28 Comments
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Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

These are lovely Stella. Minimalist and I love that red!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Shital!

Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

What a wonderful series of collage art!!! SO good. Congratulations. Hoping that the wait had positive results after all of that. But at least the time spent waiting was rewarding and fruitful. Congratulations. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes dear Stella.

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Beth. Sadly, I did not get the job :-( I will try again next time!

Andrew Eberlin's avatar

Wonderful sentiments, Stella. I particularly like the quotation “The act of making art is no different than prayer.” I hope a contract falls into your lap soon.

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Andrew. Yes, I love that quote that I feel like I keep repeating it in my newsletter at least 3x already. I'm glad it resonated. Hopefully, 2026 will be a better year!

KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

Very productive limbo period. The red is great and love what you did with it. Best for a successful contract in the near future!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Kewtiebird! Here's to a good year in 2026.

Ralph Turner's avatar

A great series of collages. Sorry to hear the contract didn't go your way.

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Ralph. I'll try again mid-year. Hopefully, 2026 turns out to be a good one.

Bryan Demchinsky's avatar

Love these feel-good images.

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Bryan! Be well and Happy Holidays.

søren k. harbel's avatar

Sorry to hear the waiting did not pan out this time. There will be many more waiting days, and from what I can tell you turn them into gold, or red in this case. Really well done. Particularly the matador is fantastic. And the baseball one is a twist on the big green wall, but red. Fun!!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Søren! the matador was my favorite. It kind of happen unexpectedly and just happy the way it turned out.

Manuela Thames's avatar

So beautiful, Stella, and such good words during this Advent season.

I love the red and the "Let's Dance" collage is my absolute favorite.

Also, I gotta write down the Rainn Wilson quote. So good!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Manuela! Aww, I'm glad to hear you like the Let's Dance collage. I wasn't sure about it since it's the most experimental of the bunch. But, I included it anyway. Yes, that art/prayer quote is one of my favorites. Still thinking about those beautiful snow photographs you made this week-- absolutely gorgeous!

Lin Gregory's avatar

These are wonderful Stella - you chose a great way to focus on being creative. I love that matador image - the red 'cape' and the contrast of the black - lovely work!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Lin! Yes, that was my favorite in this series.

Juliette's avatar

"When we pour ourselves into the work, there’s an unspoken conversation that happens from our hands to our hearts, that whispers to God’s ears or the universe." I have to believe this, Stella, along with the fact that the role you were seeking just wasn't in your best interest. I'm glad you're pouring your "waiting" time into art. Such a great decision!! Wishing your best role lands in your lap very soon.

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Juliette. I'll try again mid-year and see what happens. Hoping 2026 will be a good year for all of us. Fingers crossed!

XaeK's avatar

Cool pieces. Love your style!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Mixlab!

Richard Pelletier's avatar

Brilliant work!

Anne Silver Mondinot's avatar

What a delightful post, Stella! I love the whimsy in your collages as much as the wisdom in your words. Thank you for sharing.

Martin Hughes's avatar

Insanely good collection! Very much taken by Vroom! in particular. Not so much picking a favourite, but feeling especially drawn in by that one.

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks Martin! Oh, that’s good to hear you liked Vroom. It’s so cool to know what pieces resonate with you.

Marta Blum's avatar

Brilliant work, as always!

Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Marta! I appreciate it.