Willowing Arts
Join Us Now! Login
0
Willowing Arts logo
Menu
  • New here?
    • Back
    • Where to start
    • Apply to teach
    • You Matter
    • FAQ
    • Hearing Impaired Support
    • Free Resources
    • Philanthropy
  • Tam
    • Back
    • About
    • Contact
    • Tam’s Books
    • Tam’s Team
    • Meet in person
    • Tam’s Art Gallery
  • Creating Cuties
  • A Year of Light
    • Back
    • Join A Year of Light
    • Taster Replay – A Year of Light
  • Art Classes
    • Back
    • Buy Art Classes
    • Access Your Classes (Member Area)
    • Suggested Art Supplies
    • Free Classes
    • Testimonials
  • Shop
    • Back
    • Everything
    • Calendars
    • Original Art
    • Giclee Prints
    • Tam’s Books
    • gift cards
    • Notebooks
    • Pocket Mirrors
    • Post Cards
    • Stencils
    • Partner Products
  • Blog
  • New here?
    • Where to start
    • Apply to teach
    • You Matter
    • FAQ
    • Hearing Impaired Support
    • Free Resources
    • Philanthropy
  • Tam
    • About
    • Contact
    • Tam’s Books
    • Tam’s Team
    • Meet in person
    • Tam’s Art Gallery
  • Creating Cuties
  • A Year of Light
    • Join A Year of Light
    • Taster Replay – A Year of Light
  • Art Classes
    • Buy Art Classes
    • Access Your Classes (Member Area)
    • Suggested Art Supplies
    • Free Classes
    • Testimonials
  • Shop
    • Everything
    • Calendars
    • Original Art
    • Giclee Prints
    • Tam’s Books
    • gift cards
    • Notebooks
    • Pocket Mirrors
    • Post Cards
    • Stencils
    • Partner Products
  • Blog
October 29, 2021

Poetry & Art

By Dan Tanner  |   in art journal  | Tags: art musings , art journal , tamara laporte , Willowing Arts  

I just had a coaching session with the amazing Sarah Peyton (she does trauma work) in which we discussed how sometimes we find vices that provide a sense of comfort that usually mothering provides. It was a fascinating session and reminded me how important it is to develop a practice of gentle self care that includes respectful self-connection and the skills to provide ourselves with the comfort, care and kindness that a mothering figure might.

For me, creating art provides that. When I go into that art zone space, I feel safe, self connected and able to compassionately respond to myself. I enter into a zone that feels calm, expressive and cathartic; it’s a space that allows me to connect to my feelings as they find their way out of me onto the page through the pencil or the brush.

Sometimes, I add poetry to my art making adventures like I did last night. It doesn’t happen a lot. Poetry tends to come when I dive really deep. It’s when I truly listen to a deeper (usually a wounded) part of myself. I find it really therapeutic to combine art and with poetry.

Blink. 

It’s over in a blink, she said.
“Swallows stop flying,
if you’re not careful,
if you’re not brave,
if you’re not wispy and grand and dramatic and full of shadow and let it all leak out, like liquid gold.”

Notice.
Every single minute.
Every single fraction of the astounding glory of the moment. Here. Now.
And don’t pretend you can’t hear those angels sing. Like bells, trills, high c’s, harmonies hummed like the sweetest honey.

Every breath is a song. Every tick tock an ocean of meaning, an orchestra of alive vibrancy wanting its way with you, soulfully. Yes.

You cannot refuse this offer. No is not an option. Jump in with open arms. Swim, fly, cry, run, weep, scream and sing. Let it all happen. Take it all in, before the mighty blink, blinks.

– TWL

Thank you for being here receiving my art and musings. It always means so much to me, to know you are there on the other side of the computer screen; thank you! ❤️

A quick reminder that Registration is now Open for Life Book 2022 and that you can join it with a whopping 30% off! (Our biggest discount code yet!). I look forward to another year of art making, self connection and being in creative community with you all. See you there!

Much love,
Tam & Team 💕

You may also like:

  • Some Inspiration For You

  • Free Spirit – Painterly Play

  • Want to win a copy of my brand new book? :D

Comments:

New Courses!
Sponsors
Blog Categories
  • art workshops
  • online art courses
  • mixed media
  • life book
  • artist interviews
  • free stuff
  • parenting

Join my newsletter to access the

Latest Courses & Discounts

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Your data will be used with unicorn care. It will not be passed on to 3rd parties and will only be used to send you Tam's magical love notes and Willowing Arts products and news. To learn more about how we protect your data check out our 'care and privacy policy' here.

Instagram

Tamara Laporte

willowing

4,873 48,409

Mixed media artist, teacher and author. I don’t see all IG msgs. For enq pls email hello@willowing.org - Join Creating Cuties:

When I was a teenager, I collected elephant statues; by the time I was 18, I must’ve had hundreds. I’ve always adored elephants. There`s something about their grounded presence and quiet wisdom that feels profoundly comforting. I love that they’re matriarchal, that they mourn their dead, that they move through the world with a seeming intelligence and heart.

When Andy and I lived in Sri Lanka for three years, we visited an elephant sanctuary and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Watching the gentle connection between carers and elephants moved me deeply. They had a beautiful closeness I silently envied!

So it’s no surprise that elephants have wandered their way into my art again and again. I love painting them both whimsically and realistically. Their shapes are so satisfying to work with: cute chonky feet, soulful eyes, those expressive trunks and giant ears; it’s like they’re built for art! 🎨🖌️

This piece, painted back in 2014, is a special one. I was exploring how to bring more “grunge” and texture into my work; layering deeply, playing with contrasts. The rough, earthy background felt like the perfect contrast to the milky-white skin of the elephant, who gazes out with such a soft, knowing expression. Even here, she seems to whisper: be gentle. be wise. be still.

I hope she brings some of that same quiet comfort to your day, too. 🤍 🐘

This is day 16 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
When I was a teenager, I collected elephant statues; by the time I was 18, I must’ve had hundreds. I’ve always adored elephants. There's something about their grounded presence and quiet wisdom that feels profoundly comforting. I love that they’re matriarchal, that they mourn their dead, that they move through the world with a seeming intelligence and heart.

When Andy and I lived in Sri Lanka for three years, we visited an elephant sanctuary and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Watching the gentle connection between carers and elephants moved me deeply. They had a beautiful closeness I silently envied! 

So it’s no surprise that elephants have wandered their way into my art again and again. I love painting them both whimsically and realistically. Their shapes are so satisfying to work with: cute chonky feet, soulful eyes, those expressive trunks and giant ears; it’s like they’re built for art! 🎨🖌️ 

This piece, painted back in 2014, is a special one. I was exploring how to bring more “grunge” and texture into my work; layering deeply, playing with contrasts. The rough, earthy background felt like the perfect contrast to the milky-white skin of the elephant, who gazes out with such a soft, knowing expression. Even here, she seems to whisper: be gentle. be wise. be still.

I hope she brings some of that same quiet comfort to your day, too. 🤍 🐘

This is day 16 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

You are the light. ✨⭐️🌟💫

Open
You are the light. ✨⭐️🌟💫

Hello my lovely friends, a quick reminder that my friend Ida Andersen Lang is running her FREE retreat called ‘Art Soul Gathering’ again this year aaaaand … YOU are invited! 😃 Yay! 🥳🎉🎊

Celebrate the Wonders of Nature and the Beauty of the Human Spirit with 12 days of artmaking.

Come, hear the winds of your intuition whisper, and let the waves of blissful nature infuse creativity into your art. 🎨🌿

In the Art Soul Gathering 2025, you’ll enjoy free lessons from 16 celebrated artist teachers. Each are gifting you with their beautiful visions and artistic techniques to inspire your creative journey with Nature and Spirit.

For my lesson I want to teach you how to paint a beautiful happy dolphin that is jumping out of -what can only be called- CONFETTI OCEAN. 😂😁😆

Look how joyful!

You will become part of a worldwide community of creative souls and get to know the teachers. And oh, there will be plenty of art bonuses, give aways and surprises all the way through the gathering.

This free event is suitable for creatives of all levels - beginners, intermediate and experienced. The lessons are designed for you to enjoy, from just where you are in your creative journey. As we move through this experience together, we will lift each other up and hold creative sacred space. ✨🙏✨

I hope you’ll join us there! @followers Join us here: https://bit.ly/4lhZYjy ♥️♥️♥️ or link in my bio/ story/ linktree

Much Love,
Tam 💕

Open
Hello my lovely friends, a quick reminder that my friend Ida Andersen Lang is running her FREE retreat called ‘Art Soul Gathering’ again this year aaaaand … YOU are invited! 😃 Yay! 🥳🎉🎊

Celebrate the Wonders of Nature and the Beauty of the Human Spirit with 12 days of artmaking. 

Come, hear the winds of your intuition whisper, and let the waves of blissful nature infuse creativity into your art. 🎨🌿

In the Art Soul Gathering 2025, you’ll enjoy free lessons from 16 celebrated artist teachers. Each are gifting you with their beautiful visions and artistic techniques to inspire your creative journey with Nature and Spirit.

For my lesson I want to teach you how to paint a beautiful happy dolphin that is jumping out of -what can only be called- CONFETTI OCEAN. 😂😁😆

Look how joyful! 

You will become part of a worldwide community of creative souls and get to know the teachers. And oh, there will be plenty of art bonuses, give aways and surprises all the way through the gathering.

This free event is suitable for creatives of all levels - beginners, intermediate and experienced. The lessons are designed for you to enjoy, from just where you are in your creative journey. As we move through this experience together, we will lift each other up and hold creative sacred space. ✨🙏✨

I hope you’ll join us there! @followers Join us here: https://bit.ly/4lhZYjy ♥️♥️♥️ or link in my bio/ story/ linktree 

Much Love,
Tam 💕

SALE Ends Tonight: Last Chance to Save ❤️ ⏳

Hey Beautiful Creative Souls! ✨🙌✨

Final Chance to take advantage of this sale! Deals like this don`t come round that often! Grab your deals before midnight, otherwise they`ll all be gone! A big thank you to anyone who has picked up a class or two in the Summer Sale. I hope you have a wonderful sunny experience creating your artwork!

Here are the codes again:

40% off Kaleidoscope 2024 - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/KS2024Tam
40% off Watercolour Wildlife - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/WILDWILLOWING
40% off Expressive Soul Portraits - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/ESPTAM
30% off A Year of Light: Use: SHINE30 - https://bit.ly/AYOLTam25
30% off ALL Self Study Courses - Use: SUNSHINE30 - https://bit.ly/willowingss
15% off Tam’s Books: Use: SUNNYBOOK - https://bit.ly/willowtsb

If links don`t work pls go to my stories/ bio/ treelink (accessible via my stories). ♥️♥️♥️

Happy shopping my amazing artist friends!

Much love,
Tam 💕

Open
SALE Ends Tonight: Last Chance to Save ❤️ ⏳

Hey Beautiful Creative Souls! ✨🙌✨ 

Final Chance to take advantage of this sale! Deals like this don't come round that often! Grab your deals before midnight, otherwise they'll all be gone! A big thank you to anyone who has picked up a class or two in the Summer Sale. I hope you have a wonderful sunny experience creating your artwork! 

Here are the codes again: 
 
40% off Kaleidoscope 2024 - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/KS2024Tam 
40% off Watercolour Wildlife - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/WILDWILLOWING
40% off Expressive Soul Portraits - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/ESPTAM
30% off A Year of Light: Use: SHINE30 - https://bit.ly/AYOLTam25
30% off ALL Self Study Courses - Use: SUNSHINE30 - https://bit.ly/willowingss
15% off Tam’s Books: Use: SUNNYBOOK - https://bit.ly/willowtsb

If links don't work pls go to my stories/ bio/ treelink (accessible via my stories). ♥️♥️♥️ 

Happy shopping my amazing artist friends! 

Much love,
Tam 💕

While reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life, I stumbled across this old painting of mine from 2014, titled You Shine. It reminded me of a song I once wrote as a teenager, also called You Shine; inspired by a boyfriend I had when I was around 17 or 18. I remember how touching it was to witness someone’s inner light, to catch that quiet glow when they were truly themselves; smiling at something simple, gazing dreamily into the distance, or lost in their favourite hobby.

The phrase `You Shine` (or Shine Your Light) has long been part of my art, and to me, it speaks to the pure, radiant core that lives in all of us.

Sometimes that shine is hard to see; hidden beneath the layers we build to survive, to function, to belong. Life, with all its pressures (especially the grind of capitalism...), can leave us weary and dulled. It can feel as though our shine has been chipped away.

But here’s what I believe in my bones: the shine can never be destroyed. It is eternal. Untouchable. At most, it gets buried beneath a little dust and soot.

This painting is a gentle nudge; a reminder that your shine is still there, no matter what you`re facing today or tomorrow.

How is your soul doing these days? How is your shine?

Mine is still here… a little tired, yes, but glowing quietly, and always ready to rise again.

✨ You shine, my friend. Don’t forget. ✨ ♥️♥️♥️

This is day 15 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
While reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life, I stumbled across this old painting of mine from 2014, titled You Shine. It reminded me of a song I once wrote as a teenager, also called You Shine; inspired by a boyfriend I had when I was around 17 or 18. I remember how touching it was to witness someone’s inner light, to catch that quiet glow when they were truly themselves; smiling at something simple, gazing dreamily into the distance, or lost in their favourite hobby.

The phrase 'You Shine' (or Shine Your Light) has long been part of my art, and to me, it speaks to the pure, radiant core that lives in all of us. 

Sometimes that shine is hard to see; hidden beneath the layers we build to survive, to function, to belong. Life, with all its pressures (especially the grind of capitalism...), can leave us weary and dulled. It can feel as though our shine has been chipped away.

But here’s what I believe in my bones: the shine can never be destroyed. It is eternal. Untouchable. At most, it gets buried beneath a little dust and soot.

This painting is a gentle nudge; a reminder that your shine is still there, no matter what you're facing today or tomorrow.

How is your soul doing these days? How is your shine?

Mine is still here… a little tired, yes, but glowing quietly, and always ready to rise again.

✨ You shine, my friend. Don’t forget. ✨ ♥️♥️♥️ 

This is day 15 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱
Load More… Follow on Instagram
©WILLOWING ARTS   |  Terms & Conditions   |   PRIVACY POLICY
DESIGN COLLABORATION BY WILLOWING ARTS & IRENE SOLER   |