Acknowledged widely for her incredible ability to capture the essence of the Kimberly lands, Denise's gallery in Broome offers an infusion of colour and light that is both transporting and deeply joyful. Exhibiting widely for the past 25 years this professional artist and educator has a rare gift for capturing the sense of space and vastness of the landscape. Many describe her art as healing and energising. The depth and intensity of the Kimberly colours a balm for the soul.
A testament to the joy of colour. Denise's art has won her many awards and is held in both private and corporate collections throughout the world. Denise is an artist with a sense of heart that she generously offers to the viewer. It is indeed art that makes you feel good and a unique opportunity to view the Kimberly through the spirit and eye of a woman whose source of inspiration is the land, sea and skies of the magnificent Kimberly.
People always say to me, "Wow your so lucky being an artist, doing "that" all day must be so great!"
I would think, yes, it is, but it is so much physical work, and to be "creative" everyday on demand, whether I feel like it or not, is not so easy. When I had the Broome galleries for 7 years, I painted nearly everyday, usually around 7 to 10 hours per day, keeping up with the demand of the business.
But now, having had some time to reflect on the business of creating art, I can see the creating is the part that totally absorbs, replenishes and fulfills me. I am lucky, but more importantly, I'm very grateful, grateful that I can do this daily, grateful I had access to pencils and paints growing up, grateful I was able to knowingly dedicate myself to pursuing my life's calling.
We all lead busy, hectic lives...trying to find a space here and there for ourselves to stop and take a breath...
Finding time to look around and take in the colour, sights and sounds around us.
Everyone is talking about mindfulness... I personally believe our minds are so full they are overflowing....
full.. enough.. Mind - Full - Enough!!!
It's time to unload them ... think less, play more , feel more and observe in silence a little more.
Taking time out to play with art materials is a gateway into the emptying of the mind and a portal to focused relaxation... I'm saying this based on working with more than 2000 plus student over my 25 yr art teaching journey and my daily pursuits as a practicing artist.
It is so important to take time out to be creative, if not daily, try weekly.. it will start slowly, like a slow water trickle, the desire to draw, play with paint, get your hands around clay, then build to a great need and desire to do this daily.
Make some time this week to get some pencils, pape , paints out and play. You can really do it anywhere.. doodling, don't worry about who's around, do it at your desk, on the phone, whatever.. give yourself the opportunity to play, explore, have fun.. don't worry about what it looks like, just do it.
Or if your a bit self conscious, do it alone at home, where no one is watching!! If your motivation is low and you just can't seem to get started, join a class, do a workshop, watch a DVD on making art.. to help inspire.... whatever you do, just make a commitment to be more creative, play... it starts with a simple drawn mark.
So important to nourish your soul in this way.
As John Ruskin said...
"The art of drawing which is of more real importance to the human race than that of writing...
should be taught to every child just as writing is, declared John Ruskin,
one of the most prolific writers of the 19th century."
I wish you all the very best in your pursuit of creative happiness.
Come along to one of my art workshop..it will be a step in the creative direction and I personally guarantee,
lots of fun and exploration.
Denise Walker
