flora bowley = inspiration overload

i've been a big fan of flora bowley's for a couple of years now. i think i learned of her from anahata's blog and i've been crushed out on her and her artwork ever since. we've been emailing a bit here and there but we finally had the chance to meet recently (she lives in portland, too). we had a nice lonngg dinner with a fellow friend (who i adore) and then another nice lonnngg lunch a couple of weeks later. you know how sometimes you meet a new friend and they sort of remind you of yourself in some ways because your life views are so similar that you recognize yourself in their stories? and you could go on and on and talk for hours and never shut up? and you know instantly that they so totally get what you're about? yes, yes, meeting flora has been just like that. instant connection. love!

i was so happy to have taken her two day workshop this past weekend in her amazing + vibrant studio. it's been so long (years?) since i've taken a creative workshop and it was just what i needed to get re-energized, re-inspired. and the people! the other 10 students were so seriously warm and delightful. i haven't felt that giddy inside community in a long time - really felt like i made a few new local friends - best feeling in the world.

flora has entered the world of teaching and i can't recommend taking one of her workshops enough if you ever get the chance. i have a feeling she's going to be teaching for many years and be highly sought after (she already is!). i learned so much from her and absolutely loved watching her paint. seriously inspired! she is extremely intuitive when she paints and she's a master at letting the painting come together organically rather than methodically. i learned so, so much and it was such good practice (though hard - good hard) to stretch outside of my comfort zone.

it felt liberating to follow her prompts and direction and just completely let go and have fun. these are my two canvases that i worked on throughout the weekend. above is what they looked like at the end of day #1. i sort of loved them just like that but she encouraged us all to not get attached, to keep layering and get bold and brave. it really is true that if you paint in a way that you aren't attached to the piece then the work usually turns out way more inventive and interesting.

above is what my canvases looked like in the middle of day #2 (not done yet). totally loved my little work station. notice the tote bag under the table. it's a papaya designed bag with flora's work. LOVE it and haven't stopped using it since i got it.

these two days were the longest stretches of time (7hrs each day) that i've been away from baby true. i missed him (greatly) but john texted a steady stream of photos all day long. it was also really good to return home after so many playful hours.

totally loved flora's studio and all the hopeful messages and reminders she had on the walls. surprise yourself. love that.

the works up high are flora's works in progress. the works below are student works in progress. amazing. and can i just say that i love all the drippies and colorful marks all over the walls?

so yes, really great weekend. really great people. OMG, and the food was catered both days by pixie retreat! i am not a raw food girl, but i was seriously astonished (astonished!) by how freakishly delicious both our meals were that i might just be a changed woman. even the cannolis were to die for. and kale chips - holy smokes. and on and on. i'm so inspired that i'm considering signing up for their cooking classes. like, for reals. inspiration all around - food AND art AND people. so grateful...

i'm getting back to what feels like myself as well as feeling familiar in my new skin/life. i'm being gentle with myself and soaking in all the new experiences and friendship. stephanie lee was in my home today for several hours and i cannot wait to show you what she gave me. i cried when i saw it. like full on. cried.