2020 Vision Window

This is the back of the 2020 Vision Window (2019 Reflection)
I used Marabu Mixed Media Art Spray and stencils, along with watercolor for the background.
I included the sacral chakra sunflower image from my Floral Mandala Oracle deck that I'm working on.
Image clips and words from multiple magazines.

Below is the front of the 2020 Vision Window (2020 Vision)
I used gelli plated papers from my paper drawers along with magazine image and word clips and words
typed and printed that need to be included. I made this vision board in late December and completed it
on New Years and in the days following the turn of the decade. As I lead others in this process I found additional
words and pictures that demanded to be added.

This is the 2020 Vision Window partially folded.
It can be tucked in a journal or can stand on my altar.

I think that many people are familiar with the idea of a "Vision Board"  or Dream Board. For many years I have create a collage for both the ending year and the New Year every New Year's Eve, give or take a day or two. This year I wanted to make a 2020 Vision board that could stand up on my altar. Since this is a sacred process for me I decided on that shape of a church window. I used Canson Mixed Media 14X17
paper so that it would stand up and hold up to mixed media applications. I folded the sheet in half and then folded each side towards the middle. I used a flexible curve to create the curved top of the window. 

I used Marabu Mixed Media Art Spray (acrylic) on the back with stencils to create an interesting pattern. I glued words and pictures from magazines and my own art. You can see that, at the top, the main image is an empty nest which relates to my son, now 23, who moved out with his girlfriend in March. I knew he would move when he completed his undergraduate degree but he left sooner than planned when he got an offer to move into a friend's house that he and his girlfriend could not refuse. I was so happy for him but in a mess about my next steps. 

Now, 9 months later, I am really enjoying my weekly meals with my son and feel our relationship has leveled up. But still dealing with my indecision about choosing where I want to live in the next decade. As a much older divorced mom, in my late 60's, this has a number of wrinkles and folds to negotiate. 

On the 2020 side I used gelli plate papers from my paper stash. I did a process with myself and groups where I asked what life values are important. From a list of values I had people circle 10. Then I, and everyone, crafted a vision statement for the new year using these 10 words (give or take a word or two). 

My vision statement turned out to be "Walk a path, with Friends, to increased Health, Spirituality, and Joy, while creating Financial Stability by Giving Back to others through Authentic and Whole Hearted Self Expression". What especially sparked my heart was the idea of walking my life path with friends. Also attaining financial stability through giving back to others.

I know that various images and designs will reveal their importance to me as the year progresses. I have this Vision Window on my altar and look at it whenever I meditate. Vision boards, in general, work because you are often reminded of your goals and vision which helps you to daily align your choices with your vision and life values.

 

Prayer Flag ARTsignment

Rice paper with stencils and spray ink over Gelli Plate monprint (acrylic)
Details of Koi and lily pads with Twinkling H2Os.

Rice paper with stencils and spray ink over Gelli Plate monprint (acrylic)
Details of Koi and lily pads with Twinkling H2Os.

Rice paper with stencils and spray ink over Gelli Plate monprint (acrylic)
Details of Koi and lily pads with Twinkling H2Os.

I am going to start blogging about  ARTsignments that I've created.  This one has to do with creating prayer flags

to fly to put your prayers "out there" to the universe.  Also serves as a great visual reminder.

In the text of the activity I've referred to "your client" but I think that this will be an activity you can do yourself.

My prayer flags, which I haven't written on yet or permanently attached a ribbon to, are about aligning with

what it means being in "Flow" for me.  I have an affinity to lovely Koi and water as well.  When you complete

this ARTsignment please leave a comment below about the insights you gained from this process.

Prayer Flag ARTsignment

Gayle Bodine April 23^rd, 2013

Introduction

This ARTsignment is based on the idea of Buddhist Prayer Flags and Vivika Hansen DeNegre’s

Prayer Flag Project.  Vivika was inspired by the Tibetan prayer flags that her family hung

in their home.  Here’s how Vivika describes it:

“My family has several strings of flags hanging in our home... not because we are Buddhist

or even know what the writing or symbols upon the colored fabrics mean, but because they

are beautiful and a reverent reminder that our prayers are heard and answered.  In a

nutshell, it is believed that the prayers on the flags are lifted to God and spread throughout

the universe as they flutter in the wind.  Everyone who is touched by that wind,

is touched by the prayers.  The wind spreads the prayers through the world,

extending happiness, good will, and peace”.
http://theprayerflagproject.blogspot.com/p/project-overview.html

Vivika suggests a 5” X 8” rectangle of fabric (I used rice paper) with 3” folded over on the

short end to make a pocket for string to hang the flag.  One can use twine, ribbon, etc.

for hanging them.  The pocket can be closed with a line of stitching, hot glue or duct tape.

Instructions

A person’s prayers or heartfelt wishes are often closely related to the Principles they hope

to enliven in their lives.  In this ARTsignment the client can activate what they wish to

manifest through the creation of a prayer artifact. 

1.     Talk about prayers and heartfelt wishes.  Talk and/or write about prayers that s/he would like to send into the world.  Alternatively ask your client to choose one of the ARTbundance Principle cards from the coaching room deck that they would like to explore through the making of a prayer flag.

2.    Use rice paper, paper cloth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrV03y0R0yE
or light weight fabric like muslin.  Cut rectangles approximately 5 “ X 8”. 

3.    Fold over and sew, glue or tape an approximately 3” pocket for hanging your flag.

4.    Decorate your flag using paint, collage, spray ink and stencils or your medium of choice.

5.    Write your prayer on your (fully dried) flag with permanent marker or fabric paints with applicators designed for a fine line.

6.    Discuss sending this prayer out on the wind as well as displaying it.  Journal about what this means.

7.    Your client’s prayer flag(s) can be a visual reminder to give energy to the Principles and goals that are of meaningful to them.  You could also suggest that your client make a prayer flag for each one of the Principles.

8.    Your client can also connect with healing community through this activity by making a flag for themselves and also one to be hung with others in the ARTbundance workshop.  The client could also submit an image of their flag to the Prayer Flag Project.  http://theprayerflagproject.blogspot.com/p/how-to-participate.html

side note: the Koi images were stenciled on.  I made a cardboard stencil from my Koi drawings.