I feel like art has a strong ability to create a sense of hope. Hope not only in terms of artistic growth but hope in general when we see beyond challenges and circumstances, beyond limitations and obstacles of life. Creating is being open to failure, being ready for painful slap when you do not meet your own expectations. Despite that why do we return to creating because of hunger for expression, need of creativity? Yes but the most importantly we return because of..hope.

So back to my wonders and thoughts about engaging with creative process. Do we make art to make or do we process the art making? Lots of people have a concept of art as "making something"- preferably something visual that can be seen or touch. Then we suddenly walk into a totally different tribe of people making art for just the sake of making, they on about the process and processing things through the art, through painting, lines and marks making, splashing colours, cutting pieces of paper, and other activities involving art materials or even not art materials but used in a new way.

I have to confess I am guilty of a solitude indulgence in art. Yes I am that type that locks themselves in a studio for hours and love that sacred intimacy of own creativity. However daily life and some roles we take in life not always support my idea of heaven. Often I try to create when my other duties are off. So preferably when the lovely family is at work or school. So it has not been a surprise that summer school holidays are a bit challenging for appearance of my muse...

My humble, seasonal publication I called ARTstirrer-the collection of images and words to shake the creativity up, is now 1 year old! It was November 2015 when I created the first one. It has changed a bit since then: there is Pinterest inspiration, Talking painting and updates on filming projects. During 12 months there were 9 issues, so I hope at least some brought an inspiration to you. Happy anniversary to ARTstirrer!

Somebody made that assumption once that the process of making art should be only "relaxing”. That vision of the painter with a smile on his face when paining another bunch of flowers or sunset…Well not so much in my case...

The changing season is on the way and September issue of ARTstirrer for you to get more inspiration. Creativity, art, art journaling, funny life and some words for you!

My core belief is that the creative process is a form of sacred and personal dialogue that takes place between the artist, her/his heart, mind, ego and the miracle of art process. Something so fragile but so strong at the same time. Art process and just the process, is what attracts me in creativity more than the finished product. That moment that is timeless and exists in a different reality, that short glimpse of seeing beyond and truly inwards, listening to silent voice of your heart. Emerging the personal art talk is more what people like to call "therapy" - it is the way of communication and way of functioning- being creatively authentic to yourself...

Here comes my August Artstirrer- summer in its peak so outdoor escapes and wildness seems to be the most appropriate!

Enjoy summer creatively!

Honorata

I am getting more and more interested in exploration of psychology of creativity and its connection with inner growth as well as self-awareness. For some people creativity is just about "making" art, the painting, the sculpture or whatever form it takes. But for those involved in creativity on regular basis there is something more once they let it take a core centre of their life. There is that power of creative life that goes beyond "making" and affect our cognitive skills. The creativity can teach us to be humble, self-accepting, face the failure and growth- all on regular basis and even at the same time! Creative cycle is the way creativity comes back to us and want us to move on, step outside the comfort zone and learn, learn and learn again...

Here comes my summer issue of Artstirrer. There is some encouragement to get your studio outdoors and dream big! Hope you find some inspiration for your summer creative adventures. Enjoy the weather and moments of summer joy!