Connections #1: Eternal Sunshine!
This canvas has a little story behind it. My mum gave it to me, and my first plan was to turn it into a collaborative project with friends about a year ago. But at that time, it felt like too much, so it sat waiting for the
right moment. I’d already given it a bright underpainting in fluorescent yellow, with other shades of yellow and a touch of glitter.
Fast forward to the Australian Breastfeeding Association Conference in Adelaide. When I saw “Group Activity: TBA” on the schedule, I put my hand up to run a collaborative painting session—walker and all! I’ve always loved what I do, and I have such admiration for these amazing
women who volunteer their time to support new mums on their breastfeeding journeys.
After dinner and the quiz, a few of us got the artwork started. The following morning, it became a gentle side activity during the Q&A panel, with people popping in and out to add to it—including toddlers, mums, and grandmothers. It was lovely to see everyone joining in.
Since then, I’ve had three hospital stays, so there haven’t been many in-person projects this year. Instead, I’ve been focusing on sharing my ideas here on the blog and through these emails. But whenever the opportunity pops up at home, I set up three colours from my Lava colour scheme and add a few more layers.
I’ll share some photos so you can see how the
artwork has evolved over many sessions of pattern layering. Around 20 people have contributed so far (I keep track by adding a little dash on the edge for each new person!). These girls and women range in age from toddlers to grandmothers—and that variety makes my heart sing.