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.

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

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.

fute-tip-143-a

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?

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

The joy of NoMo

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”.

ABOUT CATRIONA POLLARD

Catriona Pollard Speaker and Trainer in Social Media