for supporting, and for embracing creativity in whatever way feels right for you.
With love,
Karina
And now, thoughts and images from my heart to yours!
As an Eastern European living in the so-called civilized world, I am appalled by the herd mentality and the increasing desire to silence voices that don’t align with mainstream rhetoric. Where is freedom of speech? Where is the willingness to agree to disagree? Where is the much-trumpeted democracy?
Compared to communist times, this feels even more dangerous—here, people act like unleashed hyenas, with verbal violence as their primary weapon. And with tensions escalating, physical violence feels just around the corner.
What a world. Let’s stop pretending democracy truly exists, shall we?
Trauma robs you of your sense of self. You don’t even realize that, metaphorically speaking, you’re trying to fly with only one wing. You push forward, determined, but something always feels not enough, like an invisible weight holding you back. The truth is, healing isn’t about forcing yourself to fly as you are; it’s about slowly rebuilding what was broken.
Time and time again we find ourselves in roles we never subscribed for and yes we loose ourselves in satisfying other people’s needs and desires. Creativity helps us come back to ourselves.
“Most of our tensions and frustrations stem from compulsive needs to act the role of someone we are not.” - Janos Selye
It’s International Women’s Day today—a day that should be about more than just empty buzzwords like "empowerment." It should be about real respect, protection, and the safeguarding of women’s dignity and rights. In Eastern Europe, this day carries a different weight; it’s a celebration woven into the culture, where men honor the women in their lives with grand gestures, often expressed through flowers. The sight of enormous bouquets flooding the streets, filling every corner with color and fragrance, is unforgettable. Since leaving, I’ve never seen anything quite like it—a tradition that truly embodied appreciation in a way words often fail to capture.I picked a few daffodils from the neighborhood—a simple, beautiful, and free gift to myself!
Gelli plates once felt like they were “singing” with me, effortlessly translating my emotions into color and texture. Reconnecting with them now feels like riding a bike after years away—slow, a little uncertain, and surprisingly unfamiliar. To my surprise, it feels almost like learning from scratch.
I used to use these prints for scrapbooking, but I wonder if anyone has other creative suggestions. How do you like to use your Gelli plate prints?
Sometimes, drawings come with words. Most of the time, they make sense—they’re connected to something I can identify, a message I need to hear. But this evening, the words don’t quite add up. Still, I stay loyal to my muse and choose to record them.
The words are… “Look here!”
What she means, I have no clue
Back from my first 400-mile drive—a long journey, both on the road and within. Driving long distances gives you time to process memories, ask yourself deep questions, and sometimes uncover unexpected answers. I was never particularly passionate about driving. It wasn’t something I sought out, nor did I have many opportunities for long trips. But today, I feel like I’ve broken another barrier. I’ve realized that my relationship with driving and cars is more complex than I thought, deeply tied to childhood memories. A topic worth exploring in my next blog
Until next time, be well!
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Thank you for fuelling the inspiration
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