Where ART Lives Magazine Volume 2 Number 3 | Page 6
Letter from the Editor
May 2016
Oh my goodness, I can hardly believe it is May! Another month and we will be halfway through
2016! I was recently reviewing the goals I had set for this year. Some of them I have already achieved
and others I have not given a moment’s thought to since writing them in my journal last December.
Fortunately spring is yet again a time of fresh starts. I used to think that was odd, it’s like New Year’s
all over again with everyone talking new beginnings and goals. What I realize now is that about
halfway through the year we all need a kick in the pants as the motivation and discipline has likely
begun to wane.
For many, Spring also brings excitement about summer travels. A change of scenery is therapeutic
for every soul, but I believe it is essential for artists and creatives. Often our work is solitary-and the
walls can close in and our view of the world can shrink.
Travel expands our hearts and minds and reignites every one of our senses. Many of you have
traveled to beautiful places in recent years and I have been so thrilled to follow your journey online,
living vicariously through you! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m getting ready to take a 12 day painting trip to Italy. This is a trip I have dreamed of for 20 years. I
am so excited and will be blogging while I’m gone, sharing my trip with you.
I realize that not everybody can take a trip out of the country or even out of the state but an
effective change of scenery can be as small as a different room in your home. Along with my hectic
work schedule I am going to school right now and I recently spent about two weeks of 14 hour days
at my desk. I literally thought I was going to go crazy and could not take another moment. Knowing
myself well, and how important atmosphere and surroundings are to me, about 10 days in I decided to
work in my dining room instead of my home office.
I turned my chandelier up as bright as it would go, placed myself in a chair facing my candlelit
buffet with all of my beautiful trinkets and my beloved art collection, and of course, put on some
Italian music!
My entire frame of mind shifted-I kid you not! Life does not have to be mundane even if it is
basically the same. Be cognizant of the tiny little changes that can cause a great mind shift. What
works for you?
I will be sharing this letter on our Where ART Lives Inspire blog and I would love for you to share in
comments what helps you to have a positive mind shift.
fino alla prossima volta! (until next time!)
www.whereartlivesinspire.blogspot.com
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-Kimberly Conrad
Editor-in-Chief
Owner, Where ART Lives Gallery & Magazine