A Heart-Opening Journey Through the Desert with Athena the Friesian
As I set out on a two-hour trail ride through the vast and tranquil desert landscape, I knew I was in for a unique and transformative experience. My faithful companion for the journey was none other than Athena, the magnificent Friesian horse. Together, we embarked on a ride that would take us through a journey of trust, connection, and heart-opening moments.
Athena's presence was awe-inspiring, her majestic black coat glistening in the sunlight. But it was more than her physical beauty that had drawn me to her; it was the bond of trust and understanding that we had cultivated over time.
At the beginning of the ride, it was evident that Athena wasn't quite sure about me. Her large, expressive eyes revealed a hint of uncertainty as we set off into the desert. It was as if she was assessing whether she could trust this new rider on her back.
However, I was determined to establish that trust and connection. I paid close attention to Athena's indications of irritation, even the subtlest ones. When I noticed her discomfort caused by the jingling keys in my pocket, I promptly responded with compassion. Pulling up gently, I secured the keys to ensure they would no longer create any noise that might disturb her.
But it wasn't just about silencing the keys; I knew that warming her up properly was essential for her comfort and well-being. I allowed her to set the pace, gradually increasing our speed as she felt more comfortable. It was a gesture of respect for her instincts and a clear sign that I was willing to listen to her cues.
As we continued our ride, I learned the importance of holding my hands on her neck in a way that indicated I would respect her wishes. The gentle pressure of my hands was not just about guiding her, but also about communicating my intentions. It was a non-verbal exchange that told Athena that I was attuned to her needs and would honor her boundaries.
Through these simple yet profound actions of compassion, patience, and understanding, I gradually earned Athena's trust. Our connection deepened, and she began to respond more willingly to my cues. It was a testament to the power of building a relationship based on respect and mutual understanding, and it paved the way for the heart-opening journey that awaited us in the desert.
“…my heart transformed into a radiant green lotus, sending forth sparkling fairy dust and petals that morphed into bursting pea pods, signifying expansion, growth, and abundance.”A
In the midst of our ride, I encountered the familiar whispers of fear that often plague my mind when riding—a fear of losing control, of being bucked off, of losing balance, and the worry that the pace might be too fast, leading to potential crashing and a hard landing into prickly brush. Rather than succumbing to these negative thoughts, I turned to the power of my artist's imagination and visualization to transform the energy and shape the course of our journey in a positive light.
Each time doubt crept in, threatening to disrupt our connection, I consciously redirected my focus. Instead of reacting with tension, I harnessed the information from the fear and transmuted it into a force for positivity. My artistic imagination painted a vivid picture: my heart transformed into a radiant green lotus, sending forth sparkling fairy dust and petals that morphed into bursting pea pods, signifying expansion, growth, and abundance.
This visualization wasn't merely a mental exercise; it was a deliberate effort to influence the messages sent from my heart to both my nervous system and Athena. I allowed the feelings of trust, respect, generosity, and joy to permeate my being, guiding the energy downward from my heart to the heels of my feet. Imaginary roots grew from my feet, anchoring me securely in the saddle and providing a profound sense of balance.
As I opened up to this positive energy, a genuine smile spread across my face. Rather than reacting to fear by pulling on Athena's mouth or closing myself off, I chose to open up. I released all unnecessary pressure, both physical and mental, and verbally reassured Athena. I let her know that I trusted her to reach her top speed and that I believed in the safety of our journey together. In that moment, I deferred my safety and the connection of our souls to her.
By placing my trust in Athena and surrendering control, we entered a state of harmonious flow. Our energies intertwined, creating a seamless dance through the desert. This intentional act of visualization, combined with verbal affirmation and a relinquishing of control, not only transformed fear into trust but also strengthened the bond between us, ensuring a positive and exhilarating ride through the desert sands.
As we started our canter, I knew that it was the moment to truly let go and allow Athena to open fully into her lengthened strides. I was generous with my hands, providing her the freedom to express her grace and power. It was a moment of surrender, a dance between horse and rider, where I let go of control and embraced the rhythm of Athena's canter.
I remembered the guidance I had received, not just from my riding instructor but from within – to shine my heart chakra. I closed my eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and visualized a warm, radiant light emanating from my heart. This energy flowed down through my arms, connecting with the reins, and into Athena's heart. It was as if we were sharing a part of our souls, uniting our spirits in this beautiful dance through the desert.
Looking to the horizon, I couldn't help but feel a sense of oneness with the vastness of the desert. The endless expanse of sand and sky seemed to mirror the boundless potential of the connection between Athena and me. Our energies were aligned, and it felt like we were moving as one, propelled by the very essence of the desert itself.
I focused on keeping my heels down, grounding myself in the saddle. This simple act not only helped with my balance but also served as a reminder of my connection to the earth and to Athena. Our synchronized movements were a testament to the trust we had developed, as if we could read each other's thoughts and intentions.
Amidst the rhythmic sound of hooves striking the desert floor, I heard joy affirming in my mind. It was as if Athena's spirit and mine were communicating on a level beyond words. The exhilaration of the canter, the breathtaking desert scenery, and the heart-opening connection with Athena all came together in a symphony of harmony.
That moment reaffirmed for me that trust and heart-opening experiences are not confined to human relationships but can extend to our connections with the animal kingdom. Riding with Athena through the desert had allowed me to tap into a profound level of understanding, trust, and love that transcended the boundaries of language. It was a journey of spiritual connection, a reminder that when we open our hearts and allow ourselves to be truly present, we can find beauty and synchronicity in the most unexpected places – even in the heart of the desert, with a magnificent Friesian horse named Athena.
Harmony in Hooves: Exploring Heart-to-Heart Communication With Horses
Horses have long held a special place in our hearts, captivating us with their grace, strength, and intuitive connection. Recently, I had the privilege of attending an online presentation titled "Heart-to-Heart Communication With Horses" by Ann Baldwin, Ph.D., and Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., hosted by the HeartMath Institute. The workshop delved into the realm of Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and its impact on heart rate variability (HRV) in horse-human pairs during specific exercises. In this blog entry, I will share insights from the first exercise, "Sending Appreciation to Horse," and explore the fascinating findings that reveal the profound connection between humans and horses.
Understanding HRV and Heart Coherence:
Before delving into the research findings, it's essential to grasp the concept of HRV. HRV measures the time interval between successive heartbeats, reflecting the variability in the heart rate. Two key parameters, SDRR and RMSSD, signify the magnitude of HRV and relaxation, respectively. Heart coherence, as defined by the HeartMath Institute, is a physiological state where the body's systems—breathing, heart rhythms, brain rhythms, and hormonal response—are in sync. This state is characterized by a sinuous line on the electrocardiogram, representing a synchronized and empowering condition across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.
Research Insights: "Sending Appreciation to Horse"
The research focused on two EFL exercises, with "Sending Appreciation to Horse" being the first. Dr. Baldwin and Dr. McCraty hypothesized that engaging in these exercises would positively influence HRV and induce heart coherence. What emerged from their study was both enlightening and heartwarming.
1. Coherence Enhancement in Human-Horse Pairs:
The researchers observed an increase in coherence when individuals sent appreciation to the horse. This suggests that engaging in positive emotions and expressions directly impacts HRV, promoting a more organized and coherent state.
2. Horses as Coherence Catalysts:
The most remarkable finding was the timing of coherence attainment. Astonishingly, horses exhibited coherence 30 seconds before humans did during the exercise. Horses not only mirrored human emotions but often led them into a heart-coherent state, showcasing the unique ability of horses to intuitively connect with their human counterparts.
3. Non-Verbal Communication and Receptive States:
Nearly all horse-human pairs demonstrated frequency matches in HRV, emphasizing a synchronized connection. Moreover, the majority displayed a high correlation between horse and human heart rate changes over time, with the horse often taking the lead. This revelation underscores the potential for peacefully interacting with horses to elevate individuals into a heightened receptive state, enhancing non-verbal communication.
As someone who has experienced the transformative power of horse-human connections, these research findings resonate deeply. The ability of horses to influence and lead humans into a coherent state is a testament to the extraordinary bond between our species. Engaging in activities like "Sending Appreciation to Horse" and "Con Su Permiso" not only enriches our lives but also offers a pathway to self-generated empowerment and heart coherence. So, let the rhythm of hooves be the melody that makes our hearts sing in unison with these majestic creatures.
The Power of Painting Dreams
Backyard Dreams: A Horse outside my bedroom window…
A Tapestry of Influences
I readily admit to having a multitude of influences that have shaped my artistic path. What inspires me most about these influences is their ability to connect me with the intangible, the mystical, and the soulful. Each influence acts as a brushstroke on the canvas of my life, merging to create a unique tapestry of inspiration.
One of my enduring inspirations is the mandala, a geometric pattern symbolizing the universe and unity. Mandalas represent a spiritual journey and the interconnectedness of all life. They allow me to explore the depths of my intuition and convey the profound beauty that exists within us and around us.
What inspires me most about these influences is their ability to connect me with the intangible, the mystical, and the soulful. Each influence acts as a brushstroke on the canvas of my life, merging to create a unique tapestry of inspiration.
Horses are another profound influence in my work, and my connection with them is deeply personal. I've been riding horses since I was a child, and I've had the privilege of working with them as therapeutic companions throughout my life. Horses are not just animals; they are sentient beings with whom I've developed deep bonds. They have a unique ability to reflect our emotions and guide us on our journey of self-discovery.
The horse imagery in my art isn't solely about my love for these magnificent creatures; it's a way to express the profound relationship I've cultivated with my intuition. Horses have been my guides in understanding the spiritual and emotional realms, helping me unlock the secrets of my own soul.
I had a horse in my teenage years, and the countless hours I spent at the barn with him were moments of pure joy and connection. I continued my equestrian journey by riding for my college, Hollins University, and later at Indiana University, where I met Reggae, an exuberant Thoroughbred who unexpectedly became a part of my life. Reggae brought endless moments of love and connection until his passing in 2014, just two months before I gave birth to my daughter, Goldie.
**Art, Dreams, and LA Living**
The presence of feed stores in my neighborhood, horse crossing signs on my daily commute, and the ability to maintain my connection to the natural world are essential to my artistic endeavors.
Now, as Goldie grows and becomes more independent, I'm finding opportunities to reintroduce horses into my life. I've even started monthly trail rides with some of my colleagues who share my love for these magnificent creatures. Horses continue to be a source of inspiration, strength, and spiritual connection.
Art, Dreams, and LA Living
Living in Los Angeles, a place so different from my Southeastern roots, has also significantly influenced my art. While LA may seem far removed from rural landscapes, it possesses pockets of wilderness and equestrian culture that resonate with the outdoor experiences I cherished in the Southeast. The presence of feed stores in my neighborhood, horse crossing signs on my daily commute, and the ability to maintain my connection to the natural world are essential to my artistic endeavors.
Moreover, LA's magnetic pull on creatives from all over the world has enriched my journey as an artist. I've had the privilege of meeting numerous inspiring artists here, and their creativity fuels my passion and drive to explore new horizons in my work.
A Favorite Piece: A Dream Unveiled
Among the many pieces I've created, my favorite at the moment is a horse mural adorning the storage shed in my backyard. This mural is a vision I won't let go of—a dream that embodies the idea of having a horse in a small barn in my own backyard. Completing the mural on my birthday was a gift to myself, a symbol of unwavering determination to turn that dream into a reality.
Gazing at the mural from my bedroom window fills me with hope and anticipation. It's a daily reminder of the dreams to which I'm committed; dreams that interlace with my art, my love for horses, and the unending exploration of the spiritual and emotional dimensions of life.
🍁 Crafting the Essence of Fall's Enchantment 🍁
As a teaching artist, I aim to guide my students in the process of transferring metaphorical connections of imagery into a sensory experience for the viewer, with a specific focus on the exploration of liminal space through the medium of autumn leaves. The crafting practice I facilitate involves creating a mobile using beautiful yarn, a dowel, and hand-drawn leaves. Here are the important steps to the process:
🍁1. Observation of Leaf Forms: I encourage my students to start by slowing down and closely observing the beautiful contours of leaf forms from various deciduous trees. This step is crucial for fostering a deep connection to the subject matter. I may take them on a nature walk or provide photographs of different leaves for reference.
Throughout this creative process, I want to remind myself and my students that observation should be open to all sensations. We should not only focus on the visual aspects of the leaves but also be attuned to the scents, the quality of the air, the sounds in the environment, and the way the edges of the leaves might feel in our hands. This holistic sensory experience deepens our connection to the subject matter and allows for a more immersive and profound exploration of the art and the natural world.
🍁2. Understanding Veins and Cycles: I discuss the sinuous lines of leaf veins and relate them to the cyclical nature of our lives. We engage in discussions about the changing seasons and how the leaves' cycles mirror our own experiences of growth, change, and transformation.
🍁 3. Creating Hand-Drawn Leaves: I have my students draw and cut out leaves on various materials, like colored paper or cardboard. I encourage them to express their personal connection to the leaves by adding details or symbols that represent their own experiences. These leaves become the visual representations of their metaphorical connections.
An added bonus in the drawing process is encouraging students to use markers that are often considered "dried up" or "bad" to color in their leaf drawings. This practice serves to bring awareness to the concept that every stage of life, much like these markers, holds immense value. The transparent, textural quality of the dry markers naturally complements the crisp, tactile feel of autumn, adding an extra layer of metaphorical depth to the artistic journey. This hands-on experience allows students to visually and physically appreciate the beauty in imperfection and the unique character that emerges through the different stages of life, much like the changing leaves in the fall.
🍁4. Adding Depth with Marbelized Papers and Photocopied Foliage: To enrich the sensory experience, I guide my students in applying beautiful marbled papers and photocopied foliage to the back of their hand-drawn leaves. This layering creates a sense of depth and complexity, symbolizing the layers of meaning in their own lives and experiences.
🍁5. Crafting the Mobile: We assemble the mobile by attaching the leaves to the beautiful yarn. This is typically done by punching holes at the top of each leaf and threading the yarn through. I encourage my students to experiment with different arrangements and color combinations that can evoke specific emotions or themes. The act of winding the yarn around the dowel, either counterclockwise or clockwise, symbolizes the winding and unwinding of time, seasons, and experiences.
The act of winding the yarn around the dowel, either counterclockwise or clockwise, symbolizes the winding and unwinding of time, seasons, and experiences.
🍁6. Hanging the Mobile: Finally, I instruct my students to hold the mobile at arm's length above their heads and observe the double-sided leaves as they float and twist in the wind. This step brings the sensory experience full circle, allowing the students to connect with their creation in a tangible and immersive way. I encourage them to reflect on the metaphorical connections they've explored throughout the process and how those connections come to life as the mobile moves in the air.
By following these steps, I help my students transform the metaphorical connections of autumn leaves into a sensory and visually engaging experience. This bridges the gap between imagination and tangible art while delving into the concept of liminal space and the cyclical nature of life.
To access more extensive lesson plans like this one, consider joining me on Patreon.Edy's Patreon
On Becoming Heart Centered
Recently, I was given the opportunity to lead a half hour class meeting in a Second Grade classroom. The topic chosen by the teacher who invited me to lead was “making others feel loved.” It was the perfect time to bring out a short activity I’ve been developing for K-2 students on self-compassion. I believe that influencing how others feel has everything to do with an ability to believe in my own self-worth. It’s so important to model and teach this philosophy to our children. Keep reading to learn a fun way to build heart-centered connections with young learners.
Art Activity sample I use to inspire students when we practice feeling Heart Centered together.
This practice is called “Listening With My Heart” and it’s based on the book by Gabi Garcia. The book is a delightful story about a character named Esperanza who learns how to develop self-compassion through friendship. This practice ends up being her most powerful tool for spreading kindness and empathy into the world.
Insight Timer’s Quote of the Day, Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
Goldie’s representation of what it means to listen with your heart from her Kindergarten year. The heart is filled with jewels.
In the activity, we read the book together and have a group discussion about what listening with the heart might mean. Then, we talk about how that type of listening is a practice that. starts with our self-talk and radiates out. As we feel the heart coherence growing within us, it harmonizes with those around us. Students then give examples of the sensations they experience when these types of connections are made within selves and communities. As they share, they begin to realize that if we believe that we are worthy and our self-talk reflects our beliefs, then we enable ourselves to be caring to others. After the group sharing, students engage with an art activity that communicates how it feels to nurture their friends as they practice self-kindness.
I am beginning to archive my heart-centered art activities on my Patreon site. Please consider becoming an Edymade Patreon Subscriber. Together, we can build a more heart-centered community and enact change for the better. Thank you for your presence.
To access more extensive lesson plans like this one, consider joining me on Patreon.
ART+SEL=AUTHENTICITY
Line Drawing of Anahata expansion, September 2023
Development of social and emotional skills has been essential to knowing myself as a creative being. The arts allow me to go beyond what I think I understand about myself and get to know myself as whole. When I am able to be with my wholeness, authenticity becomes tangible.
“Anyhow, the older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I'm far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has quiet resonance that never fails to stir me.”—Elizabeth Gilbert
Spherical Expansive Pea Pod Lotus surrounded by its resonant pattern. September 2023
Social-emotional learning is enhanced when we use our artistic gifts and creativity in support of our wholeness. Developing creativity and using it in this way is dependent on practicing a growth mindset.
How do I practice growth mindset? By cultivating an innate belief that my abilities can change and improve over time. This belief is not something that lives in my brain. It goes beyond inspirational quotes and prescribed affirmations. It requires a buy-in from my inner sense of safety, which can only be granted by my subconscious. My subconscious is ruled by my nervous system and vice-versa, producing a reciprocity that affects my entire being.
When I awaken to the messages that are constantly traveling inside my inner landscape, I can curate them to meet and respond to them appropriately. Self-awareness is made manifest during the nonverbal, precognitive communication that takes place outside the realm of what is traditionally considered rational and logical. It is this authenticity that I develop when I engage with the creative process.
I look forward to sharing more about this special nervous system relationship and how authenticity can weave us together in a heart-centered community. Join me on Patreon and/or through my newsletter.
Art Making and Moon Cycles: Embracing the Rhythm of Creativity
My world is often filled with parallels that extend far beyond this 3D playing field we call Earth. When I hashtag #trusttheprocess, I feel into the parallel grooves that travel my energetic trajectory. One such parallel that has captivated my attention is the profound connection between the process of art making and the ever-changing cycles of the moon.
It is with great excitement that I announce a shift in my creative journey—a transition from a monthly "Full Moon" newsletter to a more quarterly model that holds multiple spirals within.
While the monthly "Full Moon" newsletter has been an incredible journey, I have come to realize that the creative process straddles more liminal space than I previously understood.
I invite you to join me on this new creative journey—a path that will delve into the depths of art, introspection, and self-discovery. Perhaps together we can learn how to embody this beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of countless moments.
Yellowthroat With a Stitch of Play
Yellowthroat Stitch of Play
April brings an even deeper dive into pattern, digital tools, illustration, and surface design. I’m also developing some tutorials over on TikTok. Click the links on the images if process videos make you smile!
Newsletter subscribers and Patreon supporters get a better bird’s eye view with a sweet set of downloads (sans watermarks) and front row seats to tutorial creation. Have a great April!
Succulent Symmetry and the Heart Series
Succulent Symmetry and the Heart Series
I can’t stop playing with radial symmetry. For the past month, I’ve been making tiles and mandalas from two different Heart Series images. It’s been delectable, mesmerizing, and it brings me so much joy.
Be on the lookout for more Heart Series inspired radial symmetry and make sure to subscribe to the newsletter to get a ping when new designs emerge from Edymade!
Happy Valentine's Day! I Heart U
Need a last minute, homemade Valentine for your sweethearts? Go to https://edymade.com/besties-only to download your Valentine crafts!
This design is taken from a Heart Series favorite that a dear friend, Voxpoet on IG, helped me develop into a Valentine Craft a few years ago.
Levin Tree Heart
Lean into the fabulous sensations you have access to when viewing saturated colors that fill intuitively made patterns with exciting hues. Climb a tree into your heart! Levin style, yes please!
In 2009, I set up a Society 6 account and promptly forgot about it. Fourteen years later, I have my store up and running, and we have Vikki to thank! Vikki is the Edymade patron who commissioned the backyard mural I completed in August. She has also recently opted to collaborate with me on an illustration project!
Society 6 is a print-on-demand online marketplace of artwork that allows artists and designers to create their own online shops to sell their artwork on prints, posters, canvases, and other kinds of wall art, as well as on a variety of accessories. It’s delightful to work with my images and then see what they will look like on a product I can wear or decorate with in my home.
My designs can be received as throw pillows, wall clocks, shower curtains, place mats, notebooks, and more! I’ll be adding to the collection as I grow the Edymade Society 6 store in the next few months! I look forward to customizing more of my art to add to the Society 6 gauntlet. Keep your eyes peeled! Be sure to sign up for the Full Moon Newsletter to get your monthly treats as well as stay in the loop.
What if Heartspace Launches a Trend?
Heartspace Edy Pickens Levin © 2009
What if I started uploading selected Heart Series images to Society 6 for publishing? These images have been successful as greeting cards and journal covers. They represent the magic of the heart. They include an Edymade logo and QR code on the back cover and you can order them lined or unlined. The paper is high quality. I’m so excited about gifting them!
Which one do you want to see on a notebook? Let me know your pick!
Edymade Launches 1:1 Opportunities for Patrons
Crow On A Cactus © Edy Pickens Levin 2022
Recently, one of my mural clients invited me to collaborate on a new project with her. She is in the process of creating a collection of children's books featuring a few main characters from her backyard mural.
We are just beginning our conversations about how this work will unfold. I am now experimenting with Calendly as a tool to schedule collaborative feedback meetings with my clients as we engage with a creative process together. This is my first time using this app and I would love to try it out with you!
Follow the link to schedule a time to discuss a creative nibble that you might want to dream into being with me.
WIP Vikki’s Crow Notebook © Edy Pickens Levin 2023
Here’s a sneak peek of the next Edymade notebook that will be featured on Society6 with Vikki's Crow as a central character. Keep an eye out for the next Full Moon Newsletter, which will link to this new notebook options! I am curious about how this crow flying will be flying through the illustrations in an upcoming collaboration project. As usual, my intention is to trust the process and let it show me the way! Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter to stay tuned!
Well Wishes for 2023
As I wrote my intentions for the new year, this poem came through as well as the combination of various images that I have crafted over the past decade or so.
May the light in me
guide you home.
May your roots and grounding
stem from the love in your heart.
May we meet as clear reflections of one another.
Breathe Me In.
We Are One.
My intention for this year is to do my personal best letting go of separation and embrace my connection to Divine Love as the core of my humanness. The hummingbird continues to be a powerful inspiration for me and I look forward to hearing more messages that guide me on my path. Check out the new journal from Society6!
Receive this Intention journal (lined or blank pages) as a gift for becoming a Patreon subscriber!
Magical Child, Cold Moon
Magical Child, Cold Moon
December 7th-9th is the time we’ll be able to view the Cold Moon, our last full moon of 2022. December’s full moon was originally named the Cold Moon by the Kanien'kehá:ka (“People of the Chert”), commonly known as the Mohawk. The Cold Moon has inspired this month’s newsletter download image and has many names from different traditions:
“Other names that allude to the cold and snow include Drift Clearing Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala), Hoar Frost Moon (Cree), Snow Moon (Haida, Cherokee), and Winter Maker Moon (Western Abenaki). This full Moon has also been called the Long Night Moon (Mohican), as it rises during the “longest” nights of the year, which are near the December winter solstice. This name is doubly fitting because December’s full Moon shines above the horizon for a longer period of time than most full Moons. Other names include Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers (Dakota) and Little Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe). In Europe, ancient pagans called the December full Moon the “Moon Before Yule,” in honor of the Yuletide festival celebrating the return of the sun heralded by winter solstice.”
I began working with this image a few years ago during a walk with dear friends at the Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach, CA. I took a photo of my then 4 year old daughter at the base of a magnanimous tree near an adobe home the Nieto family built (sometime between 1800-1834) on a hilltop near the location of Povuu'nga land. I find a deep sense of awe that the tree roots into that hilltop location seeming to sing praises to the Rancho's most valuable resource of all, the fresh-water spring right below the hill. The trunk sprawls and gestures like an undulating landmark, mapping the presence of the spring as a sacred site. Each time I look at the tree with my daughter emerging from its roots, I feel transported to the realm of the Magical Child Archetype.
Last year, I deepened into the metaphors that nature gives us with our spinning planet and its views of the moon reflecting the presence of our sun. I took a different walk through Descanso Gardens with dear friends who treated us to an evening to celebrate our daughters' birthdays. There, we tread on Tongva land where Descanso featured their annual "Enchanted Forest of Light" exhibition. It is an annual, interactive, nighttime experience, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences created by installation artists amongst the most beloved parts of the gardens. I was particularly awe-struck by the moon-like light with reflective waters and dancing trees lit by deep ultramarines. This year, I added Forget-Me-Not flowers to the digital landscape I created last year. As I cycle back to work on this image now, it leads me deeper into a sense of timelessness, or at least, a sensation of layers upon layers of cycles. It reaffirms that time is like a never ending fractal.
I zoomed in on the moon and created a golden rectangle portal, superimposing all of it into outer space. Just as I can zoom in and out of focus, I can zoom in and out of scales and cycles. Working with digital imagery and using the functionality of screens and smartphones mimics my grounded soul’s ability in the physical way my fingers can pinch on the screen, sliding forwards and backwards, magnifying or zooming out to increase my field of vision.
Magical Child at the Threshold of the Galaxy
Magical Child in Forget Me Not Expansive Galaxy
Newsletter Images Spark Apparel, Notecards, & More!
Sparkle Swim Notecards on Society 6
2022 is the year I began building an archive of images by publishing the newest iteration of Edymade with each moon cycle. Whenever the waxing moon reached its fullness, the newsletter went out to my list of subscribers. Not only did this keep me engaged with a cycle, it helped me stay accountable to sustaining a continuous effort toward my dream of being a full-time freelance artist.
This season, my curiosity led me toward a partnership with Society 6, a print-on-demand online marketplace of artwork that allows artists and designers to create their own online shops to sell their artwork on prints, posters, canvases, and other kinds of wall art, as well as on a variety of accessories. It’s delightful to work with my images and then see what they will look like on a product I can wear or decorate with in my home. Soon, I will send them to friends and/or patrons on my holiday list.
Here’s a sneak peek at the process guiding my next free download! It will be available for download on the last full moon of 2022, December 7th, the night of “The Cold Moon.”
Keep the momentum going by joining my monthly newsletter subscriber list. Enjoy more Edymades to download and brighten your day!
The Tower Connection
Brentwood Tower 1, acrylic on panel, 7.75” x 7.75”
In the summer of 2016, I spent long, quiet hours painting one of my favorite, little-known, LA landmarks; Brentwood School’s West Campus Tower. It was quiet because all the students were on the East Campus at BWS Summer Adventures and my 18 month old daughter was attending the Little Eagles Faculty/Staff Daycare, still taking two naps a day. It was little-known because it was mostly hidden behind the unmarked gates of the Lower School’s campus. The crenelated walls around its perimeter just barely peaked over the treetops on the eastern edge of the West Campus, saying “hi” to the corner of Sunset Blvd and Saltair, greeting the bells from St. Martin of Tours like an old friend.
Such a peaceful and uncanny haven is created when an elementary school is pupil free and encircled by tree-rifling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. I had time to connect with my surroundings and listen. I began to pay homage to this intriguing form that overlooked our little campus, enchanting us with its castle-like magic. I began to paint the tower’s portrait from multiple views. I connected to it as the children did, imagining that it had supernatural powers and imbuing it, in my mind, with a wistful affection.
The tower was particularly dear to me for many reasons. Over the years, it housed Brentwood’s music room, which was not only home to my dear friend and colleague, Olga Nevin, but also where I met my musician husband, Danny T. Levin. In 2004, he showed up there with an enrichment program called Key to Joy, which entrusted him to the task of teaching trumpet to 4th grade students. I spied his jubilant fro from the adjacent art room as he approached the side entrance on his first day of teaching. I was intrigued by the sensation of strong premonitions from the very beginning. Little did I know that the same tower he approached that day would serve, a decade later, as the West Campus Admissions Office, where I would often retreat to the former Director of Admissions, Mary Beth Barry’s, cozy couch during the exhaustive 1st trimester stage of pregnancy with our daughter! Or that I would hold that toddler daughter’s hand in mine and lead her up the stairs to visit Tamyra Fuller as we learned to count on the narrow staircase leading to the second floor offices. My family seems literally formed with magic from that tower!
Prior to Brentwood’s acquirement, the Tower was a convent for the nuns who ran Marymount Junior School. Mary Beth, who had served as a nun herself prior to her days of teaching, reminded me that she could feel the presence of the Sisters. I felt something sisterly there as well, often choosing to climb all the way to the top to meditate or find a new perspective. The gothic style windows were like serene and wise eyes—portals to my own wisdom, clarity, and truth.
So much so, that when the demolition notices were placed on the doors and windows in 2019, I made a special request to the maintenance crew to save me one of those windows. I now have it mounted on my living room wall so that I have that prophetic symbol to relate to every day. It’s like a special messenger that whispers to me on the way in or out the front door, “Your life has meaning and purpose; you are the one you seek.”
Before the tower gained significance to me, it was a family home. In fact, in 2018, an elderly man who lived in the tower as a young boy brought his scrapbook to Brentwood. I photographed the pages in his book to keep in my own memories, because it was clear that he also felt the same sentiments toward the aging building that some of us at Brentwood did.
It was also believed to have been the office of a real estate company, originally constructed as a marketing strategy to sell homes in the new Brentwood neighborhood. This was the story that was told on the last field day we had before the summer the structure was raised to make way for the construction of the present day Saltair Building.
Though it is no longer physically on campus, it is part of the history of our evolving West Campus, and I carry pieces of it with me in my teaching philosophies and the magic of a familial relationship built into the community that continues to form my family unit. My daughter barely remembers the tower, but she knows the special tie to Brentwood that makes her feel at home on campus. May we hold our days in the esteem of what is irreplaceable. What we do every day is important because our days are priceless.
I have been working with a local printer to make unframed open edition fine art prints of my original acrylic paintings, "Brentwood Tower 1" and "Brentwood Tower 2.” They are printed with archival supplies. The 7.75"x7.75” image is centered on a piece of 8.75" x 8.75" textured paper. I title and sign my prints in pencil below the image just before transferring them to the buyer. If you’re interested in requesting one, please fill out the form below.
Credo In Miracula, A CORE Kidney Inspired Artwork
Credo in Miracula
This video is a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and philosophies relating to "Credo In Miracula," my artwork commissioned on behalf of UCLA's CORE kidney group by one of its ambassadors.
The Credo In Miracula YouTube is published and the moon is at 100% in fullness this evening.
Final Stage of Credo In Miracula, watercolor, 16” x 20”. Prints of the original are available upon request.
“If you had told me, when I was 65, that I was going to be on a UCLA panel following Dr. Danovitch, I would never believe it. I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES! Because, when I was 66 years old, I learned that I had stage 5 kidney failure, and the Gods were aligned...I found Anjay Rastogi, and the rest is history.”
My goal in each stage of painting was to capture the sense of magic, miracle, and gratitude I sense from Mary Beth when she speaks about her experience with UCLA’s CORE Kidney group and specifically toward her nephrologist, Dr. Anjay Rastogi.
Thanks to Vikki, Edymade Society 6 is here!
Vikki’s Crow Throw Pillow
In 2009, I set up a Society 6 account and promptly forgot about it. Thirteen years later, I have my first listing and we have Vikki to thank! Vikki is the Edymade patron who commissioned the backyard mural I completed last month. I call this first listing, Vikki’s Crow. Not only can you purchase it as a throw pillow, you can choose it as a wall clock, a shower curtain, place mats, a tote bag, and more! I’ll be adding to the collection of Vikki’s backyard mural characters as I grow the Edymade Society 6 store in the next few months! I look forward to customizing more of my art to add to the Society 6 gauntlet. Keep your eyes peeled!
Choose Yourself
What does it mean to choose yourself? This hummingbird possesses the energy that guides me to answer that question today and every day. What am I referring to? My drive to create, my feeling of belonging, and the joy that I have access to, which all originate inside my choice to know myself more fully.
Choose Yourself Desktop Wallpaper
I’ve always admired the hummingbird. When a client recently commissioned me to craft an artwork that represents her connection to the powerful Circle of CORE at UCLA, I intuitively knew this special animal would become the iconic figure to relay the message. As I researched the goals and intentions of the CORE Kidney Group, my relationship with the symbolism of the hummingbird became more clear. The artwork that I began channeling for my. client began to enrich and expand my vision and perspective on life and what it means to choose myself.
This month, I invite you to peek into the creative process that has been unfolding as I create Credo In Miracula, a work in progress that has also informed the digital downloads that accompany my full moon newsletter. I also invite you to subscribe to the newsletters that come out with each full moon. See the archive of free downloads that came with past newsletters here. Sign up below to stay in the loop going forward!