Pikaland

How we see ourselves

Watch how women describe themselves to FBI trained sketch artist Gil Zamora, and then watch how others describe them. And it’s true – we need to be kinder to ourselves . How we see ourselves may not necessarily be how others perceive us, and it’s definitely something to think about.

Also, a personal note: you’re better off not reading the comments on the website and on YouTube. There’s just a whole bunch of negative (and not to mention unproductive) comments out there, along with people who can’t seem to enjoy the experiment for what it is. Here’s my thought process: if it’s any other person or company (for example, a small indie film company) who’s making this video instead of Dove, they’re going to get accolades and pats on the backs. People need to calm the heck down and stop blaming corporations for the choices that we’ve made as a consumer and as a society.

Breathe Out

I was directed to Derek Sivers’ article about seeking inspiration this morning. It’s about taking in inspiration, and the fact that we’re taking in inspiration everyday. He likens it to breathing in. But we can’t just breathe in to survive. We need to breathe out – and the act of breathing out means that we have to process that breath we just took in, and put it back out in the world. We can’t hoard inspiration and hope that it will enrich us. The fact that we should be utilizing what we were inspired by and to put it back out in the world, now that’s where things can get really interesting.

Catherine’s comment after the article really resonated with me:

[quote] The term for breathing out is expiration. We inspire, and then we expire. The other meaning for expire is “to run out”. Or “to die”. And making things IS a tiny death (not the one the French talk about. Well, generally). It’s the death of our perfect vision, to be replaced by a less-than-perfect reality. [/quote]

We open up just a little bit more of our hearts when we create. We allow ourselves to get hurt when we invite others to see what we’ve been shielding for so long. To be able bring out our fears and dreams and hope; we have to allow ourselves to feel pain, to heal, and we grow stronger as a result. And that’s what art is – no matter if you’re producing a painting, an illustration, a new book, or a new community.

Perhaps that’s why I have greatly reduced the amount of blogs on my reading list. It’s not because they weren’t living up their end of the bargain of providing me with inspiration, but I felt that my well was already full. And it was time for me to make something of the things that I’ve already breathed in, before I’m allowed to breathe in some more.

It’s time to exhale.

I’ve been holding it in for too long a time.

Have a brilliant Monday folks!

Eley Kishimoto Toy Town Eden

While I always try to find ways to incorporate patterns into my wardrobe, it’s a little difficult when I don’t read fashion magazines! But I stumbled onto a few pieces from Eley Kishimoto’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection on Pinterest one day (and yes, about a year late!) and they made so much sense. They’re my kind of colors and it’s like wearing some of my favorite art pieces on! I reckon it’s time I am a bit bolder with my choice of clothes – though it’s going to be hard. One piece at a time would be a good start!

Oh, and we’re going to be launching something super fun in a week or so (hint: if you loved our What to Draw list, then you’ll be over the moon!) So, if you haven’t signed up for our mailing list, you should scoot on over!

Have a great weekend folks!