December Medley
Holiday Collages, Gentle Light, and A Two-Week Break
For this week’s post, I wanted to create something festive for the holidays. I began without any preconceived ideas. Usually, a few visual prompts are ample starting points to jumpstart the process.
Through Unsplash, I stumbled upon an oil painting of a woman holding a cerulean-colored bowl. Although I couldn't pinpoint why I chose it, something was intriguing about her hand gesture with the bowl.
This led me to pose these creative questions to myself: What if I paired this image with modern-day Christmas symbols commonly found on holiday cards? What will it look like? The parameter seemed simple yet open to a variety of interpretations.
So, off I went collaging for a few days utilizing a mixture of sources from public domain photographs and illustrations to AI-generated images, a new feature from Canva that I wanted to explore further. These are the results of that creative inquiry.
I love that they are anachronistically quirky and amusing! Hopefully, they are bringing joy to your hearts today, just as they did for me when I created them.
As 2023 winds down, I will be taking a two-week hiatus during Christmas and New Year's. Before I take my break, I’d like to leave you with this inspiring story.
Several months ago, I discovered Meredith Hite-Estevez’s podcast called Artists for Joy. In an episode called Who are you Creating For? she remembers posing this question to her friend Rob, an orchestra conductor. How does he stay inspired directing The Nutcracker 60 times a year?
“I’m always conducting for the one who is hearing the Nutcracker for the first time or the one who is hearing it for the last time. There is always one. That’s what I think about when I’m conducting. That’s what keeps me inspired.“
I take Rob’s words to heart even when the news is bleak or when I find myself at times, questioning what the point is of showing up to compose my weekly post while there’s so much chaos and strife.
Let us remember that we have a light inside of us. When we tap into it and share this gentle flicker with others no matter how small, it makes a difference. We should never underestimate the impact of seemingly little things; they matter. Gaze up and notice the stars at night— that’s the collective beauty of tiny lights illuminating the darkness in this world.
As always, let’s meet each other in the comments section below. Let me know what’s on your mind, and what your thoughts are on the holiday collages or Rob’s words.
I will be returning on Sunday, January, 7th, with fresh stories, more art, and inspiration.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!
(Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)
See you all next year.
If you’ve enjoyed Sundays with Stella this past year, kindly consider upgrading to a paid subscription. The yearly fee is $50 or $5/month.
Why upgrade?
Expand the Circle: Your subscription upgrade is not about exclusivity; it's about expanding our circle of inspiration and creativity. By upgrading, you enable Sundays with Stella to reach more hearts and souls, spreading the warmth of meaningful stories, whimsical collages, and quiet photographs.
A Place of Light: Sundays with Stella is more than a newsletter; it's a sanctuary of light during life's challenges. By upgrading, you affirm your belief that creativity matters and has a significant place in navigating the complexities of our world.
Support the Arts: Your subscription upgrade is a resounding yes to supporting the arts and creative endeavors. In these troubled times, where the world yearns for light and meaning, your belief in my work is what keeps me going.
A Gift of Gratitude
To express my heartfelt thanks, I’m delighted to offer you a collection of 5 art postcards when you upgrade to a paid subscription. These postcards are not just for you; they're a tangible representation of the inspiration and creativity you're helping to spread.
Maraming Salamat!
(Thank you).
The little things do matter, beautifully said, Stella. I think these collages would be wonderful printed as a set of Christmas cards. They are so fun and quirky.
I absolutely love the collages! And you are a light, Stella! Your beautiful and insightful posts, your kind comments and encouragements have brought light to me this year. Thank you! And it all matters.
Happy Holidays!