Follow Your Heart, Embrace Your Weird.

After much thought I recently decided to reduce the cost of all of my art, some by almost half. I've had a very successful 2015. My art has been selling and I get so many lovely comments and compliments.. it's very nice. And so with that I've been gradually increasing my pricing... why wouldn't I? That's what artists do isn't it? That's what logic is telling me to do after all I'm a single working mum with 2 teenage boys and a mortgage... every single extra cent helps.

Thing is though... that's not what my heart is saying. My heart is saying keep it affordable for everyone Phillipa. Don't give it away but keep it reasonable so hopefully, hopefully... every single person who sees it and loves it has the opportunity to have it. Honestly, I don't want my art hanging around waiting for those who can afford it to decide they have a spot for it. I want my art in homes being loved and enjoyed and appreciated.. brightening a wall, a room, a space.. a life. That's what my heart tells me. That's what feels right. And really... I don’t need the money, I have everything I need, my boys, family and friends, our health, home, faith, love, my paints… what more could I want?

Mind you this wasn't an easy decision.. I've been deliberating for weeks. But if I've learnt anything in the past 5 years it's to follow my instincts, listen to my heart when it speaks, let it speak, shut up and listen! Trust and believe that deep inside I know what's best for me. 

In the end it was easy... I woke one morning without a doubt. Decision made... I would reduce my current prices... look at each piece I have for sale and price them according to what feels right. More heart less head. And that's how I'll price my art from now on. Yaaaay!!! I'm so excited.. I know it's the right thing to do.

Now I have to share this little foot note...

That same morning I began the day with my usual workout to my usual fave exercise tunes but somehow the wrong playlist came on, wierd as no one had touched my ipod since yesterdays workout. Still... from the 267 songs in that playlist the song that came on first was Jessie J's "Price Tag".. it's not about the money money money. Ha ha... co-incidence maybe? 

Then.... later that afternoon I received a message from a lovely lady who had seen my "Blooming Brilliant" piece on facebook and wanted to purchase it. She was unable to afford the price I had on it and so I asked her how much her budget allowed at the time. Unbelievably the figure she gave me was exactly the same as the figure I had decided earlier that same day to reduce it to! We chatted and I learned she is a single mother of 10 (yes 10!), a creative soul like me with very little time but loads of hopes and dreams and ambitions... like me : ) And now she has my art in her lovely home. How good is that? Blooming Brilliant I'd say : )

Wow.. thank you thank you Universe... love your work xx

BLOOMING BRILLIANT

I have sold these too... all to lovely lovely homes of course : ).. A few old friends, a wedding gift, a lovely lady from the USA, a daughters birthday....

These are my latest few....

UNITED WE STAND

CUPPA LOVE (SOLD)

Aaaaand... Drum roll... you may recall the the sneak peak I gave in my last post of the largest painting I've ever attempted. Measuring in at 1000x1200mm... wait for it....

Actually... now might be a good time to quickly show you some of my very first paintings. Can you believe I began doing miniatures? Most were no bigger than my hand and I remember thinking I'd be happy to paint that size forever... such was the size of my self belief back then. My how things have changed : )

From that to this in 5 years...

To think when I painted those miniatures I had no idea what lay ahead of me. Deep down I knew I had something much much bigger inside me. And I knew soon I would have to leap into the unknown and somehow somehow find the courage to find it. 

I hope with all my heart that if you have bigger dreams inside you but are staying put because it's easier than going... please...  just atleast take steps every single day towards your truth. Do something.. talk to a friend, see a counsellor, read up, do a course. You don't have to leap until you're ready but you'll never be ready if you don't do something today. It took me 5 years of just doing something today. Now I'm free and living my dream really. And believe me... if I can do it, you can too!

THE POWER OF ONE

There will come a day when your fight is bigger than your fear. When you nearly claw your way out of your body to prove you exist. Leave that skin for someone else and design your own wings. You are a masterpiece, magnificent in your own glory. Natalie Patterson

THE POWER OF ONE

I've read this book. Wow! Amazing! Definitely near the very top of my Best Book Ever list :) It spoke to the core of my being in a simple but oh so powerful way. Every page is a hit of inspiration and encouragment.... Embrace Your Weird, Leap Into Yourself, Answer The Ache, Forge Don't Follow, You Are Your Message, Speak Up I Can't Hear you, Your Light Is Needed Here, The World Needs You. A definite must read for those of us who long to reach out and touch others with our stories, our journeys, our ups and downs. I could feel myself growing braver with ever page, so look out :) LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!! ​

Light Is The New Black
by Rebecca Campbell (an Aussie :)

I got my copy at here

Embrace your weird. Love that! Might be my mission for March I think :) 

Ok.. thats enough blogging. I have a whole Sunday at home and my paints are calling me!
​Love to all.