Far-wide are known the Walrus. But have you heard of Ralwus? With tusks that arch along their spine, And scales that shimmer as they shine, The Ralwus are most friendly chaps, Who take the most substantial naps… But do not wake a sleeping Ral— For you might hear it’s mighty call, Then all will know the Ralwus, Such as they know the Walrus!
“Wake the Ralwus” by Kristy Fae
So you got that right? Do not wake this incredible sleeping beast— or wait, maybe you should? After all, wouldn’t the world benefit from knowing about such a unique, beautiful, and LOUDLY talented creature? This goes for all of us, not just the Ralwus. Don’t hide your voice, your presence, your gifts from the world. Rather shout them out to the ever-changing skies and across the wild and tumultuous seas… because you are unique, beautiful and talented. You make a difference just by being you, so don’t hide YOU in a silent slumber. Take up space. Make noise. Be seen.
Is there a passion, a talent, or another form of self-expression that you’ve been keeping to yourself? Can you let it OUT this week!? Even just a little? If so, comment below! Let us find that majestic beast and sing out our mighty Ralwus calls together…
IT’S TIME TO WAKE THE RALWUS!
Thanks for reading! Continue to Follow Your Creativity@artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
This week is all about reconnecting with the joy of your childhood self!
Anyone who knows me well, will tell you that I am more than just a fan of stuffed animals/plushies, and the truth is, I have always been. You know how they say that nothing is permanent? EXCEPT for my love of stuffies, that will outlast us all 😉
A few days ago, I went into my favourite toy store for plushy oogling (Kaboodles in downtown Victoria BC) and perhaps some purchasing too. I was lovingly telling the staff about what a giant kid I am still at age 37, and how my bed is more critter than Kristy. To my surprise, they informed me that most of their clientele who came in for these stuffed bundles of furry joy were adults— and especially so since this whole global pandemic hit. It made sense, despite the surprise, because after all, don’t all humans need affection, physical touch, comfort and… the ability to unconditionally and uncontrollably SNUGGLE, KISS, and PET a soft and loveable cutie at any given WHIM!? Well…you get the point. I’m a sensory person, I’m an animal lover, I’m a critter admirer, and I’m a cuddle fanatic. What else can I say, these squish-able, squeezable sacks of snug-fest spell out J-O-Y for me even on the darkest of days! And turns out I’m not alone.
Kristy Fae in Her Happy Place!
So plush or other, what’s your J-O-Y bringer? Think back to some of your happiest, earliest childhood memories. Perhaps a favourite place, thing, game, food, activity etc comes to mind? Do you melt at the thought of rolling in a pile of warm, freshly dried laundry? Do that. Did hand painting let loose your inner hysterical Picasso? Hit up the dollar store for some quick art supplies. Were you a flower-crown prince or princess? Head to the park and get pickin’! If nothing comes to mind, try something you’ve always wanted to, or YouTube “fun activities for kids” for inspiration.
Whatever it is that will light up your soul, give it a whirl. And do not let anyone convince you that you are too old, or too mature, or that the thing is meant for another gender identity than yours, or any other excuse. Because it’s not true. Also, the people who refuse to play and delight in the simple and creative joys of life, are the ones who need it the most. So don’t listen to them! Just revel in the thing and let your sweet, childlike joy bubble up and remind you what living in this world can REALLY feel like!
Then share what you did with a friend or a loved one and encourage them to get in on the game…come on, let’s play!
Living in Western Canada has me feeling extra blessed lately as Spring has begun to grace us with Her beautiful presence! The Cherry Blossom trees have outdone themselves, painting the streets and parks with inspirational fragrance and colour. I couldn’t help but create something in their honour, and these playful petalled pixies proved just the thing— I call them the Cherry Blossom Bluxsoms! And fear not if Spring is not abound in your local, for nature’s inspiration is always bountiful in any season. What has provoked you to get creative, playful or otherwise inspired lately? If you’re needing a nudge, I suggest taking a peek outside of your window.
If you liked these nature-inspired creations, stay tuned for my upcoming whimsical Self-Love Oracle Deck that will feature more of such flowerlings along with other magical creatures and monsters. Subscribe here or follow @artofnonsense on Facebook, InstagramandYouTubeor visit theArt of Nonsense Shop
Until next time, keep an eye out for those impishly fleeting inspirations and, as always, Follow Your Creativity!
Sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics. And while we may talk a lot about creativity and how to get creative, perhaps we don’t discuss often enough what creativity and being creative actually is.
The Oxford Dictionary (www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com) defines “creativity” as “the use of skill and imagination to produce something new or to produce art.” I find this interesting, because I would argue that creativity extends much further than this definition…further than creating a tangible something out of nothing or finishing with something that “qualifies” as art.
Are we not using creativity when putting together our outfit in the morning or when planning an exciting outing or activity? Are we not being creative in the way we view the world when we pick out faces in trees or imagine what it would be like to fly? And is creativity not found in the most mundane moments when we tell a joke or problem solve a block in the road?
Perhaps, though, it is just my understanding of the definition that is limiting. After all, to “produce something” is pretty vague and doesn’t necessarily mean that there needs to be something physical created to qualify as a creative pursuit. Maybe what we create is a new aesthetic, a new experience, a new viewpoint, possibility, perspective or energy. I want to challenge people who don’t view themselves as “creative” because they don’t produce “art”. Meanwhile, these same people may be building literal bridges, solving mathematical problems, making scientific discoveries, or finding ways to help other people in countless ways. ALL EXTREMELY CREATIVE THINGS! Creativity is limitless, and I believe, that as humans and monsters, we are inherently all creative— just in different ways! So if you haven’t ever done so, or need a more recent update, give yourself a good pat on the back or a mental congratulations for being a creative being! Because you are.
It’s going to feel like I jumped ship here and swam to another topic, but bear with me because I promise this next part relates. I am personally someone who really loves creating new and original things, especially, as you may know, in the realm of monsters and stories and other whimsical artwork. It brings me such joy to let my imagination (literally) run wild, sometimes without a clue as to where it will lead. To me, this is fun, exciting, fulfilling and intensely pleasing to my visual senses and mental processes. I love this so much that sometimes I forget that creativity can be expressed in other ways. As a result, I end up setting very high expectations for myself to always create “new and incredible things.” But the fact is, while some healthy goals or incentives can be helpful, a pile of unachievable expectations is definitely not. What that pile creates is stress, and stress, as some of you may have realized by this point in your lives, is a creativity BUMMER. It’s usually counterproductive to creativity. So isn’t the idea of just letting yourself have some freedom over what you feel like doing, thinking, trying, creating— well, freeing? What would happen if you just let yourself DO without worrying about the outcome? After all, if you, like me, have decided to expand the definition of “creativity” altogether, it pretty much doesn’t matter what you choose to do… you will be successful in your endeavour to get creative.
With this in mind, considering I have been learning how to draw digitally after years of drawing on paper and hitting the to-be-expected learning curves, I recently decided to focus on replicating other people’s artwork rather than creating original illustrations for a little while! GASP! Now calm down, it’s not like I am claiming to be the original artist nor am I selling this work. It’s practise. It’s fun. It’s (for me) different. And guess what? Turns out it is also both educational AND creative. DOUBLE GASP! There is something about following a step-by-step tutorial or replicating an artwork that a) takes the pressure off of needing to come up with “new and incredible things” and b) allows you to play, flow, experiment and discover in new and creative ways. No more thinking up an idea for two hours before having a subject to paint. You just paint. No more worrying about perfection in each stroke because it doesn’t matter! It’s just you and a creative process, done deal.
Now I know, this is not revolutionary. People do this all the time. It’s even taught in art schools. You replicate other people in many fields other than art too, to learn and to get a feel for something that isn’t yours. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t revolutionary for me or for some others who would benefit from a nudge. Basically, all I’m saying is to get out of your own head and try something that is new and different for you. Do something in a way you normally wouldn’t and just see what happens.
Here are my four different renderings from Jess Bircham’s fox tutorial. The original image did not come from my creative mind, but I suppose the renderings did! So in the end, I created something “new” regardless, didn’t I? And moving on from this experience, I will continue to make other “new and incredible things”— maybe even in new and incredible ways…
Four Fox Renderings by Kristy Fae based on Tutorial by Jess Bircham
If you like the idea of trying an art tutorial, I highly recommend that you check out the amazing Jess Bircham’s digital fox illustration tutorial or search for a tutorial in your chosen medium or subject on YouTube! If you do, make sure to share with the hashtag #copycatcreativity and always continue to… Follow Your Creativity!
The Grim Bitter sneaked into my home last week, and asked me, please, to play. The Grim, you should know, is the gnarliest soul, and not in a cool ol’ way. I know not whether the Grim is more bitter than grim, or more grim than the bitterest thing, But when I denied his request, what did manifest, was nothing that I was expecting! He sat down on his rump, with a roar and a thump, atop all of my chores and to-dos, His face in a frown, he crossed his arms proud, and when I asked him to leave— he refused! “I’ve got things to do, oh why won’t you move!?” but my cries only pleased him much more, “Fine then, I’LL go—” and I tried, but oh no, where he sat, he was blocking the door! So I huffed and I puffed and I shoved and I snuffed until I felt completely enraged, Then I chased him about with a broom and a shout, until my whole house— rearranged! On this went for a week, without food, drink or sleep, to the point that I gave in and sat, And together we groaned, and we pouted and moaned, ’til at last we had no more to add. Then when we were done, he said, “Thanks for the fun!” and went off on his unpleasant way… So if the Grim Bitter calls, it may be wise not to stall— but instead to appease him and play!
The Grim Bitter
Sometimes you just have to acknowledge your frustrations, sit with those uncomfortable feelings, and let out your upset so you can move on and get back to living your life! Whether it’s throwing paint at a canvas, letting yourself cry, taking a day off for yourself, talking to a trusted loved one or a professional— or anything else than helps— well, as the old saying goes: better OUT than IN! What’s your favourite way of blowing off steam when you’re feeling grim or bitter? Let me know in the comments below!
Hello fellow fans of Nonsense. It was a week inspired by watching the 2019 series “Dickinson” about the infamous poet. Seeing Emily’s conflict with confidence in her poetry had me reflecting on how many artists (including me) struggle with their self-worth, feeling “not good enough” and a fear of being seen. The following poem ensued, as well as this silly little self-portrait, both of which I actually quite love! Be warned that I may exaggerate slightly in the poem and that it is by no means meant to be self-deprecatory— quite the opposite rather. It is meant to be empowering! Wouldn’t it liberating to just celebrate the joy of creating and what it means to you, rather than being pulled down by the weight of perfectionism, expectation, and judgement? Create whatever makes you happy, dear ones. And remember, if you create, you are already an artist. So go and claim the title! I challenge you to create a quick 20-30 minute self-portrait this week, and share it on social media with the #drawyourselfchallenge
Kristy Biscuit Self-Portrait
“A Bad Artist” by Kristy Biscuit
Some may call me a bad artist, Not because the work I create is mediocre— But because I don’t obey the confines, I like to colour outside the lines In the most literal sense. I love imperfection. I don’t stay inside the box Of what it means to be a “good little artist”. I don’t need to fit in, I don’t like to characterize My work by comparison to genres, Or to other artists, Be them classic, contemporary or whatnot. What I create is beautiful, But not perfect enough to fall Under any fancy terms. And what I create is original, Yet not different enough To be called revolutionary. Some may call me a bad artist, Because I don’t know the trends. I don’t walk the walk, I don’t talk the talk, Whilst visiting fancy art shows. I don’t pay hundreds or thousands, or more, To hang art on my walls To honour those “more” talented than me. My walls drip with my own creations, Proudly. Yes, I prefer to create Over viewing other’s work— Though I occasionally do, And am sometimes inspired— But my preference lies In my own muddied hands, Muddled face, Crumpled pages. Yes, I prefer to create. For creation is my fire. Creation, my air. Creation, my water. Creation, the earth I tread upon. Some may call me a bad artist, But I say, I am a Great One, Because what I create is mine. It is my joy, And nothing matters more.
Whether you’re currently out there dodging, seeking, or tending to cupid’s arrow, you’ve probably noticed that it’s February— and February is a month abundant in reminders of love, hearts, chocolate and otherwise festive symbols and gestures. Despite any prevalent customs, Valentine’s Day is still a very different experience for each and every one of us. For some, yes, romantic and exciting; for others sorrowful; and for certain people, dull or meaningless…and the list goes on. Like any other day on planet Earth, we don’t know what our fellow humans are going through, how they’re feeling, or what they’ve endured. May this time of year remind us to be gentle, compassionate, and loving: to ourselves; to our loved ones; to the strangers we pass throughout our day; and to all people and living things outside of our bubbles, our cities, and even our countries.
Love knows no bounds. And in order to celebrate LOVE from whatever position you’re viewing it from this February, I’d like to offer you this sweet and loving Heart Monster! Feel free to print him out, colour him brightly, and fill in the hearts with people or beings you’d like to send love out to this month! Let this Heart Monster be a reminder that love is in our own hearts first and foremost, and that we can extend it outwards into the world just by setting the intention to do so. I hope you enjoy this fun monster colouring page and I would love to hear about who you filled your hearts with (and I recommend including YOU!) in the comments below…
Whether you’re a student of art, a professional artist, or a creative dabbler, it’s important to step away from the confines of projects and end results once in a while (or even more often than that preferably). Giving yourself time to experiment, scribble, scratch, doodle— and otherwise mess around— can not only be fun and therapeutic, but it can also give way to creations and ideas that could inspire a future project. You never know just what you might find: an outlet, a new technique, or a wacky character that jumps off the page and steals your heart! Here’s the little one born of my scribbles this week… what do you think? Should this Scribbler have his own story?
What Will Your Scribbles Give Life To?
Take some time out this week to do something creative just for the sake of doing it! No means to an end. No agenda. No perfectionism. No erasing or un-doing even! Hide away from distractions and technology while you do it. Give it your full attention. Run wild with it! Take special notice of how you feel during the process— I’d love to hear about your experience and see what you end up with!
Happy Monster Monday everyone! Today I’d like to share a few of my favourite masters of monsters and creatures. These talented artists and storytellers brought such wonder and magic to my life growing up (and continue to do so! In fact, I just received Dr. Seuss’ “The Sleep Book” this past Christmas at my request!).
Their characters and tales transport me to imaginative lands; bring smiles and gasps and sometimes tears to my face; feed my creative soul with curiosity and a sense of endless possibilities; and make my heart sing with sheer delight as I fall under their utterly whimsical spells. As a kid, there was nothing like that feeling of opening a book or pressing play on a movie inspired by my idols.
I believe they, and many others who created the content I devoured as a young one, had a huge impact on how I think, create, and dream the way I do… and they inspire me to create content that has this effect on others as well. Gratitude fills my colourful heart for the dedication and brilliance of Dr. Suess, Tim Burton, Beatrix Potter, Jim Henson, Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, Robert Munsch, Brian Froud, and so many others. For what is life without a bit of magic and imagination? Here are a few samples of their works:
Dr. Seuss‘s “The Sleep Book”
Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit“
Jim Henson’s “The Muppets”
Roald Dahl’s “The BFG”, illustrated by Quentin Blake
You know those days when your energy is so low that you just want to find a burrow to crawl into? Sometimes it’s better to just give in and allow yourself the break you need. ‘Nuf said…
Play. Create. Discover... 