Creative Crossroads: Art, Ritual, and the Turning Wheel

Colour Swatches

Hello, Creative Alchemists,

We find ourselves in a curious liminal space, between equinox and Samhain, as the moon begins its quiet return to shadow. The energy is shifting, and I can feel it echoing through both my body and my creative practice.

 Cuppa & Catch-Up

Welcome back. Pour yourself a cuppa and settle in, it’s time for a little studio and life catch-up, some witchy musings, and a whole lot of creative magic. Let’s dive in.

This fortnight has been full, Easter came and went, and while it’s a big part of the broader cultural calendar, it’s also a bittersweet time for many pagans. The first Sunday after the first full moon following the autumn equinox, so clearly rooted in ancient seasonal rhythms. It’s hard not to feel the tension when the most significant day in the Christian calendar echoes such overtly pagan symbolism, especially when we remember the women and wise folk persecuted in the church’s rise to power. I always try to walk a respectful line, acknowledging the past while recognising that I have family of many different faiths.

Sadly, this time, that wasn’t received as I’d hoped. In a post on my personal Facebook page I was challenged by a prominent member of the pagan community who felt my words were gaslighting or incorrect. It hurt. Not because we disagreed, that happens, but because they chose to attack rather than seek to understand. I share this because it’s important to remember we can hold nuance. We can respect others and still speak our truth with care.

On the studio front, it’s been all systems go! The countdown is on for the Creativa Exhibition with Collective 24 next month. We’re finalising the opening event, the promo is rolling out, and suddenly it all feels very real. Months of planning are now becoming something tangible. I think part of me thrives under deadline pressure, a hangover from art school, maybe?

I’m writing this between layers drying, and I’ve got a feeling there’ll be a couple of midnight sessions coming up. Make sure you’re following Collective 24 on Facebook and Instagram and RSVP to our opening event over on Facebook, we’d love to see you there!

Creativa by Collective 24

Art Witch Musings

This week’s Witchy Little Things was all about cleansing and clearing our art spaces, something that felt particularly timely as I recently had to reset mine to make space for my new electric wheelchair. It was more than just a rearrange; it was a full energetic clearing.

I talked about calling in the elements:

• Earth — placing grounding crystals around my space.

• Air — incense smoke curling through the air, shifting the energy.

• Fire — lighting a candle with intention.

• Water — misting with moon water I’d infused with lavender oil.

As promised, here’s my simple Lavender Moon Water Spray recipe:

1. Start with moon-charged water (leave a jar of water out under the full moon overnight).

2. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil.

3. Drop in a couple of clear quartz chips for extra energetic amplification.

4. Pour into a spray bottle and shake gently before use.

I use it to cleanse my space, my tools, or even myself when I’m shifting from mundane to magical.

Art Journal Prompt

Taurus New Moon Prompt:
Taurus invites us to slow down and reconnect with the physical world, to root into what feels nourishing and real.

Where in your life are you craving more stability, beauty, or comfort? What would it look like to honour your creative practice as a sacred ritual of embodiment, not just something you do, but something you feel?

Use this moon to ground yourself in your creative desires and don’t rush. Taurus teaches us that what grows slowly, lasts.

Art Journal Page

Artist of the Season: Yayoi Kusama

I had the absolute joy of seeing her work at the NGV recently, and it was like stepping into another universe, one where repetition becomes rhythm, and colour becomes incantation.

Even more special, I took my grandkids with me. Mr 3 was totally captivated by the colours, dancing through the space with wide-eyed wonder. Miss 7 asked such incredible questions, curious about the artist, the meaning, the why. Watching them engage with art in their own ways made the whole day unforgettable. That’s the magic, watching creativity spark across generations.

Yayoi Kusama was born in 1929 in Matsumoto, Japan. She began painting as a child, channelling the vivid hallucinations she experienced polka dots, infinite fields, strange patterns that engulfed her vision. Her art became her sanctuary.

In the 1950s, she moved to New York, a woman of colour in a deeply racist, male-dominated art world. And yet she carved out space with her mesmerising Infinity Net paintings and radical performance art.

Her work tackled trauma, mental illness, the body, and the oppressive systems around her, often decades ahead of her time. Many of her ideas were mirrored (and sometimes outright copied) by her male contemporaries. Still, she persisted.

In the 1970s she returned to Japan and checked herself into a psychiatric hospital where she still lives, continuing to create from a studio nearby.

Now in her 90s, Kusama is an icon, her mirrored rooms and giant pumpkins attract global audiences. She is a symbol of radical creativity, endurance, and the magic of trusting your inner world.

Her work reminds me that art can be loud, messy, obsessive, deeply personal and still powerful beyond measure.

Cycles of Craft Update

As we move closer to Samhain here in the Southern Hemisphere, I’ve been feeling that subtle shift, the soft thinning of the veil, the pull toward memory and honouring.

It always strikes me how this aligns with ANZAC Day, a moment in our national calendar where we collectively pause to remember those who served and sacrificed. In my family, this is deeply personal. Every generation has had someone step forward during times of conflict, believing they were protecting their families and their way of life. Some never returned. Others came back with the ghosts of war in tow.

For me, ANZAC Day and Samhain sit side by side, both rooted in remembrance. Both asking us to honour our ancestors, their choices, their burdens, their dreams.

This will also be the theme of my Samhain Special Edition blog post next week, where I’ll go deeper into ritual, remembrance, and the creative magic of this liminal time. Stay tuned.

Dawn Service

Before you go

Want to wear a little Samhain magic? Head over to my Redbubble store and check out my Crow Series — inspired by this season of shadow and mystery.

For a deeper dive into the Taurus New Moon, head to my Facebook page, where I’ve posted my latest astrology insights as part of the #CyclesOfCraft series.

And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop with daily updates, behind-the-scenes chaos, and sneak peeks of what’s on the way.

Thanks for spending some time in the studio with me. However you’re moving through this season, I hope you’re finding ways to honour your own pace. I hope to see some of you at the Creativa exhibition, it’s going to be such a celebration of creativity and community. Until then, keep crafting your magic the world needs your light.

Wishing you a grounded, creative, and nourishing Taurus season. See you next week for the Samhain Special Edition.

P.S. If you haven’t yet, I’d be so grateful if you could vote for my torso sculptures in the Stop It Before It Starts Art Show’s People’s Choice Awards. Voting is open until April 30, and every vote truly counts. You can view all entries and cast your vote here.

Kintsugi of the Soul

Pisces New Moon: Embracing Accessible Journeys, Bold Art, and Cosmic Vibes

Hey everyone, welcome to my latest blog post! I’m super excited to share a slice of my life with you, filled with accessible travel adventures, creative ups and downs, and some pretty cool cosmic reflections under the Pisces New Moon. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s dive into what’s been happening in my world.

Life Update: An Accessible Family Adventure

This cycle brought one of those unforgettable moments, a weekend getaway with my family that really pushed my accessible travel game to the next level. It was the first time I took off in my wheelchair, and wow, the planning was something else! We had to figure out accommodations with a few tricky steps (thankfully, my trusty crutches helped out), reserve a table, and even book a water wheelchair for a two-day water park adventure.

Not only did we tackle all those logistical hurdles, but the grandkids made it extra special. My grandson, who usually hesitates around the water, surprised me by warming up and splashing around with pure joy. And my granddaughter proved she’s a real thrill seeker by taking on the biggest rides and slides she could find. These moments remind me that, no matter how challenging travel can be, the laughter and adventure of family make every extra effort worth it.

Studio Update: Creative Hurdles and Group Show Opportunities

Art isn’t always a smooth ride, and this cycle was no different. Amid the heatwaves and holiday buzz, my creative flow took a little break. However, I’ve been busy preparing for the upcoming Creativa Exhibition with Collective 24, a group show that’s all about pushing creative boundaries and celebrating the diversity of art. Our first gallery fell through, which was a bummer, but we’re now sending submissions to new spaces with plenty of hope and excitement.

Our Collective’s Facebook and Instagram are now live, so be sure to follow along to keep up with all our progress. We love sharing the behind-the-scenes moments, both the challenges and the wins, as we navigate this unpredictable yet rewarding artistic journey.

Social Media Updates: Where the Daily Magic Unfolds

Hey, don’t forget to stay connected on social media! Every day is a chance to dive into a bit of creative magic:

• Mondays: Look out for #CyclesofCraft updates, where I share insights on working with the seasons and cycles in our lives and creative practices. It's all about aligning our art with nature’s rhythm.

• Tuesdays: Join me for Studio Updates—I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes peek into my creative process, showcasing progress, challenges, and those candid moments that make art so raw and real.

• Wednesdays: Get ready for #LittleWitchyThings and #ArtWitchTips. I’m dropping easy, everyday tips to sprinkle a little extra magic into your artwork, perfect for inspiring your inner art witch.

So, keep an eye on those days and join the conversation—let’s create, share, and infuse our lives with a bit of enchantment every week!

Artist of the Season: Celebrating the Bold Legacy of Pauline Boty

This cycle, I’m shining a big, vibrant light on the amazing Pauline Boty, a true trailblazer in British Pop Art whose rebellious spirit and fearless creativity continue to inspire me. Born in 1938 in London, Pauline burst onto the scene in the 1960s with a style that was as daring as it was colourful, and her influence still resonates powerfully today.

A Closer Look at Pauline Boty

After studying at Saint Martin's School of Art, Pauline quickly made a name for herself with a unique blend of vibrant colours, bold forms, and a no-holds-barred approach to social commentary. Her work was more than just eye-catching, it was a full-on statement against consumer culture and the outdated gender roles of her time. Every brushstroke felt like a declaration of independence, a bold challenge to the status quo that inspired both admiration and controversy.

What I really love about Pauline’s art is how it captures the raw, unfiltered essence of female experience. Her fearless exploration of identity, sexuality, and societal constraints paved the way for future generations of women artists. Even though her career was tragically cut short in 1966, her spirit of creative rebellion lives on. For me, as someone who’s always pushing against boundaries in art and life, Pauline’s legacy is a powerful reminder to embrace our uniqueness and keep challenging the norm.

Her art still sparks conversations around feminism, social justice, and cultural transformation, and every time I look at her work, I feel a surge of inspiration to break free from limitations and live my truth. In a world that sometimes feels too boxed in by expectations, Pauline Boty reminds us that art, and life are about bold expression and unapologetic authenticity. Read more about Pauline’s art and tragically short life here.

Astrology Update: Chill Reflections Under the Pisces New Moon

There’s something magical about this Pisces New Moon, a gentle nudge to slow down, reflect, and do some serious soul-searching. Unlike the usual high-energy manifesting vibes, this New Moon is more about looking back. Since this is the last cycle of the astrological calendar, it adds an extra layer of reflection to our journey. Instead of gearing up to manifest big dreams, don’t be surprised if you’re finding yourself reviewing the past and deciding what you’re going to leave behind to make room for the new astrological year.

We’re also riding the wave of a pretty epic planetary parade that’s been lighting up the skies. Make sure you check out my latest series on the social that highlight how this astrological event is affecting each sign. As we enter what I call the pre-eclipse shadow phase, with a Total Lunar Eclipse on March 14, 2025, and a Partial Solar Eclipse on March 29, 2025, here’s some tips to navigating this period of change:

• Embrace the Unknown: Change is in the air, so try to let go of needing everything under control.

• Trust Your Gut: Your intuition is your best friend right now; listen to it, even if it whispers.

• Take Time to Reflect: Whether it’s journaling, art journaling, meditation, or just a quiet moment, give yourself space to process and decide what you’re ready to leave behind.

• Stay Grounded: Simple grounding practices, like deep breathing or a bit of creative expression, can help keep you balanced.

• Plan Small Steps: Use this time to think about small, actionable steps that can lead you toward a better tomorrow.

• Keep It Flexible: With energy shifting, a flexible schedule means you’re open to unexpected opportunities.

The vibe of the Pisces New Moon mixed with the intensity of the pre-eclipse shadow phase is all about letting go, reflecting deeply, and then stepping into the new astrological year with a fresh, empowered perspective.

Pisces New Moon Art Journal Prompt

As we reach the end of the astrological year, Pisces invites us to dive deep into our dreams and inner worlds. What emotions, patterns, or stories are you ready to release before the new cycle begins? What dreams are quietly calling you forward? Let the fluid, intuitive energy of Pisces guide your creativity, use flowing lines, soft colours, or dreamy imagery to express what you’re leaving behind and the visions you’re making space for.

How does it feel to surrender and trust the flow?

Shop My Art: Exciting News on Redbubble

Before I wrap up, I’ve got some fun news to share! If you’ve been loving my art and want to bring a little piece of it into your everyday life, check out my Redbubble store. Don’t miss out on the upcoming 20% off sale storewide, so it’s the perfect time to snag something unique, whether it’s for your home, office, or as a special gift. I’d be over the moon if you joined me on this creative adventure.

 Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this cycle, I just want to say thanks for coming along on this ride with me. Whether you’re into accessible travel, creative expression, or exploring the deeper cosmic energies, I hope you found a little something here that speaks to you. Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes the challenges are just stepping stones to something amazing.

Stay connected with me and the Collective on Facebook and Instagram for more updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and all the moments that make this journey so wonderfully unpredictable. Here’s to embracing every bit of change, laughing through the hiccups, and celebrating every victory, no matter how small.

Leo Full Moon February 2025: A Time for Boldness and Creativity

Moonlight from the Leo Full Moon streams through an open window, illuminating an art journal, paintbrushes, a quiet moment of magic and creation in the night.

The Leo Full Moon is almost here, bringing its bold, creative energy to illuminate where we shine and where we might be draining ourselves unnecessarily. This lunation is an invitation to step into our authentic selves, embrace joy, and reassess where we are placing our energy. Before we dive into the astrology, let’s catch up on the last couple of weeks.

Personal Update: Navigating Energy and Embracing Rest

The past fortnight has been a bit of a struggle with the extreme heat making everything feel heavier and more exhausting. Alongside my usual physio and hydro sessions, I’ve had several medical appointments, which has left me feeling more depleted than usual. The challenges of chronic illness and disability are always present, and it’s a constant balancing act between fulfilling necessary commitments and honouring my energy limits.

This has meant that I’ve had to lean into rest a bit more than I usually would, adjusting my schedule accordingly to avoid pushing myself too hard. I have also been digging into some old self-care techniques I haven’t used for a while. It’s been a reminder that listening to my body is just as important as the work itself.

Studio Update: Creative Exploration and Progress

Despite the heat and my medical appointments, I managed to carve out some studio time, and I’m happy to say that I had what felt like a successful experiment with texture and layering for my piece in the upcoming Creativa exhibition with Collective 24. I shared a reel over on Instagram showing my process—playing intuitively with different materials and techniques, letting the piece evolve organically. It was a much-needed reminder of how important it is to embrace exploration in art, even when the energy is low.

I’m excited to keep pushing forward with my work, especially as we move into the next phase of my Cycles of Craft campaign.

Layers, textures, and a little bit of alchemy!

Artist of the Season: Vivian Maier – Exploring the Unseen Through Photography

Born on February 1, 1926, Vivian Maier was a self-taught photographer whose work remained hidden until after her death. Working as a nanny for most of her life, she secretly captured thousands of street photographs, documenting everyday life with an incredible eye for composition and human emotion. Her work was only discovered in 2007 when a collection of her negatives was auctioned off, revealing an artist whose talent had been invisible for decades. Find out more about Vivian here.

Maier’s story speaks deeply to the themes I keep returning to in my own work—visibility and invisibility, the tension between being seen and unseen, the narratives that go untold. Her work captures fleeting moments of life, the beauty in the ordinary, and the quiet presence of those often overlooked. As I continue exploring these themes in my own art, I find her story both inspiring and haunting. She was an artist who created for the sake of creation, leaving behind a body of work that speaks even in her absence.

Leo Full Moon Astrology: Balancing Self-Expression and Collective Needs

The Leo Full Moon is a time of illumination, creativity, and personal power. Leo, ruled by the sun, is about self-expression, confidence, and radiance. This lunation asks us to check in with ourselves:

• Where are we wasting energy that isn’t serving us?

• What parts of our lives feel uncomfortable, and what can we do to nurture ease instead of forcing constant self-improvement?

• What is out of our control, and can we release our grip on it?

Leo’s energy reminds us to take up space, to celebrate who we are without apology. But while Leo is about the self, the sun is currently in Aquarius, the sign of the collective. This full moon highlights the balance between personal needs and the greater good. It’s a dance between honouring our individuality and understanding how we exist within a larger ecosystem.

We might feel the tension between wanting to express ourselves boldly and the pressures of societal expectations. This is a good time to reflect on where we are dimming our own light to fit in or where we are overextending ourselves at the expense of our well-being.

Eclipse Season 2025: Preparing for Cosmic Shifts

Lunar Eclipse in Virgo – March 14, 2025

The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo is a full moon that calls for a deep cleansing and recalibration. Virgo energy is all about order, healing, and refinement, so this eclipse will illuminate the areas of your life that need attention, particularly around health, organization, and habits. It’s a time to release old patterns that no longer serve your well-being or your creative process. Whether it’s letting go of toxic work habits or clearing clutter in your physical or mental space, Virgo will guide you towards a more streamlined, balanced life.

This is a great time to reflect on how you’ve been nurturing your body and mind. Have you been paying attention to your self-care, or is it time to let go of habits that are depleting you? Virgo asks us to take practical steps toward self-improvement, so any work done during this eclipse will have long-lasting benefits.

Solar Eclipse in Aries – March 29, 2025

The Solar Eclipse in Aries brings a surge of fiery, bold energy that could inspire sudden changes or new beginnings. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is about taking action, being courageous, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. With this solar eclipse, the universe is asking us to look at where we need to be more assertive, take risks, and stand up for ourselves.

This is a potent moment for setting new intentions and creating a fresh start, especially in areas where you’ve been holding back. If you’ve been feeling like something in your life is stagnant or you’re ready to leap into a new direction, the Aries solar eclipse provides the perfect energy to break free of any lingering hesitations. It's a time to step into leadership, take charge of your creative vision, and assert your power in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your true desires.

Eclipses & Your Creative Practice

Even though the Lunar Eclipse in Virgo and the Solar Eclipse in Aries are still a month away, now is a good time to start preparing. The energy of eclipses tends to build up over time, so it’s worth starting to reflect on what you might need to release or what new intentions you’d like to set. This period offers us a chance to get clear on what we want to move away from and what we’re ready to move toward.

In the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into the themes of both eclipses and how they can influence your creative practice. We’ll talk about how to align with these energies in more practical ways and share some rituals and ideas to guide you through this transformative time.

For now, start considering what feels out of balance or stagnant in your life and creative process, and begin to gently let go of anything that no longer serves you. The time for big shifts is coming, and it’s a great opportunity to begin building the foundation for change.

 Art Journal Prompt:

Under the glow of the Leo Full Moon, reflect on where you are ready to shine. What part of yourself have you been dimming? Use bold colors, expressive marks, or even collage elements to celebrate your authentic self. How can you take up space in your creativity and life without apology?

#CyclesofCraft Update: Lammas to Autumn Equinox

Last week, we celebrated Lammas, the first harvest festival, marking the shift towards autumn. If you missed it, I shared a special edition blog reflecting on this seasonal transition. Now, we begin our slow movement toward the autumn equinox, though Melbourne’s late summer heatwaves are making that feel distant. The land is shifting, even if it’s subtle, and soon we’ll start to see the first hints of seasonal change.

Lammas is a time of gratitude, of acknowledging what we have cultivated, both physically and creatively. As we move toward the equinox, it’s a reminder that balance is an ongoing process, not a fixed state.

Witchy Rituals for Creative Flow: Tea Magic and Intentional Art

I introduced a new series over on Instagram last week, starting with a simple tea ritual: taking a moment before beginning an art session to prepare a cup of tea (or any drink), stirring with intention, clockwise to invite something in, counterclockwise to release. It’s a grounding practice, a way to shift into creative space with mindfulness.

The idea behind these little rituals is to weave magic into the everyday, to make space for intention and presence in our creative practice. Whether it’s lighting a candle before beginning a painting or using a specific scent to mark the start of a work session, small moments of ritual can help us transition into a more focused, inspired state.

There will be more of these small rituals and creative prompts coming soon, so keep an eye out for #LittleWitchyThings and #ArtWitchTips on Wednesday’s. I’d love to hear any little rituals you have.

 Redbubble Store Update: Shop My Art & Upcoming Sale

A quick reminder that my Crow Series and other designs are available in my Redbubble store. There’s another sale coming up—25% off from February 17-23—so if you’ve had your eye on something, it’s a great time to grab it!

I haven’t added new pieces yet, but I’m looking forward to bringing some fresh designs into the store in the coming months.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Power and Shine Unapologetically

As this full moon peaks, give yourself permission to rest in who you are, rather than constantly striving to be more. Take stock of where you’re directing your energy and whether it’s truly serving you. And, most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Leo teaches us to shine, to embrace joy, and to take up space. But it also reminds us that confidence comes from within—not from external validation. Take this full moon as an opportunity to step into your light, unapologetically.

Wishing you all a luminous and reflective Leo Full Moon.