mixed media collage

New Animal Art Inspired by Sweet Encounter with Hummingbird!

Posted by Barbara Techel
Original available here. Prints available here.

Earlier last week I had a lovely time communing with Hummingbird which inspired this new 8 x 10 dimensional shadow box piece!

I sensed this message wasn’t just for me, but for others too and why I’m delighted to share with you what Hummingbird had to share:

There she was.
So tiny and sweet as can be.
Sitting upon the thinnest of branches in the birch tree.
Admiring her small but mighty self
I heard Hummingbird say,

Isn’t the universe remarkable?

Then slowly turning and looking at the trunk of the tree, using her beak as a pointer, her head moved up and down.

This tree may be one hundred times my stature, but my spirit holds the same vast essence, Hummingbird exclaimed!

How true, I communed back!

Her tender wings fluttered in excitement at my response.

In this moment I am calling you back to ancient wisdom and that you too hold deep in your soul this same essence, Hummingbird said.

It is more magnificent and expansive than you sometimes realize. And I am here in this space of time to remind you to come back to the truth of who you are.

There is nothing to do.

But just sit with me, marvel at nature, and allow her caring, sensitive, and loving qualities to fully envelop you.

And then you will know.

And more importantly, you will feel yourself arriving back once again to your true home that is within.

©Barbara Techel with Hummingbird Spirit

XO

Barb

    

New in My Etsy Shop – Birds and Teacups plus One Inspiring Squirrel!

Posted by Barbara Techel

This 8 x 10 mixed media on a birch wood panel above was inspired by a delightful encounter I had a few weeks ago with a young squirrel. While at first, I was concerned about the little one, I soon realized it was my own projection of fear and wanting to protect it. This young squirrel was just doing its squirrel thing and learning to navigate the big world out there. 

Poised on the trunk of this tree this is the photo I took of the young squirrel which is enhanced with chalk pencils. I imagined how big the world must look to this little one and how brave it was for learning to find its way.

This piece is also infused with the gentle energy of birch branches which often fall from the tree in my front yard. I love to sit and watch the birch leaves gently blowing in the wind as they sparkle in the sunshine. It’s so meditative! There are also dried flowers and leaves incorporated that come from around my gardens.

Lastly, it is also a dimensional piece as some of the artwork and natural elements are raised off the panel. This creates a lovely effect that brings it to life! Created on an 8 x 10 birch wood panel there is no need for a frame.

It is $55 plus shipping and is available here in my Etsy Shop. 

Birds & Teacups Series

In early May inspired by the many birds that have returned and the joy they bring me to see them outside my Joyful Pause Cottage windows, I started a Bird and Teacups mixed media series. Because…well…I just think birds and teacups go together so beautifully and quite naturally!  Besides, having a cup of tea while observing birds is a simple and sweet meditation that brings happiness and calm to my heart.

While I’d hoped to have more to share at this point, I simply ran out of time! So alas, I decided to share the three I have created instead of waiting. If one speaks to you I’d love for it to fly off to your home!

Created on 140 lb. mixed media paper they are 5 x 7 and ready to put in your favorite frame. They are $30 each plus shipping and are available in my Etsy shop here.

I hope your June has started out with all things that bring you joy and contentment!

XO

Barb

                  

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