I Believe In Me

How do we know when to give up on something that isn't working and start something new that also may not work?  What if I told you that you already know the answer to that question but you're just letting self doubt get in the way?

How do I know that?  Because I live this conundrum on a regular basis.  I think it may appear differently to some people but I don't like to quit.  I give things my all and often for longer than I should.  Not because what I'm doing isn't successful (by someone else's standards)  but because I no longer feel passionate about it or feel called to do something else.  It's hard to let go of things you've put your whole heart into, even when your heart is ready to move on.  And it's scary to move on to something new, knowing you have to do the hard work of starting over again.  Following the muse isn't always an ecstatic or even a comfortable experience.  

But like I said, I don't like to quit and although I've changed careers/projects/lifestyles many times over the years I have never quit on following the callings of my heart; I have never quit on me.

And that's how I know when to take a leap from something known that is draining me to something unknown that is tugging on my energy, because I always want to be traveling towards me. 

So if you feel yourself on that precipice, just look in the mirror, find the highest version of yourself looking through your eyes and say out loud, "I believe in me."  And you'll know exactly what to do.

As far as my journey goes, I am still committed to maintaining and posting on the I Believe In Art Facebook page (albeit somewhat sporadically) but I am also dedicating more of my time to writing these days.  Currently that is taking the form of writing a daily poem on my Substack site at vlhpoetry.substack.com.  If you enjoy poetry I hope you will subscribe.  I have also created a new page on Facebook for poets and poetry lovers that you can follow entitled, "I Believe In Poetry".  

Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout my creative journey.  Never stop creating and never stop believing in you.

Peace, Love & Art,

Victoria

I Believe In Art T-shirt

I Believe In Poetry T-shirt

Remembering to Fly

The she remembered that she too, could fly.
Words & stock photo collage by Victoria Lynn Hall*

41 years ago today, John Lennon was murdered.  Unlike the day George Harrison died, I don't remember that day.  I was just a kid and the adults in my life tended to at least try to keep me from knowing unpleasant things.  I always found out eventually though and would feel blindsided, stupid, foolish, disoriented...and many other things when the truth would shatter the comfortable lies I was told.  I became hypervigilant and distrustful and committed myself to learning and knowing all I could so I could be prepared instead of caught off guard and having to endure everything that came with being "the last to know."

My refuge was music.  It kept me company while I hid in the safety of being alone.  Most of my best childhood memories are of me in my room, singing along to my stereo and dancing - imagining that the musicians I admired were there singing and playing and dancing with me.

The Beatles were my favorite band.  I stole their albums so often from my older brother or sister's rooms that my parents bought me my own copies just to keep the peace among us.

I don't remember the exact moment that I learned of John Lennon's death but I do remember making a somewhat conscious decision that I would not let it sink in.  For once I was adopting the example that the adults in my life set for me and choosing to deny a reality that I wasn't comfortable dealing with.  No matter what was true in "the real world", when I put on my Beatles records, John Lennon was there, singing and dancing with me, and that's where I needed him to be.

I often repeat this quote by artist, Lynda Barry:

“We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality, we create it to be able to stay.”

There is such a thing as healthy escapism.  Or just taking some time away from the stressful and depressing aspects of reality to indulge in the reality of things that bring you solace, joy and/or inspiration.  If you do that too much or do it in a way that just numbs you, it's not good for you but not doing that enough can be detrimental as well.  Knowing we can always retreat to our imagination - whether it is through music & dance, other forms of art, meditative practices, or any number of other enjoyable activities - is what enables us to face the dark, difficult or stressful realities of life.  

In fact, I often wonder if it is because I have my imagination to retreat to that I am able to accept some of the truths that others seem reluctant to see.  What I do know for sure is that when I find myself getting depressed by the problems in my life or in the world, remembering to put on some music and dance - to give myself that time to just let things go and fly above it all - is a very effective way of practicing self care.

If you share my collage, please credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall and link back to this post if possible.  You can also find and share it on the Facebook Page.

* Collage photo credits

Dancer with cat - mehdi lamaaffar

Sky with plane - Leio McLaren

Plants - Cherry Laithang

Butterflies and Bird Stock Image elements were purchased from Dreamstime

Artistic Peace Sign Classic Round Sticker
by kchippie

Shipwrecked

 

She may have been shipwrecked but she was still the captain of her soul.
Words and stock photo collage by Victoria Lynn Hall*

I was reminded recently of how far I've come, mentally and emotionally, and it made me realize that I had been judging my mental health to some extent by my outer circumstances.  Before the pandemic I had made some significant strides in my healing but since then I've been feeling stalled and stranded.  But I've only been feeling that way because I was thinking that way.  Because I was thinking in terms of what I expected my life to look like when I was more healed and not in terms of what it actually feels like.

I think this latest collage I created (above) really captures how I feel about my healing journey now.  Yes, certain aspects of my life have stalled or stopped and the world around me often feels chaotic and messy.  But I also feel incredibly blessed by all the beauty and wonder that surrounds me and I am able to allow myself to feel the joy that comes from that while still facing the continuing challenges of life.  I am able to have moments of peace even when I am in conflict with other people.  I am able to have moments of laughter even when I am also grieving my losses.  And I am able to recognize that even when things aren't going well, I can still be well; that my mental health is not at the mercy of my day to day circumstances.

That is truly something to treasure.

If you share my collage, please credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall and link back to this post if possible.  You can also find and share it on the Facebook Page.

* Collage photo credits

Ship & scenery by Stephen Leonardi

Woman reading in chair by Nadia Sitova

Lighthouse by Stefan Cosma

Trunk by Andrej Antic

Whale Tail from a Photo by Phoebe Dill

"Out Of Water" Mermaid Art 8X10 Canvas Print
by Victoriart

Keep Going

Her magic words were, "Keep going."
words & stock photo collage by Victoria Lynn Hall*

Perseverance is something I really began to grasp the value of when I began painting.  I imagine that even if we had been able to watch the old masters paint, their paintings wouldn't have looked very masterful halfway or even three quarters or more the way through.  Sometimes, when I paint, I don't like what I'm painting until the last brushstroke.  

Having perspective also matters.  You can't judge the progress of a painting close up.  You have to step back, tilt your head, maybe squint your eyes to get a feeling for how it is going and where you want to take it from there.

As I said in my, "Don't Give Up" post, not quitting doesn't mean we stubbornly plod along no matter what happens.  Sometimes we have to go where the footholds are and take a different route than we thought we would, sometimes we have to go back to the drawing board and start over, sometimes we end up somewhere we never expected to be.  Sometimes we know we've arrived only when we see the view open up before us, making us glad we didn't give up before we took that last careful step.  And next time we make a climb, we remember that even when things look rough, we can and will climb out of it if we just find a way to keep going.

If you share the image above, I hope you will credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall and link back to this page.  You can also find it on the IBelieveInArt Facebook Page.

*Stock Photo Credits

Woman rock climbing: Dylan Siebelink

Mountain Goat: Elena Duvernay

Night Sky: mohammad alizade

Never Stop Creating (Stop Doubting, Comparing...)
by IBelieveInArt

Roots & Wings

Give a child roots and wings is what they say
Forgetting that children were born with these things
For long ago theirs were taken away
- Words & Collage by Victoria Lynn Hall*

I always feel like I shouldn't write about children because I've never had any.  But then I remember I used to be a child.  I have trouble recalling my childhood sometimes but lately, whenever I'm doing some healing work, it seems like I recover a memory; like it has been sitting there patiently, waiting for me to recall it and rewrite its story.

Recently I remembered a time when I was putting on a concert for my family and some relatives that were visiting.  I was probably around 4 or 5 years old but even then I was very serious.  I planned that concert for a couple of days, knew the lyrics to Proud Mary by heart and had worked out the dance routine to go with them.  I don't remember being nervous or self conscious as the time came to perform but it wasn't long after I started, when the adults watching began laughing at me, that I suddenly felt embarrassed and shy and angry.  I stormed off in the middle of the performance like a true diva.  I don't remember if the adults tried to console me or if they'd uttered that line I do remember being told repeatedly as a child and all the years after, "You're being too sensitive."  But the damage was done.  There would be no more living room concerts.

Now I can look back and see what might have been funny about a 5 year old who was pretending to be Tina Turner and forgive the adults that were there for not taking me seriously.  Still, I wonder what might have been different if they had.  If they'd seen in me what I saw in myself at that time and encouraged me.  

Not that they never encouraged me.  I was given dance classes and even some music lessons but as much as I enjoyed them, they always gave me the distinct message that I was not good enough to be a dancer or be a musician rather than helping me to use the basic talent and passion I had to be whatever I wanted to make of myself.

But the 5 year old girl had already known how to do that.  She'd seen one Tina Turner performance and thought, "I can do that" - not like Tina, of course (nobody else could be Tina) - but in her own way.  And it's taken me this long to remember she was right.

The saying goes, "There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings."

But I don't think we have to give children these things.  I think they are born knowing where they are truly rooted and how to fly.  I think the best, and probably most difficult thing we can do for them, is not let the world or ourselves take that knowledge away.

* If you share my photo collage/meme above, please credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall and link to this page if possible.

Here are the credits/links for the stock photos I used:

Background by Nathan Anderson

Moon by Ganapathy Kumar

Roots by Clint McKoy

Girl with wings by Piotr Wilk

Art Fairy: Paint The Moon Throw Pillow
by IBelieveInArt

Art Fairy: Paint The Moon Tote Bag
by IBelieveInArt

Art Fairy: Paint The Moon Tank Top
by IBelieveInArt

Truth Collage

There's a lot of talk going around about what the truth really is these days.  I won't get political on you here but in my experience of discussing political topics with others I often find that it is hard to get people to accept truths about problems for which there is no easy answer.  Many things I know to be true are things I wish were false, so I completely understand the reluctance of people not to accept them.  The problem with that is that it makes them susceptible to pretty lies which I believe make things worse for everyone, if not in the short run then definitely in the long run.

In our personal lives too, there are a lot of problems we would rather not face because we don't see a solution.  However, in my experience, if we can find the courage to face the truth, the solution often emerges - maybe not immediately or all at once, but over time we gain the clarity we need when we are willing to see things for what they are.

You can't trust or believe in anyone who lies to you, even when that someone is you.  The truth begins with being true to ourselves.

Note: If you want to share my collage below on Facebook, please do so from my I Believe In Art Facebook Page post.  If you share it elsewhere, I hope that you will credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall and link back to this page if possible.  Thank you.

Knowing the truth starts with finding the courage to be honest with ourselves.
- Victoria Lynn Hall

Stock Photo credits:

Woman looking in mirror by NIKITA SHIROKOV

Green leafed plants by stephen packwood

Lion Photo 103837860 © Isselee | Dreamstime.com

Kindness Is Beautiful
by Designs By Victoria Lynn Hall

A Collage for George

 I generally don't like to dwell on the anniversary of someone's death but having just spent the last few days watching and re-watching The Beatles Get Back documentary, George Harrison has been on my mind even more than usual and today marking 20 years since he left us seems poignant to me.

I remember that day 20 years ago very clearly.  It was not a good day to begin with and then when I heard the news...I was a mess.  But I'm not a mess today, at least not in the same way I was then.  I am much more at peace with myself these days and I realized that I have George to thank for much of the peace in my heart.

The Beatles all went through several stages of their careers, the early Beatles, the later Beatles, the solo careers and their various other projects... and John and George have lived on through posthumous releases and remembrances and their enduring bodies of work.  And all four of them have been with me through all the stages of my life since I was 10 years old.

These last 20 years, just as in the 22 years before them, George has been with me through his music and his words, his faith strengthening my faith, his seeking inspiring my search.  I even had a dream about him not long ago that gave me such peace, I turn to the memory of it whenever I'm in need of comfort.

Of course, I didn't know the "real" George and I can't imagine the pain that those who did felt when he died.  But today I just feel like he is very much still here and I'm grateful for that and for all he was while he was living.

Here's my collage for George, with sources listed below it,  Feel free to share it but I hope you will credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall, and link to this page.  Thank you:

Thank You George - Victoria Lynn Hall

George Photo by Richard Avedon

Sky Photo by Ritam Baishya - Unsplash

Flower Heart & Hands by Amy Shamblen - Unsplash

Foilage by Kittichai Songprakob | Dreamstime

Rock & Roll T-Shirts
by Designs By Victoria Lynn Hall

Don't Give Up

Perseverance can be a blessing and a curse.  It would be accurate to say that, at times, I don't know when to quit.  Then again, I always know that I've given something my all and in doing that I have developed strength and resilience that I may not have otherwise.

I still don't know when to quit but I have learned that sometimes I need to take a break or adjust my plans or re-evaluate my goals or let go of certain expectations.  I've learned that not giving up doesn't mean banging your head against a brick wall or forging ahead to the point of exhaustion.  Sometimes not giving up is giving up on things working out just like you wanted them to or with who you wanted them to work out with.  Sometimes not giving up is giving up just for the night and trying again the next day.

But not giving up is always not giving up on yourself and what you love.

If you give up in the middle of your struggle
You will never know what it is like to fly
- words & photo collage by Victoria Lynn Hall

Photo sources:

Portrait of fit woman by Olenka Kotyk

Man lying on floor by Žygimantas Dukauskas 

Butterfly wings from photos by Kathy Servian

Please credit Victoria Lynn Hall and link to this post when sharing this collage.

Butterfly Collage Tote Bag
by Victoreeah

Photo Collage Therapy

Some of you may have noticed that I'm not the kind of person who sticks to one art form or expression of creativity.  My muse seems to be quite fickle and I always want to try and learn new things.  I really wish I would remember this more often when it comes to investing in art supplies.  Then again, I never know what I will need!

However, my latest creative projects have not involved any art supplies at all.  They are completely digital photo collages I am making from royalty free stock photos.  They grew from my ongoing obsession with making memes for my I Believe In Art Facebook Pages and for other projects I am collaborating on with others.  At first I was just combining other people's quotes with other people's images but then I found myself combining and layering those images and adding my own words.

This has become my art therapy, which was especially therapeutic for me this last week during the Thanksgiving holiday, which I chose not to celebrate.

The images that I made (below) may seem sad and lonely but they are really just an acknowledgement and an acceptance of the space that exists between me and certain other people in my life; some people can only love us from afar and vice versa and that's okay.  It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them or with me.  It just is what it is and accepting it allows me to devote energy to myself and to those who are closer to me or to whoever or whatever most needs it.

I have some more images in the works that I plan to share soon.  Though mostly I am doing these for my own catharsis and enjoyment, I hope they can bring comfort and encouragement to others as well.  Feel free to share them with your circle but I hope you will credit me, Victoria Lynn Hall, and provide a link to this page or blog as well. I've listed the sources and linked to the photographs I used below each collage.

Here's my 2 Thanksgiving therapy images:

She stopped making all the effort and the ones who made her feel invisible disappeared
- Victoria Lynn Hall

Photo sources:

Woman on tree - pawel szvmanski - Unsplash

Clouds - Benjamin Raffetseder- Unsplash

Castle - Sandra Frey - Unsplash

Red Fox - Isselee - Dreamstime

Of course they mean it when they say, "I miss you".  They just don't mean it enough.
- Victoria Lynn Hall

Photo sources:

Swedish woods (red hoodie) - Andreas Dress - Unsplash

Red Door - Aachal - unsplash

Fog - Yufa12379 - Dreamstime

Gray Wolf - Iakov Filimonov - Dreamstime

Until next time,

Victoria

Art Fairies: Art Work Is Heart Work Dark T-Shirt
by Victoriart

Art Now, Housework Later

I love this quote by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, (from Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype):

“I've seen women insist on cleaning everything in the house before they could sit down to write... and you know it's a funny thing about housecleaning... it never comes to an end. Perfect way to stop a woman. A woman must be careful to not allow over-responsibility (or over-respectabilty) to steal her necessary creative rests, riffs, and raptures. She simply must put her foot down and say no to half of what she believes she "should" be doing. Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.”

This is exactly why my philosophy is Art Now, Housework Later!

Do Art Now, Housework Later
by VictoriaArt

Creativity is...

Just helping people notice the beauty around them is a powerful creative act.

Dogwood Blossom Photography Canvas Print
by time2see

The One That Stands Out Butterfly Photography Art Canvas Print
by time2see

"Around The Bend" Landscape Photography Art Canvas Print
by time2see

Red Cardinal, Gray Day Photography Canvas Print
by time2see

"Ruby" Hummingbird Photography Print
by time2see

Magnolia Dances Floral Photography Canvas Print
by time2see

Be Your Own Kind Of Artist

Some artists paint or draw every day, some artists paint or draw only when they really want to or need to or can find the time, some artists sell their art, some artists just make art for their own enjoyment and healing, some artists share their work on social media, some artists only share their work with people close to them, some artists went to art school, some artists taught themselves how to make art... There is no right or wrong way to be an artist, there is only your way. Define that for yourself and Be Your Own Kind Of Artist.

Art Fairy: I Believe In Art Dark T-Shirt
by Victoriart

{Quote} The Troublesome Parts of Our Work

 Struggle leads to breakthrough.  Keep Going.

"The troublesome parts of our work, the parts that are most baffling and frustrating, are in fact the growing edges. We see these opportunities the instant we drop our preconceptions and our self-importance." 

Stephen Nachmanovitch

Mermaid Muse Coloring Pages (Free Printables)

Hello creative geniuses!

I'm temporarily bringing this blog out of archived status during the corona virus crisis to provide you with access to these free (for personal use only) coloring pages of my mermaid muses for yourself or your kids or anyone who could use a fun, inspiring activity to occupy your time right now.  You can click here to view, download and print any and all of these pages.

For those of you who haven't met them yet, and for some added inspiration, I will now introduce you to these four delightful mermaid muses and provide some coloring tips.

The Imagine Mermaid Muse

Imagine Mermaid is a muse that reminds you to imagine all the possibilities life has to offer, such as peace, love, art and many, many more.  Tip for coloring: use some fine tipped pens, markers or sharp colored pencils to draw patterns or write words in the sections of her tail to add extra detail! 

The Create Mermaid Muse

Create Mermaid is a muse that inspires us to use our creativity to add color and joy to our lives and the lives of others.  Tip for coloring: You could use the same color for the tip of her paintbrush and the C in create so it looks like she helped you out on that part, just as you are helping to bring her to life with color!

The Dream Mermaid Muse

The dreamy Dream-Mer Mermaid is a muse that reminds us that being awake is no reason to stop dreaming. Tip for coloring: try a gradient effect on her tail by gradually increasing the pressure you use while coloring it with the same crayon or pencil! You could also add a scale pattern with a black pen or marker.

The Relax Mermaid Muse

Relax Mermaid is a muse that reminds us of the importance of relaxation and self care.  Coloring tips: Get creative by choosing various colors or shading techniques for the bubbles and feel free to add more because you can never have too many bubbles!

For more mermaid inspiration click here to visit my Imagine Mermaid and Friends shop on Zazzle.

And please share your finished coloring pages with me on the I Believe In Art Facebook Page.  Also, stay connected with me there for more art activities during this time.

I wish you all health and happiness now and always.

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

I Believe In Artists: Kylie Ferriday

Artist Kylie Ferriday

I've never been to Australia but, through the magic of Instagram, I get to visit the lovely and creative home of my friend Corinna there almost every day (check it out for yourself @twolittledrakes). One day not that long ago, Corinna shared a photo featuring a gorgeous work of art in her home and introduced her followers to the artist, Kylie Ferriday.  

Clicking over to Kylie's account I was immediately taken by the colorful, cultural style of her art and her open, expressive personality.  I knew right away that she would provide an inspiring and insightful interview and I think you'll agree I was right (I love it when that happens)!  Enjoy!

MAYLEA, Watercolour and Pen on 300gsm arches paper by Kylie Ferriday

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Kylie: A cultural, vibrant array of colour.

In Nature We Trust, 

Watercolour and pen 300gsm arches paper by Kylie Ferriday

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Kylie: I love Frida Khalo- and it doesn’t have as much to do with the actual art she created, but everything to do with the strong, confident, determined artist and woman she was. Her deep thoughts and her unique individuality resonates with me. I could read about her all day long. 

ALLY, Watercolour, pen and collage on 300gsm arches paper by Kylie Ferriday

Question: What inspires you to create?

Kylie: Culture, colour, travel and nature are big ones for me. I notice everything, I take in textures, patterns and colours and ideas start to flow. I’ve always had a bit of a wild imagination too, so sometimes I imagine something and then I have to paint it. 

All I Am,  Watercolour and ink on 300gsm arches paper  by Kylie Ferriday

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Kylie: Seeing a thought turn into a work of art.

CHAPPY, Watercolour and pen 300gsm arches paper by Kylie Ferriday

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Kylie: Sometimes as an artist you have periods of a “creative block”. This can be disheartening and quite confronting, especially when painting is your full time job. Over the years I have tried different techniques to break the block, some include painting with my opposite hand, change of scenery (for example, painting next to the ocean), meditation or doodling on paper without thought. A creative block is usually due to overthinking or feeling burnt out, for me anyway.

LULU, watercolour and pen on 300gsm arches paper by Kylie Ferriday

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Kylie: To me, believing in art means you’ll always be OK. Art saves people. Art is so much more than the finished piece we see on walls or in photos, Art is a spiritual journey and I’ll never ever take it for granted. 

Thank you Kylie for sharing your vibrant work and spirit with us.  

For more information on Kylie and to see more of and/or purchase prints of her work, visit her website at KylieFerridayArt.com and be sure to connect with her on Instagram and Facebook too!

Click here to find more artist interviews and learn how you can apply to be featured.  You can also connect with I Believe In Art on Instagram and Facebook.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria