Validation is an inside job!

Story Inspired by the Kindred Project

Flash back to 1985. I'm in my last year of high school and I'm doing a photo shoot for my final Textile project.Its about undergarments making a fashion statement. Madonna + Cyndi Lauper are topping the charts and its all about the corset look....

it was an amazing year with an inspiring teacher.

Encouragement, validation and acceptance for my creativity and myself, is what I found in my Textile teacher. She stretched me and my ideas and challenged me to be more than I thought I ever could. She believed in me and I felt alive and awake, thriving in her presence. It was a time I believed in the possibility of everything and that everything was possible. That year I topped the state with my final year marks for Textiles.

The upside of this amazing year was a feeling of being filled and fulfilled, blissful in a time where I really needed to believe in myself and my direction … I was 17 and I felt I could do anything in the creative world.

However the Universe had some tough love lessons for me..

Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find that full feeling of external validation for who I am and my creativity. Universal experience has been a firm handed teacher with many life lessons over the years. Looking back I can see how reliant I was comments from others about my art and how this shaped my direction, trying to seek their approval and acceptance for validation.

Finally I came to the realization that I’m not able to gain that fullness of validation from any other individual: not my parents, nor my partner, not my children, friends, university lecturers, clients or even strangers. I now know that relying on external validation is a gamble at best. True validation is definitely an inside job! It comes from doing the work, refining my skills, knowing I am doing the best I can at the time, with no comparisons to anyone else and telling myself “Well Done”. It’s a way I can fill my heart regardless of anyone’s opinion.

Truly I am grateful for what I learnt about myself in that year. My kind hearted teacher gave me a kick start in a life lesson about self validation. I got to feel how amazing validation is at its fullest, what huge achievements I can reach when I believe in myself and what I’m creating, and what happens when I stretch beyond what I think I can do. Thank you KB, you gave me a wonderful gift.

dreaming with O...

dream with your eyes open~ journal page

illustration friday

Dearest Oprah,

It is true that you have kept me company in my art studio over the years. Listening and watching whilst drawing, gluing and painting. There was no better way for me to fill my soul. This was when I felt the connection to my best Self.

There were days when your knowledge and wisdom gave me exactly what I needed to unlock the next part of my journey. Truly, synchronicity at its best. You gave me confirmation I was on the ‘right’ track, the tools and the words to help me become the person I dream I can be.

Whilst watching your last show it did indeed feel like you were sitting in my lounge room, telling me I have an important job to do and that I need to get on with it. That my dream is worth pursuing ….because I am worth it.

Deep within my heart I know I have something special to share, a purpose beyond my own. Through my art I see others connecting to the best part of themselves…

My vision for my art is for it to reach deep inside of someone, to awaken a part of them. To connect with that special something rising inside. A heartfelt connection. It might be a feeling of being loved, a special memory returns or inspiration to make some changes in their life. Maybe it’s about just feeling so damn good about who they are that they want to keep looking, feeling…

Thank you for encouraging me to be my true soul filled self. This is who I was meant to be. And thank you for always being there when I needed you most, with the words I most needed to hear…like a true friend holding my hand, telling me “Yes, you can”.

Oprah, thank you for being all that you can be….you inspire me to be all that I can be. Truly.

With much heartfelt love

Nic Hohn

yes I emailed this to Oprah and yes I got a reply. both from O and the Universe...and I am working on being my best possible creative self I can be.

* here's some more O reading from Liv + Michelle Ward

Universal Collaboration!

journal page

Sometimes when I sign up for things I get more than what I bargained for…yep that’s the way the Universe intended it to be, I’m sure! So here’s a little reflection…

When I signed up to do Kelly Rae’s Flying Lessons last year I thought I’d be learning about my arty biz. And I did, but I also learnt SO much about myself.

Kelly Rae’s words of wisdom shone a light onto my creative biz and I got to see clearly where the ‘holes’ were in my artsy biz dream. I also got to see where the holes where in me. I’d been giving myself messages that my art wasn’t good enough, or it wasn’t quite the ‘right’ art or maybe I should be making that seems to be selling, maybe, maybe, maybe…. many, many self defeating, thoughts. I felt I wasn’t making the progress that I so deeply felt in my heart.

In actual fact it was not my creativity at fault…. the other components in my art biz were unbalanced ….simply. I was unaware.

Since then I’ve been looking into the ‘holes’ to make changes. I’ve began creating art that is authentic to me. Going back to basics of creating art that makes me feel good about who I am. Now I’ve got a plan as what to do and how to do it. And that makes me feel courageous and brave in my steps.

I have a slightly more realistic biz vision and I know that my art is worthy, that what I have to contribute is valuable and my internal compass is heading North to my dream. With the some more biz knowledge in hand, more self belief and self validation, my tool box is filled with practical steps. I feel authentic and courageous. To me this is immeasurable success.

Definitely more than I bargained for…

painting and pushing through resistance

Another long weekend in Queensland and I was painting my heart. Not on a canvas, unfortunately, but sloggin’ it out in the garage. Do you remember these doors? Recycled from one on my hubby’s clients and they were lovingly made into cupboards for my studio.

It’s taken me a couple of months to find the motivation to paint them. Louver doors x 6! Undercoat + a couple of top coats. It was definitely a challenge for the mind to work through. But I pushed through the resistance and the excuses.There was no easy way out…just do it!

The kids had fun helping me paint for a while, our dog got a bindy spot or two and we were all tempted to give him a skunk stripe down his back.

The jobs complete and the doors look amazing and I’m giving myself a pat on the back for getting it done.Yep! Love my cupboards and beautiful white doors...

seeing with fresh eyes

Believe in Your Journey

I’ve enjoyed my 3 days back in my art world this week. I do so love our kids but with them back at school this week I feel I can get to all the things that are vying for attention in my head.

‘Believe in your Journey’ emerged from my studio this week and I’m so thrilled to be able to offer prints of it on etsy with a couple of my other recent collage pieces.

Here’s the story… I was happily pulling things together for a photo shoot of my prints, something I love to do and reminds me of my time at Myer in the Visual Merchandising Dept. I’d actually finished taking photos and was putting everything back where it was when I saw all the ‘special stuff’ I had piled on one piece of furniture. It’s all important, special bracelet that was a gift, special necklace, a brooch passed down through family….. it was all special!

I decided that loads of special stuff doesn't make the space more special. It just becomes ‘stuff’. So I pared it down, tidied up and put away. My hubby would be so pleased. He is a minimalist, who loves clear lines and absolutely no clutter or collections. I have no doubt that living with me, the collector is a challenge…. one that we continually work on to make sure we are both happy.

So here is the after shot. And I love looking at this now. My new favourite print, my black velvet cylinder purse that I use to hold my jewelry, my special family brooch, my grandmas perfume bottle, my rings, my badge from the workshop I took with Laurie Mika ...

Now it feels clean and clear and I love that energy as I pass by it. Fresh eyes my friends, fresh eyes.

my creative motor has had an overhaul

I've given myself a few days off. some time at a slower pace. I've had a number of due dates to get things done and they are all up to date. In the last little while I've updated my etsy shop, my flickr page, reworked my bio, prepared info for Lia at OM and developed some new workshops. After these were all done and dusted I knew it was time to step back a little and catch my breath, recharge and renew.

I've been in the place of burnt out before. When I first started painting I took on doing 2 solo exhibitions, with new work for each, within 6months of each other. I walked away from my second solo feeling deflated and questioning if I was on the right path. That lead to some major soul searching that was all good, but I recognize the value of looking after myself and my creativity.

I've been having some r+r, chai lattes and white choc + macadamia cookies, sleeping more, time away from the computer, magazine browsing, long conversation with friends on the phone and journaling. Now I feel ready to kick this creative machine over again and get the wheels turning with a renewed focus and clear direction.

Burning your creative motor out just isn't worth it.And if you've experienced it you know what I'm talking about.. I've had my grease and oil change and am gearing up for some more exciting, stretching creative motoring.

I'm doing what I love...

Today part of my story is featured on Beth Nicholl's blog 'Do what you Love'. Beth inspired me with some thought provoking questions about my passion + my creativity. Pop on over for a read where you'll get some insight into how I feel about this amazing, yet challenging artistic journey. I'm in good company with an interview from Sarah Early, stationary designer and Monique Halley journal maker.

Huge thanks to Beth for sharing her space...

a positive focus

Positive Talk ~ Inspiration Avenue

Today I'm focusing on the positive.... positive thoughts, positive self talk, positive outer talk. its easy to do when I'm feeling light and happy, but its more of a challenge when my spirit is feeling a little low, for no apparent reason. thats where I am in this moment. so what am I going to do about it? acknowledge it, be ok in it and then shift it the best way I know how. surround myself in my creativity, feel good stuff, create some journal pages and my low spirit won't have a choice but to move on.

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way from time to time...it happens to all of us at some point. and I feel inspired creatives are really sensitive to this energy. its important we look after ourselves, nurture our needs and be kind to ourselves. have some remedies up our sleeves to work through it instead of getting stuck. and that's also about self love...

Later on, my low spirit has lifted AND.....

I've had an inspired idea, I'd love to share with you.

How would it feel if you received uplifting images and perhaps a few inspired words in your inbox from time to time? 'Go Juice' for the Soul to help put a spring in your step, a smile on your dial or some encouragement for your remedy box. I know thats what I look for when cruising images online. Pics + words that fill my heart with optimism, inspiration and love.That's what I'd like to send to your inbox, yep that's what I'm talking 'bout....

What do you say? Are you in?

click here to

learning to love consistency..

Being consistent is a real challenge for me. I get bored with routine and rules and just want to buck the system. You just ask my kids, I’m sure they’d say that mum makes the rules and doesn’t stick to them, or she just ‘plain old’ forgets them….. and they know they can bend me very easily. Certainly doesn’t make mothering an easy job when I’m the one wanting to break all the rules.

This relates to my biz too…I’ve been doing loads of research lately on branding. And I’m aware that I’m really drawn to biz’s that have strong identity, strong consistency. That’s where I want to be. But how do I do that if I feel challenged by being consistent? What comes across if I’m not consistent is a scattering of STUFF. Not a pretty sight. And explains why I have never wanted to settled down into one artsy medium.

I have learnt the hard way in the past that the only true freedom is freedom within the boundaries. And funny enough consistency brings with it its own freedom. It’s a different sort of freedom…one where I know how far I can push the boundaries, a safe freedom where I know that its not going to back fire in my face.

So as challenging as it is, I am learning to embrace consistency and rhythm and my own personal rules…this feels like a tough one, but I know it shall have its rewards…although I’m not sure if the kids will agree on this one!

a bright, bright day...

today has been one of those days were resolutions, rhymes and reasons why's have been popping into my head and into my being. aha's in a string full....answers to questions that I have been asking for a long time, have made themselves known. and finally getting it. on all levels.

its brought me to a place where I'm filling ok about where I've been + the amount of time its taken. I'm being ok with being in my own space. Owning it. Stepping up into it. Loving that space and what it has taught me. Being grateful...

One of the articles I read that lead me to questioning my Self was this...and this qu popped right off the page. Why am I proud of my [product] Art? I picked up a pen + logically I thought it would be a struggle, but this is what flowed out....(uncensored + a little repetitive, but hey I was in the flow!)

• its taken me years of practice, self discovery + inner searching, patients + determination
• its the truth of my Self expression
• its the thing that most express who I am
• I truly feel connected to all that is possible when I create
• it feels my heart with joy
• art is the place that is self accepting, loving + reflective. like a true friend who never questions why
• i feel so deeply that it is who I am + that I am art
• we are undeniably inseparable
• it makes my heart flutter with joy + excitement

my whole being is swelling with possibility, from the inside out. if my art inspired me to feel this way I'd love to share that with you...so you too can feel it from + in your heart.

and you know that I love to hear what makes you tick... why are you proud of what you create?

try it and see if it fits

my palette with a yellow/orange wipe

things are taking shape a little differently here... yellow is starting to creep into my artwork. thats a good thing as I've never really been too fond of yellow.bright yellow. but it feels like its here for me to try. to see how it fits into my palette of blues, greens + pinks. to embrace my yellowness....

I'm seeing how other things are fitting in too. new things that i have never done before.or even tried to do. like drawing up a schedule. omgosh...I used to cringe at that word. my resistance was always huge! and my resentment for having to stick to my own time was off the Richter scale.even without a schedule. so I get that this is a monumental shift for me. to even contemplate it. I am being kind to myself, putting in a sprinkling of self rewards and a splash of color....I've just started my second week and found google calendar quite friendly (thanks Amy for the suggestion). scheduling was something that was suggested in Kelly Rae's Flying Lessons. my suggestion is do it when you feel ready and open to giving it a good chance, or else it shall well and truly be flicked to the wall.

My other newness is happily waking at 5am and spending an hour with myself. for myself. on myself. by myself. reading, exercising, taking care of myself....and its awesome. has taken quite a bit of self discipline to get there though, but I know I am worth it.

my other omgosh is that I'm creating a biz plan. yep its true. I'm working my way through The Creative Entrepreneur. again taking quite a bit of self discipline but I'm getting there.

and helping me along the way are these books. this one in the morning. and this one in any spare minute I have.

that phrase keeps popping into my head..

if you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you always got.

not me. I'm singing up for the New + the Untried!

welcome in, I'm in my fluffy slippers!

so here I am at my front door, welcoming you into my home with my fluffy slippers on. yep its the middle of summer and it is bizarre that I have my sheep skin slippers on, put there is a reason in my madness. always is isn't there?

a few days ago I read this post at Cypress Sun Jewelry (I do love to visit Amy!) about Imperfect Blogging. I was inspired to shared with her a recent aha moment I had about conversations + blogging. how I understand there needs to be a balance of light and shade in all things, not just in art but in words, in conversations + in blogging.

"I had a light bulb moment a couple of weeks ago I'd like to share... Recently I visited a dear-to-my-heart girl friend. Most of our conversations are deep and meaningful, always helpful + loving, sharing of stories where we both come away feeling some amazing resolution from our discussion. I felt this visit was not like that at all. it had a different tone, with conversation about things in general. maybe it was because her children+ hubby were involved in the conversation...but I came away feeling like we hadn't connected.

What I realized later was that we HAD connected and that not ALL our conversation has to be empowering, intense or problem solving. it can just BE. and I felt like I had got to know part of her on a different level... and I "got" that my blogging can be the same. it doesn't always have to be profound, it can just be....and maybe this is a side of me my readers haven't seen yet, a side that I am now happy to share because this is the real me too.....like opening the door to visitors with my slippers on!"

and there was a moment of relaxed ease. that its ok to talk about everyday stuff, because that is part of who I am and who we are as artists, bloggers, creators. Being profound all the time can be too intense and a lot of self pressure ...I'm wanting to welcome some fun and good feelings when I blog + read. And I love visiting other blogs that get this too. Like this Red Tshirt post! it just makes me want to smile.....

ps. Amy is giving away a monthly gift voucher, every month to anyone who subscribes to her newsletter. She creates beautiful soulful jewelry. Truly worth checking out!

school memories

A pic of me at High School aged 12

my daughter and I have be creatively busy this week, getting her school supplies ready for the new year at school. she is definitely the organized one. possibly takes after her dad in that department....but I am getting better I must say. as we were covering books, labeling pencils and figuring out how and where to put labels on odd things that strangely needed to be labelled, I remember how much time and effort I put into covering my own folders when I was at high school.

loved the mixed media images even then!

I can remember spending days cutting out pictures from my Dolly magazines, taping them down and then covering them with contact.

I dug this one out, I think it was my Year 12 Textile folder...and maybe one of the least covered with pics. Truly I was happy when I all of the folder covered with colour and images. and I'm sure mum was pleased that I was occupied with this task for so long. then I'd be on to covering my pencil tin with pics, which was usually a rectangular bisc tin from Xmas..

my son is not the least bit interested in labeling his supplies, but he is off to high school this year and maybe its just not a priority for him. the end of 7 weeks holidays have come around quick, but the kids and I are both ready!

what I've learnt....

I've been reflecting on the last six months. Truly, they have been huge. I've done things I've never done before, learnt things I didn't think I ever would and embrace things about myself that I wasn't even aware of.its been a time of real growth.With much gratitude I thank the last 6 months for all that its taught me and how I've struggled but stretched also....

• top of the list.. Kelly Rae's "Flying Lessons". challenged me to speak up and join the group.so glad I did.where I learnt that I am a talented artist, I just need to balance the other elements in my biz to make my dream a reality.
• gained courage to ask for what I wanted when I was clear on what that was.
• I learn by doing. yes I'm in my 40's and I'm just acknowledging that!
• made the effort to connect with new friends and the rewards have been great.
• I cancelled a solo exhibition/workshop planned for Oct, and found out in Sept that the biz had closed. So glad I listened to that inner message.
• learnt how important planning and organization is.
• went back into the workplace for a couple of days a week where my logical brain was stretched to the point that I thought the rubber band was going to snap. In the past my brain has not been wired for codes, numbers and systems. However I can say now that that job has taught me so much and I know for sure my creative vision is better for having this experience.
• I've put in place the systems and the planning that I've learn to be so important in both my biz and personal life.
• went to Keith Lo Blue's gallery talk and learnt soooo much from his words of wisdom.
• I learnt that its ok for me to design the life I want and don't have to take whatever comes along. that has taken daily discipline but thats easier than trying to sort through the 'whatever'.
• was asked to exhibit at Art + Show and I felt validated at home for doing this event.
• I had my first ever international holiday, which brought up fear, but I was able to work through it and I was ok!
• something has shifted and I can see through the illusions, that once kept me in the fog.

so what does all this mean? changes are afoot...I'm actually going to sit down and plan the year ahead, maybe even a biz plan and there shall be changes. for the better. that I know for sure....

My Grannie Shoes!

This are my new loves! I've been wanting a pair for the longest time and when I saw these in a local shoe shop, I knew they belonged in my wardrobe. I instantly saw them with a big transparent ribbon bow, instead of string shoe laces.

Now there is a story that goes with these shoes....and its about acceptance of myself. I was with my children (13 & 10) when I found these treasures. As I squealed with delight, my daughter gave 'that' look. 'Mum your not serious, they are grannie shoes!' But I wasn't deterred.

After bringing them home, the kids quickly told my hubby "You should see mums grannie shoes !" And my hubby, with his off centre sense of humor, asked me if I'd mugged an old lady for them. My love for them was growing even more.

This was not the beginning of my family teasing me about what I wear and I know it won't be the end. In the past I may have tried to justify my style but not now.I'm feeling very comfortable in my slightly vintage, floral maybe off beat look and I now they'll get tierd of making comments. Maybe its challenging for them that I'm embracing my usual self....but I can tell you I'm wearing my grannie shoes with pride!

interview with my soul

something has shifted. its huge. and it feels amazing. like a flow of love bursting from my chest. i know where its come from. the realization of the extent of my creativity.

yesterday whilst reading matties social circle some of her words hit me. you know how that happens sometimes. a few words. one sentence, can have so much power in them. Her sentence of " I love my artsy life' resonated deep within me and I found myself saying over and over "I love my creative life"...it felt soooo good to be saying it. in the midst of labeling and a messy studio, preparing to go away for a few days to exhibit....truly i am up to my arm pits in my creativity. but have i not been loving it?

after some deep dreaming last night i woke with a cold soar. not good. this usually happens when i'm run down or angry. this morning i realized my body and ego was not liking those new messages i've been giving it. "i love my creative life'.

in a nutshell, this is what I've learnt,what i do doesn't change the fact that i am a creative soul in actual fact all that i do enhances my creativity and who i am. i finally feel that i can embrace all of my creativity. and i mean ALL. i can step into the person i've always wanted to be. like trains soul sister 'i can be myself now finally, in fact there is nothing i can't be, i want the world to see..'

yes, i can now believe myself when i say 'i love my creative life'....

big vision, small steps

I've been developing and creating some new goodies. Creative pieces that are all about the goodness within us and around us. I'm using some recycled finds with new materials, some paint, fibre and paper.

I'm feeling so passionate about creating from the heart with spirited intentions that are visual reminders, uplifting for your core.....affirming that we can be all that we are meant to be. Its taking some time to 'get it right' and I'm listening as I go along with the 'making'.

And I'm mindful that whilst I want to create goodies that about love and light that they are not in the box of 'spiritual' products. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I see there is a space for up beat artsy products with spirited intentions. Thats were I'm heading. To make the world a better place in my own, recycled, beautiful 'thing' way. To make creations for that special someone that knows having this piece in their daily lives is going to make a difference to how they see/feel in themselves.

Yes its a big vision....but its coming together, one piece at a time.

to my newsletter, one coming soon.

I Listen Within

This message has been vibrating through me for some time now and so I've listened and put it into action....

Here is a statement of encouragement, an affirmation, a reminder to come back to centre and listen within. To truly listen to those inner meassges, however they come.

Its a statement about being on purpose, with everything we do, choose, create, strive for.

Its a way to honor and value ourselves and to stay on track.

There have been so many times that I haven't listened to the whispers of my heart and wondered how I got so far off my Path of Purpose. Here's a list of some of the hows that have steered me wayward...

• everybody else is doing it...it must be good/right
• fear of being 'left behind' if I don't do something
• competition
• others know more than me so I'll do what they say
• 'they' have more experience/authority than me, they must be right
• simply...I would do anything to succeed
• this is what I have to do to get ahead

All of these relate to stronger outside voices, inadequacy and fear.

I want to be reminded that there are other ways to be guided and a visual always works wonders! By posting this on my blog I am reminded everytime I'm there to plug into my own wisdom and listen.

If we make a choice to listen we can be perfectly guided. It's is simple, but not always easy.If this feels right for you, I'd love to take this Affirming Badge.

Grab a 'Listening Within' Badge

<center><a title="NicHohn" href="http://nichohn.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-listen-within.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4788847749_b698259434_m.jpg" width="150" height="109" alt="listening badge " /></a /></center>

I'm all about making changes for the better, and you?you are welcome to leave a link/comment....

a penny drop + an interview with my soul

Vogue Magazine

I often hear that in life there are defining moments, or is that just in the movies they say that? No. It does happen in real life. This morning the hugest 'aha' tinkled over me, like the sound of a rain making instrument.....it was after reading these words.

"When we value what we're doing enough to promote it, then other folks will too." Kelly Rae

Although I have heard these words before, perhaps in different ways, today the penny dropped and I got it big time. When I looked at the creating I'm doing at the moment, I'm taking a piece of unwanted linen, transforming it with the tools that I have, lovingly, and creating beauty.

So if art reflects life and life reflects art, what does that say about me?

My creative contribution revolves around being resourceful and recycling, knowing that all that we need is already within. unwanted + transformation and love= unusual beauty. I can see the underlying value, the hidden potential in the discarded. Putting it into words has defined and quantified it. Like a formula for my purpose, my direction, my goals, my answers and my solutions.

I get it, I get it, I get it!

Why today? I was ready. I can see that I had to experience the unwanted, the unloved, the rejection, the valuelessness to understand that place. To see how the transformation with love works.

Now I can move on.

my opportunity

This morning I woke early and it was just a bit cold. There was a crispness in the air that made me feel that winter was on its way.I snuggled under the covers and thought about my winter wardrobe. Living on the Queensland coast there isn't alot of opportunity to get the winter woolies out. I pictured one of my latest "Opportunity" purchases and wondered if the day would stay cool enough for me to wear this pinkiest of pinks coat.

But alas, the day warmed up and it was not to be. Not yet anyway.

I even have a bag to match. an opportunity purchase too. sometimes I find the best things!