This journal page has some beautiful layers. Kinda like the beautiful layers of your life.
I always seem to have a different plan on how things end up when I create, again like life.
I was reading this week Viktor Frankl’s book “Mans search for meaning” and his story is so moving it brought me to tears a few times.
Even as I was sharing in the video, I was having a hard time keeping the tears away.
I got such a beautiful reminder and perspective on things this week. I felt so clear about a lot of things. But the most important thing I’ve taken away, at this point, from the book is how very important our lives are.
How sometimes we think we’re insignificant and small and yet our lives, our story has a purpose.
Everybody’s purpose may be different but nonetheless, your value is remarkable to others.
You are changing the world by living, by being here, your legacy can change someone’s life.
I share more about it and this journal page in the video. I hope you enjoy and always know, YOU are so very loved!
Supplies used:
- Handmade journal
- Liquitex fluid matte medium
- Nova color texture paste
- Utrecht gesso
- Liquitex spray paint – black
- Winsor & newton raw umber and burnt sienna
- Soho acrylic – portrait pink, rose madder, olive green
- Liquitex acrylic – green gold, mars black, prism violet
- Pallette knife
- Generals charcoal pencil, black soft pastel
Stencils used:
Peony buds and blossoms, Peony blooms, Layered up 1 Alphabet
See all the new stencils below and they’re available in the shop
A couple of videos this week for you:
this post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Hi Shawn..
All I can say, you just brought tears to my eyes..yes, we are all here for a purpose..to live, share.
The Camps during The Holocaust had to be defining in the survivors life’s. Every day, wondering, Will I go to sleep, eat, wake up, the survivors who did make it, we all can learn from them. Nothing in our everyday lives, can even compare to what they went through. This beautiful page of darkness, then gorgeous radiating blossoms is stunning.
I would like to share something with you, which the darkness, flowers are part of my life.
Last year, October 2021, at work, I had to listen to my body, it told me something is wrong, went to the hospital, thinking I was having a heart attack, my heart perfect, but they found Stage 2 lung cancer..of course, my first response, angry, WHAT..
So, I followed through, PetScans/CT Scans, met with a terrific surgeon, on 12/27/21, I had 2/3 of my right lung removed, post-op went better than I expected, followed up with surgeon 2 weeks out, hoping for great news, he had removed everything. But, we always hope for the best, do what we have to do..results were cancer spread to Lymph Node’s, next was oncology.
Ready to do this, had my first treatment, no side effects, but as I sat in the bay of chairs, a young lady, maybe 21 came in for her treatment, all I can say, what can I say, I am a women of 71, who has had a life, good/bad, but the bad has made me a better person. I looked over at the young girl, telling her, she was going to be ok, I felt I was talking with her as a grandmother, she smiled quietly, I said no more.
Yes, Shawn, everyone of us is here to make an impact on people in our life’s., I hope what I have done in my life, people will remember me, have kind words.
We do all get angry, I’m not sure who I am angry at about my cancer, but I have to change my anger, to saying, doing, just being kind to others, because everyone of us has a story, we need to just take a moment to listen to others.
I have a supportive family, who will always be here with me, but there are so many people who have no-one, so after listening to you, in the horrific concentrations camps, where you really had no one except yourself, survival, if they did it, we can accomplish anything in this huge crazy world we live in now.
You truly are a blessing to me, your words have impacted me more than you will know, I hope when I am feeling back to my old spunky self, I will start art journaling, your art is breathtaking to me, since every piece has a story.
Thank you again Shawn, have a blessed Sunday, looking forward to more of your gorgeous art journaling pieces.
You are loved..♥️
Dear sweet Annie,
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through all that you are going through. I’m saying a prayer for you right now as I write. I pray for healing, not only for your body but for your spirit.
I’m honored that you shared your story and will put you in my prayer book to pray for regularly.
And what a blessing you were to that young girl. Your story, your life was used in that moment. And maybe it gave you something too!
And it’s ok too to feel angry about it all, but it’s what you do with that anger that matters and that you don’t stay there. It takes time, so don’t rush our healing.
Annie, you are so loved and I wish I could reach over and give your a hug. Peace be with you, my love!
Shawn
These are beautiful stencils! And your explanations about how to play and use these are really great. You are one of the highlights of my Sundays!
Oh Sue you’re so sweet! I’m glad that you found the video helpful. Now go have some fun and play! YOU are loved!!
Thank you for sharing what you’re getting from Frankle’s book. I tried years ago to read it but couldn’t; however, the idea of meaning and purpose have been something I have been contemplating/exploring for many years now — and was part of a discussion I was having with a friend just before I watched your video!! There’s a quote from Mother Teresa that has been coming to mind a lot in this search for meaning/purpose: “We can’t do great things; we can only do small things greatly” (loose quote). My mind will tell me that “small things” aren’t enough, but lately I’ve been questioning whether to listen to that part of my mind (I think not!!). What you talked about is a theme in my life lately and especially in the past 2 days. Very timely! (The Universe seems to be sending me a message!) For me looking at your creation reminds me that I am “just” one flower, but the collection of flowers makes an impact. Be the one flower!!!! I see a ghost like effect with the flowers with something stronger behind them. Thank you, Shawn
Yes! our small acts, our seemingly insignificant words make all the difference! And collectively if we all chose to add meaning or find it in our daily lives. Oh what a more beautiful world it would be. Debbie thank you for sharing, and your life has so much meaning, you probably don’t even know how you have touched someone’s life. YOU are loved!
Awe struct my your meaningful art video. Our lives do serve a purpose. The pandemic has taken and we have gained through the losses. For as you too see, life is much more meaningful than we ever realized. This is my first time on your site. Deeply touched by your heart for God. Thank you for being beautifully vulnerable.
Pam, Thank you so much and I’m so glad you’re here. It has been a crazy couple of years and has had everyone questioning life and the meaning of it (including members of my own family) I’m so blessed that I was able to use my works to touch and encourage you today. Thanks for sharing and again for being here. Hugs!
Thank you so much for your beautiful art and words, Shawn. We get so lost in our emotions of life, situations etc. and today you have reminded me and all those who engage in your art,, we matter, our life matters. Love also sharing your art is a safe place to be vulnerable, we need that too, it too makes a huge difference for me and I am sure, all those who engage in your art. Have a wonderful day. 💖💖💖
Janene, your words are such an encouragement to me THANK YOU and thanks so much for sharing and being part of this creative/life journey. Hugs!