mixed media art

Introducing my NEW Dimensional Animal Art!

Posted by Barbara Techel

Just as I sat down to write this post these lyrics went through my mind: “What the world needs now is love sweet love.” 

Love for the animal kingdom and opening myself to their teachings has definitely brought more love into my life.

My new dimensional animal art is inspired by the idea that animals offer such diverse teachings. They guide us to open to different perspectives and encourage us to welcome in the many different dimensions of ourselves.

This is a good thing! Because each layer and facet of who we are shapes us and has something of value to offer us. Even the parts of us that we may struggle with.

And the animals are here on this planet as loving messengers and most willing to serve us every step of the way toward loving all parts of who we are.

There have been many different animals that have guided me to go beneath the surface and explore with love what it was I needed to heal. I’m forever grateful to them for this. And why I was inspired to create these new pieces of art that are now for sale.

You can see more photos of these in my Etsy shop, plus a short video of each to view the dimensional aspect with the layers and how the animals ‘pop’ from the wood surface.

They are mixed media on 3 x 5 wooden templates and include pieces of nature I collect on my walks or from around my Joyful Pause Cottage such as flowers, feathers, branches, and stones.

Each piece also includes a few sparkly gems, because the animals most definitely are masters at helping us to shine our light and live with more joy!

Available now in my Etsy shop here!

XO

Barb

P.S. My Etsy shop will be closed from March 4th through April 10th as I take some time away to enjoy myself with my husband in our Rpod camper and a warm climate.

A Piece of Advice I’ve Really Taken to Heart

Posted by Barbara Techel

An astrologist I’ve come to enjoy listening to, Pam Gregory, offered a piece of advice I’ve taken to heart.

The world around us is going through massive changes and at times it can feel overwhelming. And perhaps like me, at times you’ve asked yourself, what can I do?

Pam’s advice? Create, create, create. This really struck a chord with me. So much so that I emailed myself this advice in capital letters so I see it every day.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of negativity and feel frozen at what is transpiring around us – or – we can add a positive vibration to the world from where we are by simply, and with conviction, holding the light of hope within our hearts and connecting with what brings us joy. This absolutely adds value to the collective to help make a positive shift.

And keep creating, creating, creating. While that looks different for each of us, for me it’s been about expanding my love of the animal kingdom through the mixed media art I’ve been creating.

As I work on some new art for my Etsy shop, it’s Lion that is on my art table. Lion, powerful and stable in presence is also gentle, while also at the same time lovingly demanding with encouragement that we each step into our power.

As I work on this piece and what I’m observing transpiring all around the world, I sense that Lion is offering us the message to stay strong. But even more important is to open our hearts to what we’ve perhaps not been able to see and be willing to observe things through a different lens.

These are extraordinary times we are living through – nothing like we’ve seen before – and I believe Lion is inviting us to move beyond how we once resolved conflict and instead really lean into faith and be that light, peace, and hope we wish to see in the world. Each of us will do this differently – no right or wrong way – just what feels right for you.

And Lion is cheering us all on every step of the way! Whether you roar loudly or roar in a gentle way, it all matters.

XO

Barb