Interview With… ME!

While visiting Wish Studios, I was inspired yet again by Carmen Torbus. She proposed that readers interview themselves. Considering the work I’ve been doing with the “Inspiring Artists!” interview series it just seemed like a good idea to participate. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to explore and share myself more deeply!

Here is my personal interview using Carmen’s questions. I have included in my answers images that I have in my own work area. There are a lot of quotes and magazine collages focused on inspirational themes.

You’ve got some amazing things happening and I can’t wait to hear more about it! Can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration behind what you do?

This magazine collage turned out to feel like a self portrait of where I am right now. It seemed a good way to answer this question. Of course if you want to read more about me, you can always check out the about tab on the website : )

We’re dying to know, what inspires you more than anything else in the whole world?

God, The Universe, The Divine, Creative Spirit, Nature, The I Am. What ever you want to call It… or not name It at all.

Moments of quiet reflection, total silence, writing, journaling, getting lost in a painting. It is when I get lost in these things that inspiration strikes.

What is your big dream? Yes, the BIG one! The really, super big, pee your pants when make it happen dream. The one you feel a wee bit nervous saying out loud. Yep, that one!

Inspiring others on a larger scale. Sharing my story and the role of art and Spirit in my life. I’d love to publish a collection of entries from my journals. I’d love to travel as a motivational speaker teaching the connection between art, healing and personal empowerment. I see it as a way of celebrating the Creative Spirit in all people and teaching others to tap into and follow their passions. This kind of work is like holding up a mirror so that others may see their own brilliance.

Tell us how you’re going to feel when you make it happen!

Awe struck once again at the beauty of life and the knowledge of dreams come true.

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail and fear didn’t exist?

Open up JoyfulArts Studio to the public. It will be a gallery to house my art work along with a large studio space for classes and workshops. I actually have the space already planned in my mind. I half imagine that one day I will just walk by a building and recognize it immediately. When that happens, I won’t even be surprised by the “For Sale” sign in the window. I know I just need to be willing and ready to let it into my life. No fear.

In A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson says, “It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” I think this is very true. For me it’s often not fear of failure that holds me back. Rather the fear lies in the unknown associated with true success. I’ll admit that right now it seems frightening because I don’t know how I will balance this kind of commitment with my commitment to my family. I know that trust is a key ingredient in getting past this stage. It’s something I’m continuing to work with.

What’s next for you?

Expanding my internet presence. I have to say (and there are many who know this) I was very reluctant to jump into cyberspace with my work. Now that I’ve made the recent leap onto Facebook and Blogland I’m recognizing what an amazing network there is in place. I am very excited about the potential of this tool and the ability to reach people on a broader scale.

The “Inspiring Artists!” interview series has been getting great feedback. I have more ideas for things such as inspirational prompts, creativity workshops, conversation starters, etc, things to help others tap into their creative Selves. One specific idea I’m working on is a series on facing our fears. In that light, the last question was a great starting point for me.

What are you working on right now that you could use some support and encouragement on?

Balance and Patience!

Like most people, I feel like I am playing several roles at once. The role of being a mother is a fairly new one to me and seems to have thrown me off balance a bit.

I have all of these creative ideas floating around in my head, written in journals, filed on index cards, and scribbled on scrap papers taped to my desk. Sometimes it feels frustrating to not be able to dedicate more time to these ideas. I need to constantly remind myself that there is time for all I need to do. The best thing I can do is to simply focus on one thing at a time and let the rest unfold as it will. However, I don’t always listen to myself, so external reminders and support are greatly appreciated.

What advice, tips, resources, and overall good-to-know information would you offer someone just starting out with regards to finding passion & inspiration and digging in?

Spend time alone in Silence. Listen to your Self. Trust your Self, especially the crazy ideas! Do things you love to do simply because you love them. Know that the rest will follow. As Joseph Campbell has said “Follow your bliss… and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!

Where can we find you online and what is the best way to connect with you?

www.JoyfulArtsStudio.com This is where you can find my art, blog, upcoming exhibitions & workshops and links to lots of other inspiring artists.

jhutchins@joyfulartsstudio.com Feel free to contact me. I love hearing from people. It makes my day knowing that my work has touched someone in some way.

Facebook Pages under Jeniffer Hutchins. Follow me here to keep updated with links to blog articles and updates on exhibitions and workshops.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little more about what inspires me. Thank you again to Carmen for the nudge.