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October 26, 2021

Self Empathy Portrait

By Tamara Laporte  |   in art journal  | Tags: art musings , art journal , tamara laporte , Willowing Arts  

How have you been doing since the Life Book Taster Sessions finished? Going through art withdrawal symptoms? I totally understand! When I don’t art for a while, I really feel it! Art withdrawal symptoms tend to manifest as feeling grumpy, ungrounded and stuck! Luckily there are always solutions to art withdrawal!

Firstly; come join us on Life Book 2022! That way you get access to all 35 tasters sessions again PLUS you’ll get access to 80+ mixed media lessons throughout 2022 and you’re given a super cool Virtual Gift Bag too! :) We’ll have an awesome 2022 together and you’ll never go through art withdrawal again, ha!

Secondly, I have some super fun & free tutorials on my youtube channel! So, if, in the meantime you need something immediate and NOW, come make a ‘self-empathy portrait’ with me.

As many of you know, one of the things I LOVE about creating is that it can be so therapeutic and meditative. Simply creating can have that effect, but sometimes I go into the creative process with an intention and a conscious process to experience some cathartic healing, self connection and transformation.

This self empathy portrait process is one of those projects that has an intentional healing element to it that can be really helpful when you are struggling with something or if you are going through something painful (hugs to you if that is the case!)

This video was first published a while ago as part of the Art & Soul Emergence Retreat, but is now available for free on my youtube channel, yay!

Oh, and in case you missed it! Last month I also posted another episode of my series ‘Finish A Journal’. I had so much fun! Watch it HERE. And watch me create this new spread:

If you love making art too and want to dive really deeply into all things creativity and wellbeing and really support yourself with self care and kindness, then do join us on Life Book 2022. You can currently join it with 30% off! Use: ARTJOY30 at the checkout! (Payment plans are available). Let’s make 2022 a year of self love and self care through creativity. I gotchoo! ♥️

Please enjoy the rest of this email with some of my ‘favourites this month’ and some other updates, you are loved!

Much love, Tam 💕


 

Things/ People Tam Found Inspiring this Month

Some times I like to share things that have made me laugh, inspired or moved me this month. In these difficult times, it can be supportive and uplifting to look for the positive and good in life! Hope this little list gives you a bit of a smile and that’s it’s helpful for you!

  • This made me laugh! 
  • No affiliation but I need this rug in my life, it makes me so happy! :)
  • An important reminder.
  • Did you know this about owls?
  • Took some super pretty autumnal photos of our garden.
  • October Mood.
  • My son Elliot drawing my elephant from the taster sessions! so proud!
And this quote by Jacob Nordby:


 

You may also like:

  • Book of Days & Make a Journal ep.8

  • My Fav Art Supplies – Updated! :)

  • Made of Mermaids – Jane Davenport Unboxing

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Tamara Laporte

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

Mental health struggles and trauma made me a seeker. I’ve been drawn to the spiritual from a young age. I started dabbling in ideas like astral travel at 15 (attempted doing it but never managed it, by the way 😅), read books about out-of-body experiences (hello, Robert Monroe!), and devoured stories by hypnotherapists who regressed their clients to past lives. It was (and still IS) deeply fascinating to me. A part of me was always looking for deeper answers through the spiritual.

Though I never felt called to the major religions (aside from a soft spot for Buddhism and Zen), I became intrigued by the more modern spiritual teachers of our time. I follow(ed) Eckhart Tolle, Matt Kahn, Ram Dass, Gangaji, Teal Swan, Adyashanti… and perhaps most notably, Byron Katie. I also loved listening to Alan Watts wax poetic about the nature of existence and the universe. For a while I worshipped these people in many ways and felt they held the answers to all of life’s mysterious problems.

Many of these figures have since fallen from their pedestals a bit, but their ideas and approaches to life helped me enormously in times of distress.

Byron Katie, in particular, was a huge influence on me for a time. I even interviewed her for my YouTube channel (the video is now private). During that conversation, she gifted me a scholarship to her "9 Days for The Work" program. I was deeply honoured, jumped on a plane... only to discover that the experience didn’t resonate with me at all. In fact, I found parts of it quite harmful.

I haven’t spoken publicly about this much, but those memories have been resurfacing lately. It feels important to acknowledge how easy it is to place ‘beloved gurus’ on pedestals, forgetting that they, too, are human. Flawed. Sometimes even dangerous.

In my own journey, I’ve learned to take what works from a teacher or teaching, and leave the rest behind. This painting (2014), featuring a powerful and beautiful quote by Byron Katie, reflects the love I had (and still have) for parts of her work. I still find some of it deeply helpful. But now I hold it all through a more balanced, humanised lens.

What about you? Have your gurus ever `fallen`? ♥️♥️♥️

Open
Mental health struggles and trauma made me a seeker. I’ve been drawn to the spiritual from a young age. I started dabbling in ideas like astral travel at 15 (attempted doing it but never managed it, by the way 😅), read books about out-of-body experiences (hello, Robert Monroe!), and devoured stories by hypnotherapists who regressed their clients to past lives. It was (and still IS) deeply fascinating to me. A part of me was always looking for deeper answers through the spiritual.

Though I never felt called to the major religions (aside from a soft spot for Buddhism and Zen), I became intrigued by the more modern spiritual teachers of our time. I follow(ed) Eckhart Tolle, Matt Kahn, Ram Dass, Gangaji, Teal Swan, Adyashanti… and perhaps most notably, Byron Katie. I also loved listening to Alan Watts wax poetic about the nature of existence and the universe. For a while I worshipped these people in many ways and felt they held the answers to all of life’s mysterious problems. 

Many of these figures have since fallen from their pedestals a bit, but their ideas and approaches to life helped me enormously in times of distress.

Byron Katie, in particular, was a huge influence on me for a time. I even interviewed her for my YouTube channel (the video is now private). During that conversation, she gifted me a scholarship to her "9 Days for The Work" program. I was deeply honoured, jumped on a plane... only to discover that the experience didn’t resonate with me at all. In fact, I found parts of it quite harmful.

I haven’t spoken publicly about this much, but those memories have been resurfacing lately. It feels important to acknowledge how easy it is to place ‘beloved gurus’ on pedestals, forgetting that they, too, are human. Flawed. Sometimes even dangerous.

In my own journey, I’ve learned to take what works from a teacher or teaching, and leave the rest behind. This painting (2014), featuring a powerful and beautiful quote by Byron Katie, reflects the love I had (and still have) for parts of her work. I still find some of it deeply helpful. But now I hold it all through a more balanced, humanised lens.

What about you? Have your gurus ever 'fallen'? ♥️♥️♥️

✨ One Week to Go! Come Join the Cutie-Ful Fun ✨
Friends! Here a joyful reminder that Creating Cuties starts in ONE WEEK!

I’m so excited to begin this adorable, joy-sparking journey! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be painting the cutest animal characters, exploring playful colour palettes, and learning how to infuse our work with charm, expression, and warmth.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time! Doors will be closing soon and so does the 25% off early bird discount code, and I’d so love to welcome you in before we begin!

Here’s what Creating Cuties is all about:

🌈 You`ll learn to draw and paint whimsical animals in sweet, joy-filled scenes
🎨 I’ll guide you step-by-step with accessible, mixed media techniques
🐾 It’s beginner-friendly, playful, and full of feel-good vibes
💖 Most importantly, it’s all about creating art that lifts your spirit
The course officially starts on 12th August and you’ll get instant access to the classroom as soon as we begin.

✨ Don’t miss your chance to join this heartwarming, creativity-boosting adventure!

👉 Click here to sign up now:

https://bit.ly/CreatingCuties

Let’s paint some cuteness together; it would be an honour to have you in the class. ♥️♥️♥️

Big hugs and sparkly paws,
Tam
@everyone

Open
✨ One Week to Go! Come Join the Cutie-Ful Fun ✨
Friends!  Here a joyful reminder that Creating Cuties starts in ONE WEEK! 

I’m so excited to begin this adorable, joy-sparking journey! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be painting the cutest animal characters, exploring playful colour palettes, and learning how to infuse our work with charm, expression, and warmth.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time! Doors will be closing soon and so does the 25% off early bird discount code, and I’d so love to welcome you in before we begin!

Here’s what Creating Cuties is all about:

🌈 You'll learn to draw and paint whimsical animals in sweet, joy-filled scenes
🎨 I’ll guide you step-by-step with accessible, mixed media techniques
🐾 It’s beginner-friendly, playful, and full of feel-good vibes
💖 Most importantly, it’s all about creating art that lifts your spirit
The course officially starts on 12th August and you’ll get instant access to the classroom as soon as we begin.

✨ Don’t miss your chance to join this heartwarming, creativity-boosting adventure!

👉 Click here to sign up now: 

https://bit.ly/CreatingCuties 

Let’s paint some cuteness together;  it would be an honour to have you in the class. ♥️♥️♥️ 

Big hugs and sparkly paws,
Tam 
@everyone

I`m doing final preps for my new course (Creating Cuties) and just bumped into this super sweet image, totally forgot that I`d made this cute little character with funny speech bubble. One of the perks of perimenopause BRAIN FOG, is that you also forget the fun stuff you did for others and then are pleasantly surprised when you find random funny/ sweet things you did! 😂😁😆

Open
I'm doing final preps for my new course (Creating Cuties) and just bumped into this super sweet image, totally forgot that I'd made this cute little character with funny speech bubble. One of the perks of perimenopause BRAIN FOG, is that you also forget the fun stuff you did for others and then are pleasantly surprised when you find random funny/ sweet things you did! 😂😁😆

"Angels Are Always With You" - This painting, created in 2014, was loosely inspired by the mystical works of Susan Seddon Boulet. Her art whispered to me of protection, connection, and unseen realms; and I was quietly enamoured by it all.

Looking back on my childhood, I realise that I grew up with a strong sense that I had to be independent, resilient, and self-reliant; a kind of emotional armouring that still echoes through me today. It’s something I’ve worked on in therapy for many years, but a streak of avoidant attachment still lingers. Being bullied in childhood and not receiving much support for this; I learned early on that depending on others often led to disappointment, so I built my safety through self-dependence.

My beautiful love Andy, and many of my close friends these days, continue to show me (again and again) that this belief doesn’t always hold true. That some people can be safe harbours and that is why kindness and true support heals me a bit, every day.

Still, you can see in this painting a deep yearning, perhaps even a knowing, that I’ve always held: a longing to be surrounded by protectors. Angels. Guides. Mentors. Elders. Ancestors. I feel them, both the ones in spirit, and a few very special ones in the flesh. 💕

I remember once, in my twenties, feeling so ready for a teacher that I approached a real, board-certified Zen master. I was prepared to be devoted, to be led. He invited me to meet at a pub and promptly spilled beer on my trousers. 😂 At the time, I was slightly horrified. Now I see: perhaps that was the lesson. (Very Zen.)

And so, I kept walking my own path. But even now, I believe those angels (seen or unseen) have always been with me. In whispers, in wings, in laughter, in love. Somehow, some way.

This is day 10 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
"Angels Are Always With You" - This painting, created in 2014, was loosely inspired by the mystical works of Susan Seddon Boulet. Her art whispered to me of protection, connection, and unseen realms; and I was quietly enamoured by it all.

Looking back on my childhood, I realise that I grew up with a strong sense that I had to be independent, resilient, and self-reliant; a kind of emotional armouring that still echoes through me today. It’s something I’ve worked on in therapy for many years, but a streak of avoidant attachment still lingers. Being bullied in childhood and not receiving much support for this; I learned early on that depending on others often led to disappointment, so I built my safety through self-dependence.

My beautiful love Andy, and many of my close friends these days, continue to show me (again and again) that this belief doesn’t always hold true. That some people can be safe harbours and that is why kindness and true support heals me a bit, every day. 

Still, you can see in this painting a deep yearning, perhaps even a knowing, that I’ve always held: a longing to be surrounded by protectors. Angels. Guides. Mentors. Elders. Ancestors. I feel them, both the ones in spirit, and a few very special ones in the flesh. 💕 

I remember once, in my twenties, feeling so ready for a teacher that I approached a real, board-certified Zen master. I was prepared to be devoted, to be led. He invited me to meet at a pub and promptly spilled beer on my trousers. 😂 At the time, I was slightly horrified. Now I see: perhaps that was the lesson. (Very Zen.)

And so, I kept walking my own path. But even now, I believe those angels (seen or unseen) have always been with me. In whispers, in wings, in laughter, in love. Somehow, some way.

This is day 10 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

In case you missed the newsletter! --> Coming in 2026: A whole year of magic & fairy tales! 🧚‍♀️📜

So many of you have asked about this…

“What’s the theme for your next year-long course, Tam?”
“Will there be another Year of Light or will we do something else?”

Well, I’m so excited to finally share it with you! 🌟 Ready? 😊

Next year’s magical, joy-filled, heart-expanding journey will be called:

✨ A Year of Magic & Fairy Tales ✨– a magical adventure through magic, story, wonder, and everyday enchantment.

This course is a heartfelt offering; not just for your creative practice, but also for your spirit. ✨🙏✨

I know that life can feel heavy sometimes (hello understatement). The world has been challenging for so many of us for a long while now. Personally, I’ve often found myself longing for comfort, softness, a sense of wonder… and that’s exactly what I’ve poured into this new course.

This course will offer a way to come back to yourself, to spark imagination, and to gently hold the parts of us that feel weary or overwhelmed. It’s balm for the soul; a little candle in the dark. 🕯️

In this course, we’ll explore magic in a broad sense, but also story, myth & lore and subjects like glowing forests, storybook characters, enchanted creatures, shimmering moons, and everyday objects or experiences turned magical. We’ll look for magic in the ordinary and extraordinary and paint it to our hearts’ content!

Expect a beautiful blend of my signature mixed media lessons, a stunning team of guest teachers, and a touch of playfulness, nostalgia, and wonder throughout. 🎨🦉🌙

I’ll share full details, the teacher line-up, and the early bird details & launch date very soon, but I wanted you to know the theme ahead of time, in case it resonates deeply and you’d like to save your spot.

If you’re craving magic, softness, enchantment and art that feels like a warm, whimsical hug; this one’s for you. 💛

With fairy wings and love,
Tam x ✨💕

PS. More details and all sign up info will launch near the end of August/ Early Sept ♥️♥️♥️

PPS. YES!! There will of course be an AWESOME taster event for this course too, can’t wait to share the details with you!!

Open
In case you missed the newsletter! --> Coming in 2026: A whole year of magic & fairy tales! 🧚‍♀️📜

So many of you have asked about this…

“What’s the theme for your next year-long course, Tam?”
“Will there be another Year of Light or will we do something else?”

Well, I’m so excited to finally share it with you! 🌟 Ready? 😊

Next year’s magical, joy-filled, heart-expanding journey will be called:

✨ A Year of Magic & Fairy Tales ✨– a magical adventure through magic, story, wonder, and everyday enchantment.

This course is a heartfelt offering; not just for your creative practice, but also for your spirit. ✨🙏✨

I know that life can feel heavy sometimes (hello understatement). The world has been challenging for so many of us for a long while now. Personally, I’ve often found myself longing for comfort, softness, a sense of wonder… and that’s exactly what I’ve poured into this new course.

This course will offer a way to come back to yourself, to spark imagination, and to gently hold the parts of us that feel weary or overwhelmed. It’s balm for the soul; a little candle in the dark. 🕯️

In this course, we’ll explore magic in a broad sense, but also story, myth & lore and subjects like glowing forests, storybook characters, enchanted creatures, shimmering moons, and everyday objects or experiences turned magical. We’ll look for magic in the ordinary and extraordinary and paint it to our hearts’ content!

Expect a beautiful blend of my signature mixed media lessons, a stunning team of guest teachers, and a touch of playfulness, nostalgia, and wonder throughout. 🎨🦉🌙

I’ll share full details, the teacher line-up, and the early bird details & launch date very soon, but I wanted you to know the theme ahead of time, in case it resonates deeply and you’d like to save your spot.

If you’re craving magic, softness, enchantment and art that feels like a warm, whimsical hug; this one’s for you. 💛

With fairy wings and love,
Tam x ✨💕

PS. More details and all sign up info will launch near the end of August/ Early Sept ♥️♥️♥️

PPS. YES!! There will of course be an AWESOME taster event for this course too, can’t wait to share the details with you!!
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