August: Olives & Goats

TIP OF THE MONTH

I hope that you have had, or are enjoying your summer (sorry about this Northern Hemisphere perspective. . . )

I wanted to share some olive tree inspiration that led me into creating a holiday sculpture. It is my intent that this inspires you to create your own art on your holidays and trips. For those in the southern hemisphere, you can apply these tips to your upcoming summer holidays!

Check out the olive trees, they are seemingly timeless. They are survivors, they have lived through wars, pandemics and time. They have been influenced and have literally grown into their personalities. Check out the twists and turns that each unique tree makes. Ooooh if only they could speak in our language! These trees are also producers of olives which contain a potent multipurpose oil. Olive oil is used today both for medicinal purposes as culinary uses. So needless to say, it is an honor being in the presence of these trees. I also love the fact that this particular olive grove has been passed down in my greek side of the family from generation to generation. So it was also fun to explain this to our sons and show them their ‘M’ marked trees. . .  and how important it is to take care of these trees and how special these groves are.

Just then a goat wanted to appear. As you have observed by now is that I’m passionate about creating art. . .sculpture. . .drawings. .. paintings. . .epressions in 2D and 3D. So of course what a better way to connect with this moment than to create. I wanted to work in a simple way. . .simple, available materials and such. I directly saw the dumpsters with cardboard as a source of unlimited possibilities. All I needed was a glue gun. . .well that was easy to find in the village. After the main structure of the goat was done, Noah came over with some eucalyptus tree bark that he found on the dirt. It was so beautiful. It had such subtle camouflage colorations. Hmmm, I wasn’t sure if it would stick with hot glue through. . .so a little testing proved that it works like a charm!

I was sold and delighted with this solution, as in the back of my mind, I wanted to create with wood. So yes, another testimony to how strong our subconscious mind can be in determining the future. . . 

And so the GOAT came alive. It is participating in a group show at Avlonas outdoor restaurant and gardens.

x Daniella

Do give the tip of this month a go, at the end of this newsletter. Feel free to contact me to explore your next chapter together, regardless of location. Skype, Whattsap Video, Zoom and Facetime at our fingertips, locations know no boundaries!

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