My Passions Archives - Catriona Pollard

Give yourself permission to bloom

A few weeks ago it was my 17 year business anniversary. (Yep, I’m a stayer). When I started CP Communications my sister gave me a card that had a quote from Anais Nin on it. It’s framed in my study and I notice it most mornings when I’m getting ready for my day.

She gave it to me as she knew that for me stepping out from a safe established career to start a business was what I desperately needed to do at the time, and at that moment the risk to remain a tight bud was more painful than the unknown of starting a business.

I think we have all experienced moments in our lives where the pain of remaining closed becomes too much.

Whether it’s finding our voice and stepping on stage, leaving that job that no longer serves you, picking up the phone to call a long lost friend, creating an online dating profile, starting the online business you’ve been dreaming of…

Whatever it is, as each petal loosens its grip on the bud, and you give the petals permission to open one by one, it releases new inspiration, insight and beauty.

The release of blossoming also leads to significant growth.

Do you need to allow the bud of potential to open – to bloom? Is it time to share your beauty with the world?

While it’s often fear that holds us back. Sometimes it’s complacency. Sometimes it’s simply exhaustion.
Staying as a bud we think we are protecting ourselves. Tightly wrapped, cocooned from the unknown.

But staying safe is an illusion. It’s like saying chaos doesn’t exist. It’s everywhere. Staying safe is what hurts the most.

So opening to your potential is about moving from unknown to expert, it’s about letting the world know you have something to say. If you don’t bloom you miss out on sharing your beauty with the world. You miss your purpose.

So today is your day to unfold. Release the bud of hope and desire and make your dreams come true. And remember, you are truly beautiful.

Tweetable: It’s time to bloom and let the world know you have something to say @catrionapollard http://bit.ly/2tiZtzu

My next exhibition – Fluidity

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Fluidity is body of work by acclaimed artists Catriona Pollard and Karen Visser which applies a fluid perspective to nature and explores form and texture in two very different ways: sculpture using foraged natural materials and photography that paints nature with light.

Running from 18-28 May 2017 at Creative Space in North Curl Curl, the exhibition explores the potential of all possibilities through the lens of nature.

The exhibition, by two of Sydney’s most promising visual artists, who have been recognised for their compelling work, will offer a visual feast that will prompt the viewer to ponder nature and its power over our psyche.

Both artists believe that often we only see what we want to see: visions that match our fixed beliefs and perspectives and anything that is defined in a limited way is open to transformation. Objects and views are fluid, whether this is discarded branches and vines or spectacular coastline seen through new light.

Being deeply connected to the natural world around them, both artists use their art forms to comment on society’s connection and disconnection with it.

Fibre artist, Catriona Pollard uses foraged or discarded organic material to weave sculptures that honour and worship the earth beneath our feet and the new growth that can emerge from it.

“I use nature as a way to connect with people that goes beyond physical beauty, but touches them in a personal and profound way. Transforming discarded organic material into sculptures forces people to view the natural world around them in a different way.”

“It adds a layer of wonder and contemplative engagement. It leads to a reflection on our inner landscape and the question of what would happen if we saw aspects of our lives in different ways,” said Ms Pollard.

Photographer, Karen Visser applies a unique perspective of the Northern Beaches coastline through photographic impressionism where she explores the ethereal atmospheric sensitivity within our natural environs.

“Having always possessed a love for natural beauty and fine detail, my focus is drawn to the play of light.”

“I relish the conversations that are stirred through the painterly blurs and brush stroke impressions, of woven layers of motion, nature that takes on human-like qualities, shadows and reflections that intrigue and fleeting light that reveals ‘invisible’ colours,” said Ms Visser.

Exhibition details:

When: 18-28 May 2017
Where: Creative Space, 105 Abbott St, North Curl Curl
Cost: Free
Opening drinks: Saturday, 20 May 4-6 pm
Gallery hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm

For more information:
Catriona Pollard’s work visit www.theartofweaving.com.au, Instagram: CatrionaPollard
Karen Visser’s work visit www.karenvisser.com.au, Instagram: KarenVisser_Artist

Catriona Pollard Bio
Catriona Pollard’s work is inspired by the connection and relationship we have with our environment and the beauty it shares with us. As an accomplished contemporary sculptural basketry artist, she is gifted with the ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Her work is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections.

Her work has been described as emotionally-authentic, uniquely contemporary, raw and visually stunning. She’s had a solo exhibition, been numerous group and selected exhibitions and has been shortlisted as Emerging Artist of the Year Craft NSW and finalist numerous art prizes and awards. Full CV here: http://theartofweaving.com.au/about-2/

Karen Visser Bio
Karen Visser was given her first camera in primary school and the seeds of a lifelong passion for photography were sown. She has consistently explored methods of photography which allow her to search for moments that evoke an emotion, a feeling of poetry or music within the imagery.

She has studied photography in Australia and Europe, and in 2009 developed a series of ‘Intimate Botanicals’ which involved exploring scanography. Her current series of ‘Photographic Impressionism’ images explore the ethereal atmospheric sensitivity within our natural environs.

Her first exhibition was held in 2013, and has since deepened her desire to share through her eyes the unrivaled natural beauty of our treasured coastlines, fascinating sculptural rockscapes and diverse natural bush.

Play isn’t just for children. Why adults need to play more.

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I’m a big believer in play and it’s certainly helped in creating more innovation, engagement and joy for me both personally and professionally.

For me, slowing down and playing more has been the key to my health and happiness. As children we play in an unstructured way, but as adults our play tends to be competitive and goal orientated. That really sucks, as unstructured play fuels your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. Who doesn’t want that!

Here are four reasons why you should be slowing down and playing more:

1. Your stress levels go down

Play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins. Having a hobby where you can sit down for a few hours and block out the constant noise of society can work wonders for your mental health and stress levels.

2. Stimulate your mind

Engaging in slow and creative activities has been proven to benefit the brain by working both hemispheres. We need to actively tap into logic and problem solving, but also the creative and imaginative side of our minds.

3. Work is more fun and innovative

Play at work encourages us to take more creative risks and think more innovatively. I know from personal experience that it increases energy and prevents burnout. It helps you see problems in new ways.

4. You form stronger connections with the world around us

Play helps with reconnecting to moments in time. We are so disconnected from nature in this digital world that we’re barely pay attention to what’s around us. Moments are missed because we are more concerned with the iPhone in our hand, than simple moments of joy.

Last Sunday I spent the morning finger painting with my nephew. That moment in time was so simple, joyful and colourful it was unforgettable. There was no construct around the perfect artwork… was all about play.

What are you going to do to create more play in your life and business?

Tweetable: Play isn’t just for kids. Exploring play benefits you and your business bit.ly/2dYT18G

Being a NoMo on Mother’s Day

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On Mother’s day, Facebook is awash of images of mother’s with their children. But when you’re not a mother, this can be challenging.

You can share in others’ joy for their families, but it certainly can lead to feeling like an outsider. All the more reason to ditch social media for the day and hang out with friends – like in – you know – real life!

It was fitting that on this day, I was featured in Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Style talking about NoMos (not mothers).

One in four women in Australia will remain childless and so many feel judged, deal with thoughtless questions and inaccurate perceptions.

For me, time and circumstance did not cross paths, and now I share my experience as a NoMo with honesty so others can have the courage to share their stories and feel connected in a society which sees family and mothers as the norm.

Take a read of this great article by Beverley Hadgraft “Stop Judging women who don’t have kids”.

Why solitude is good for business (and your life)

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Recently I decided to have a holiday on my own. I’m not talking about booking a room at a fancy hotel for a couple of days R&R. I chose to walk about half of the world famous (and gorgeously beautiful) Great Ocean Walk in Victoria on my own.

While I’m a born hiker, I’ve never walked on my own. While some of my friends and family were concerned, I just knew I would be okay. I just knew it.

The thing was. I craved solitude.

Why it was joyful
I loved the solitude because I deliberately chose it. It didn’t have any tinge of loneliness because it was self imposed and intentional which felt positive. It allowed a settling of thoughts and a burst of creativity. It allowed me to simply let ideas and concepts float to the surface.

Walking my own path
I didn’t need to fit in with other’s priorities or needs, just my own. So often in our lives – personal and professional – we can walk on paths that others choose for us – or that circumstances of life chooses for us.

As I was walking all I could hear were my footsteps, the crashing of waves against the massive cliffs and the rustling of gum leaves in the trees. At times, I was joined by butterflies as I walked my path. It truly felt like my path.

Connected but isolated
Even though I was on my own I felt really connected. So incredibly connected to the world around me, to my creativity, to my thoughts and ideas, to my sense of self and to the people who texted me every evening to make sure I was safe.

Seeing the beauty
As I walked I took the time to create ephemeral sculptures. Finding interesting sticks, stones – whatever caught my eye, I created sculptures which I simply left there. This practice represents the transitory nature of our lives, our problems and issues we face. We can create beauty from simple things around us.

My walk was a gift to myself
My limbs were aching, my toenails bruised, and as I finished the last few kilometres I felt like a warrior woman. You know the “hear me roar” kind of feeling. I’m now back at work with renewed ideas energy for myself and my business.

Tweetable: Why solitude is good for business and yourself @CatrionaPollard bit.ly/20D4Pxp

Weaving my stories

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In October 2015 I had my first solo exhibition and the opening night was incredibly life affirming.

Putting the exhibition together was at times challenging, but never stressful. Love.Honour.Cherish was a collection of beautifully woven pieces that honour and worship the earth beneath our feet and the new growth that can emerge from it.

I sat for hours at a time on weeknights and weekends just working on my weaving. I spent most of my evenings after work in the six months leading up to the exhibition sitting on the floor surrounded by leaves and sticks.

For me weaving, it’s about being still and letting the beauty emerge.

I know this to be true. We all have new growth ready to emerge, and art and creativity can help you reconnect with your imagination, and give you new insights and perspectives. But remember, the key is to slow down and see what beauty emerges.

To see images of the sculptures from the exhibition go to theartofweaving.com.au

How Swapping My Computer for Outback Telly Opened My Heart

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I’m dusting red sand off my clothes and washing the smell of campfire out of my hair. I’ve just come back from a very special visit to the ‘Red Centre’ where I went camping and hiking in outback Central Australia.

I loved swapping my computer for outback telly (a campfire) and see the wondrous beauty all around me. For me, the power of natural beauty energises me; it makes my soul sing. I get snatches of nature in the city, but immersion has such restorative power.

See with your heart – on an Aboriginal sign at start of the walk at Kata Tjuta it read: ‘Hold in your heart the knowledge that this is a special place. Walk quietly, tread lightly.’ I think this applies across our lives.

Car chips start friendships – we were the last on the truck so we had to sit up the front with the driver (who was also our guide). I always take potato chips on long drives – I call them ‘car chips’ – and the words “would you like some car chips?” opened up days of fascinating conversations, insights and camaraderie with our guide.

When it rains, it’s beautiful – it never rains in the desert. Umm…yes it does. We got three out of the 12 days of the year it rains in Central Australia – not great when you’re camping and hiking. But it wasn’t until the sun came out that I realised how lucky I was to see the desert in the rain. The colours and light were beautiful.

Car cricket reminds you to never give up – in the country it’s tradition to wave to the driver of the car going past. Car cricket scores the waves – 5 points for a full hand wave, 1 for a pointer finger and so on. We played for beers with the guide and our goal was 50 points. Over the day we got to 50 but lost six because we were overtaken. We had lost! But at 7pm, on a dirt road, in the middle of nowhere in the desert, we came around a bend to see an ancient Bedford truck which slowed down for us to overtake. That was 6 points! We won! You never know what’s around the corner…

Oh, and take a backup torch – no electricity with a broken torch…means that you get changed in the dark and you’re probably wearing the same undies as yesterday!

Stepping away from the computer and your everyday brings moments you’ll never forget and new knowledge that you learn, not through your eyes or memory, but through your heart.

Maybe it’s time for you to stop, go quietly, tread lightly and open your heart to new experiences and beauty.

It’s moments in time that start journeys

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This piece is from Koh Samui (when there were about two huts on it) when I was 13 years old. My parents took my sister out of school and we backpacked around India & South East Asia for 6 months.

I’ve kept it all these years. I remember being enthralled that a piece of food would be handed to me in this vessel. And now all these years later I’m weaving pieces that I hope also enthrall and are treasured.

It’s moments in time that start journeys.

I’m working towards my first solo exhibition in October titled Love.Honour.Cherish and I’m deeply in the process of developing works that time to plan, percolate and then construct.

As a contemporary sculptural basket maker, my work represents the connection and relationship we have with our environment.

The unique beauty that surrounds us – which often we don’t notice.

I harvest plant material and salvage garden ‘waste’ to weave beautiful sculptural baskets and vessels.

With my sculpture I’m drawn to the idea about not buying material for my art, but using found organic material. Most of my work is with palm inflorescence (the large seed pods at the top of palm trees).

Next time you see one of these seed pods (or a piece of bark, a stick or leaf) maybe see something different. See what else it can be.

My weaving also acknowledges and redefines ‘women’s work’ so often dismissed as simply craft and objects that are functional that hold no beauty. My work acknowledges with deep respect the ancient art of weaving and functional pieces that are made with nothing but nimble fingers. Objects that were (and still are) used to feed, clothe and often house so many.

My work adds a contemporary layer to this ancient art form. I have dedicated time and energy in creating sculptures that explore my desire for “colouring outside the lines”.

I also spend time creating ephemeral works as I have an interest in the concept of impermanence within nature, and further, the juxtaposition of society’s current disconnection with nature. I use ephemeral artworks to explore these concepts. The process of disintegration of organic material – and spending a day creating art that is simply left to disintegrate is an integral aspect of this exploration.

So it’s moments in time that start journeys – but it’s also having the patience and dedication to stay with the twists and turns and a deep sense of joy of exploration.

My Love.Honour.Cherish exhibition explores our connection with nature and the juxtaposition of society’s current disconnection with it. Also the need to hold sacred our link to forests, bushland and trees. Our ancestry is so closely connected to the earth and the vines, leaves and plants that grow from it. Love.Honour.Cherish are works to honour and worship the earth beneath our feet, and the new growth that can emerge from it.

More information about the exhibition: https://www.facebook.com/events/820785618017733/

Check out my work at TheArtofWeaving.com.au

What is your Unknown To Expert sankalpa?

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I’ve been practicing yoga for many years and when you step on the mat, you set an intention for the practice. This creates a space where the practice connects your mind with your body, and offers a purpose beyond simply the physical.

An intention can be a simple word you dedicate your practice to that represents a value you’d like to bring into your life.

We also create a sankalpa; a short affirmation used to bring about positive change. It’s the short term goal to manifesting your reality.

Over time, your actions begin to align with your intentions. When you begin to understand what you are seeking from your practice, you can see how to direct energies and actions to get there.

It’s all about thinking about a value you’d like to bring into your life. So it could be: to show compassion more often, to laugh out loud today, or ditch the FOMO.

As I was practicing yoga recently it occurred to me that we can also set a sankalpa for other areas of our lives, such as moving from unknown to recognised expert.

Here are some ideas for setting your sankalpa for moving into the spotlight.

Acknowledging your blocks
Hey, we all have them in most areas of our lives. How far have you got to in the From Unknown To Expert 5 Star System? Your bio, your speaker’s profile, your blog…but not got any further. Maybe it’s time to start setting your intention each week to move forward. Send out your speaker’s profile or brainstorm those story ideas.

Taking a step everyday
Maybe your sankalpa is simply taking a step every day that acknowledges the value you can offer your community. The more people that share their ideas, opinions and knowledge, the better the world will be.

Stop comparing yourself to other people
While it can be great motivation to benchmark yourself against others, it can also result in living a smaller life because you don’t step up and move beyond “why does she have it, and I don’t”.

Curate content
Sounds simple: create and share content that’s valuable to your community. One way to raise awareness about your personal brand is to link to useful content – content that your followers want to share with their friends.

PR and media coverage
Amplify your PR. Posting media coverage is another great indirect promotion strategy. In this way you are providing people with an interesting read, which is also relevant to your brand and business.

Intentions and sankalpas aren’t uttered once and then forgotten about. In yoga, during challenging poses, we call forth our intention and allow it to power us through the posture.

In the same fashion, when you are having difficulty in your Unknown To Expert strategy, once your sankalpa is set, you’ll be able to call it forth when you need it, to guide your decisions and actions.

What we can learn from the world’s oldest female bodybuilder

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I was flicking through my Facebook feed and came across a story I wouldn’t normally click on, but something intrigued me about it. The title was “Meet The World’s Oldest Female Bodybuilder”, which you could easily dismiss as click bait.

I took the bait, and watched the incredible story of Ernestine Shepherd, who at 77 is the world oldest female body builder.

She started working out with her sister, who said “we should get into the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest female body builders”. A year later, sadly her sister died and Ernestine fell into a depression.

Then, in the video, she said something that really resonated with me:

“I made up my mind that I was going to fulfil the dream my sister wanted”.

She made up her mind. She decided to set a goal, and do what it took to achieve it. She gets up at 2:30 every morning, eats a mountain of egg whites, and then runs and goes to the gym.

While we may not all want to be a body builder, what we can take from Ernestine’s extraordinary story is that if we set our mind to something we can achieve it. But we have to first set our mind to it.

Moving from unknown to recognised expert requires that same approach. Just wishing you had more clients, more media coverage or could share your message with more people doesn’t work. You have to set goals and work towards achieving them.

I think the first place to start is with a sense of gratitude for the present and the future, and a joyful expectancy of the things you hope for.

Then ask yourself the question: “What would I dare to do if I knew I could not fail?”

You don’t have to share this with anyone, but writing these dreams down crystallizes them and gives them more force.

Now set precise goals, putting in dates, times and amounts so that you can measure achievement. If you do this, you’ll know exactly when you have achieved the goal, and can take complete satisfaction from having achieved it.

While we have people around us that support us and believe in our dreams, it’s our responsibility to create the life we want. We are ultimately responsible for our own joy and happiness, and to then share it.

So what are you going to make your mind up about today?