"May our heart's garden of awakening bloom with hundreds of flowers." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Bloom, Mixed Media by Lisa Kagan

Small Ways
By Lisa Kagan

There is something kind rising
up from the earth right now
gentleness in the way the flowers open
they do not know of politics and pandemics
so they keep good company
they are quiet
announcing over and over again
in their small ways
that beauty is still possible.

Making Something Out of Nothing

The process of writing, creating art, or cooking a delicious meal are a type of magic, their own unique process of alchemy. There are many definitions of alchemy, but this one especially resonates with me as it relates to the creative process:

Alchemy is defined as the process of taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary, sometimes in a way that cannot be explained.

Whether it is a blank piece of paper, some scraps of tissue paper, paint and glue, or a pile of raw ingredients for a meal, we all have the ability to use our resourcefulness, ingenuity, and creative vision to bring into form something that did not exist before.

During the last couple of weeks, I have begun to put together a book of my own art and writing, which will highlight work that I have created throughout the last few years. This has been a highly creative and reflective process for me so far, and I will keep you posted as this project progresses…

If you are interested in creating a book of your own writing, art, or favorite family recipes (or some combination of the three) I am available to help you on your journey. Check out sample spreads from two books of poetry and art that we have produced, Emergence and Anna and Jesse. Please contact me to discuss your project ideas or to set-up a free consultation.

If you have been wanting to start on a life story project, or are in the midst of one, this is a powerful time to tap into your own inner wisdom and tell your story. Check out my March 2020 blog post, Stories Are Great Company to Keep, Ideas For Your Life Storytelling Projects During this Time, with a list of resources and services that we offer through Family Heirloom Arts to help support you in your storytelling process in the comfort of your own home.

A Writing Prompt to Get Started:
• What are some of the most powerful ways that you are engaged in the process of “making something out of nothing” during this time?

 

Grow, Created in Collaboration with Ms. Dana’s 1st Grade Class

This winter I had the chance to work with my son’s first grade class at Lewis Elementary School to create a class art project entitled “Grow,” which was then sold at the school auction to raise money for the Lewis Elementary Foundation. It was fun to collaborate with the kids, their teacher, Ms. Dana, and many of the parents to help put it together.

Grow, Mixed Media Created by Ms. Dana’s 1st Grade Class in Collaboration with Lisa Kagan

This theme of growth was inspired by the coming spring and in honor of what a huge growth year first grade is; including the awe-inspiring process of supporting the children to become confident readers and writers. Little did we know, that just a few weeks after the creation of this art piece, that, like most families across the nation, we would be challenged to figure out how to support our children’s growth and collaborate with each other on a whole new level. In addition to the lessons we are trying to impart through online and home schooling, this situation is offering children and adults alike, a rigorous course on the value of resilience, adaptation, and compassion.

This class art piece is available through SilverGraphics (the art-based school fundraiser program that Lewis Elementary is involved with). You can purchase any of the products featuring the class art image listed on their website as a way support the school. Click on the link below:

http://www.silvergraphics.com/access/

Then enter the access code: 1285860

Please feel free to share this link with friends and family who you think might be interested in supporting the school.

Oral History Interviews
Writing & Editing
Book Layout & Design