Through simple lines, vivid brushstrokes, captivating melodies, or thought-provoking performances, art can ignite a range of feelings within us.

​It serves as a mirror, reflecting our joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes back to us, inviting us to delve deeper into the tapestry of our emotional landscape. 

Engaging with art allows us to embrace vulnerability, confront difficult emotions, and find solace or inspiration. It offers a safe haven for self-expression, enabling us to communicate and process our emotions in a non-judgmental space. 

When I found this quote, I fell in love again. In the middle of all the advice on being super productive and making a six figure salary or income, these simple words stood out.

It drove me to tighten the alignment of my values; inspiration, play, connection, freedom and strength, to my art and my creativity.

I've spent a lot of time revamping and reorganizing my boards so that they would offer you (and me) more inspiration within these five values.

I use some of my earnings from sales of my art, books and related activities to support these charities:

• Hope and Play 
• TreeSisters
• Lend With Care

Hope and Play provides trauma therapy for children in Gaza. It's a UK based charity co-founded by my brother.

TreeSisters attracted me because they plant trees. Need I say more? Plus, my father was an ardent gardener with the greenist fingers I've ever known. 

Lend with Care is a crowdfunding platform that supports people around the world with projects to make a dignified living.

I'm constantly on the look out for opportunities to host art journaling sessions. I had the chance to do many in Dubai when I was living there. Here in Calp, I'm still finding my way. Meanwhile, I will be sharing tips and thoughts on my social media accounts @iamwhatiart.

What are your thoughts on Maya's quote?
xoxox
​Fadwa

I've forgotten how inspirational Pinterest boards are!

​I've spent hours today reminiscing, reorganizing and getting inspired. I've categorized my boards to help you make the best use of them.

You'll find plenty of inspirational boards, and I'm also planning to build more boards to align with my main values (strength, inspiration, freedom, connection, play). I'll be adding content to inspire and to promote women's freedoms and support for each other.
​
I look forward to hearing from you what you think of the content I'll be sharing there as well as here.

​I loved looking through the collections mom and built together - jewelry, gemstones and inspirations for home and garden. Mom was my best friend and I miss her terribly. It was painful and joyful to revisit memories triggered by all the pins we've collected and the stories and joy that came with them.

Pinterest is still in! And I've been reading some statistics. More women than men use this platform. Pinterest ranks #14 compared to other social media platforms. 55% of UK users are 18-24, 49% are 35-44, and 21% are 55-64. And, Pinterest is also used as a search engine. I think that's amazing. It's the same with YouTube also being used as a search engine. 
(source: thesocialshepherd).

• USA: 90.1 million active Pinterest users
• Brazil: 34.2 million
• Mexico: 23.6 million
• Germany: 16.8 million 
• France: 12.7 million
• UK: 10.1 million
• Canada: 9.7 million
• Italy: 9.5 million
• Spain: 8.1 million
• Colombia: 7.4 million

(source: datareportal.com)

Are you on Pinterest? Let me know in the comments. 

In the enchanting realm of I Am What I Art, creativity blossoms into a magnificent symphony of self-care and liberation.

Beyond the confines of traditional art, I invite you to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, where the act of creation becomes a tender balm for the soul and an exuberant celebration of freedom.

Picture this: an oasis in the desert of everyday life, where brushes caress the canvas and clay yields to gentle hands.

In the world of art therapy, we find solace and healing, transcending the boundaries of our existence to dance with colors and emotions. This is the essence of our creative sanctuary, where the joy of art fills every brushstroke and resonates in every word penned.

​I believe in the sacredness of the creative process. ​A meditative sanctuary where the present moment unfolds with grace. In my studio, I unshackle myself from the weight of worries and immerse in the liberating dance of creation.

I invite you to embrace the playful and daring spirit that defines us; to wield creativity as a mighty sword, slicing through the mundane to reveal the extraordinary.

It begins anew with every soul who witnesses our vibrant creations. Each stroke becomes a bridge, connecting hearts in the universal language of art, transcending barriers of language and culture. As we share our art, we invite others to delve into our world, celebrating our beliefs, values, and dreams as they intertwine with theirs.
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Gone are the days when art was reserved for the "talented" or the "gifted." I Am What I Art celebrates the artistry that lies within each of us—the art of living, loving, and daring to dream. Our creative expression knows no bounds, for it is the anthem of our liberation, a daring rebellion against convention, and a symphony of joy.

Dear creative warriors, as you journey through this artistic odyssey, may the spark of inspiration illuminate your path. Embrace the hues of your imagination, and may your canvas be forever vibrant with the colors of freedom and empowerment. Discover the strength that resides within you, and let your art stand as a testament to your unyielding spirit.

In the tapestry of our lives, art weaves a narrative of resilience and the audacity to defy the norms. At "I Am What I Art," we urge you to seize the brush, the pen, the camera—whatever instrument calls to you—and set your creativity ablaze. Paint your dreams, sculpt your visions, and pen your truths with unbridled courage.

My manifesto declares that life, when intertwined with creativity, becomes a masterpiece of joy and fulfillment. It beckons you to cast aside doubts and embrace your gypsy spirit, daring to live life on your terms. 

So, dear artists of life, as the sun sets on this creative expanse, let your spirits soar high, painting the world with the hues of your imagination. As each stroke touches the canvas of your life, may your heart know the joy of true self-expression.

I Am What I Art is about how I believe that art is not just a form of self-care—it is the essence of being alive and daring to dream.

Happy creating, and may your souls forever dance with the colors of boundless possibility!

Here's what works for me to keep fear at bay:

1. Perspective. Always keeping things in perspective. Looking at the overall picture versus focusing on one incident that surely does not define me or my life.
2. Gratitude. But really, sincerely, deeply, wholeheartedly feeling this gratitude. For every little thing.
3. My why. Making a point of remembering and thinking of why I'm doing anything that I'm doing. From business to personal stuff and family and friends. Remembering this helps me through the rough spots with people and with business and with passions and hobbies.
4. Intention. From the why comes the intention for doing anything that I'm doing. Including writing this. My intention is to remind myself and to share insight, as I've benefited from others sharing theirs.
5. Journal. My journal is my meditation, my venting, my planning, my playing, my anxiety and stress relief. Whether I use words or art.

P.S. I found this list of 100 phobias online. Check it out.

xoxox
Fadwa