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creative kindred conversation :: hali karla

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hello beautiful souls! thank you for your patience as i’ve navigated the journey into motherhood. i’m so excited to connect with you again after focusing solely on my precious angel baby the past two months. (you can check out baby j here where i’m constantly sharing our latest photos).

i couldn’t be more thrilled to share my next creative kindred conversation with you below. hali karla is a contemplative artist and writer whose commitment to her craft and generous glimpses into her creative practice captivated me. a fellow art journaler, hali creates the most vivid and soul stirring pages layered with meaning and emotion. you’ve got to follow her on instagram–she frequently shares her latest creations there–((gorgeous)). i so enjoyed this conversation with dear hali, as she shares the philosophy behind her creativity and a practical, in depth look at her life as an artist. enjoy!

hali quote

:: Your name and where you dwell.

I have to giggle, because even this seemingly uncomplicated question has more than one answer for me. Most people know me as Hali (with a long ‘a’). Names are funny things, though, aren’t they? Some of us have several, marking moments in time and story. I chose Hali many years ago in a time of healing and re-claiming self. My last name, Karla, is my husband’s surname – and, to me, using it represents the life we are committed to creating together – it is a team effort, for sure. I have a different birth name, which I still respond to – and interestingly, complete strangers will sometimes accidentally call me by that name. That always stops me in my tracks. There is also another name – the one that just IS – said to me first in ceremony not long after i chose Hali. That is the name I feel closest to, and most intimate with. It anchors me to my centered truth, like a prayer.

I dwell in the waters of creative process and love for the energy of life. I plant my feet in the magical, soft blue mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.

:: Share what your creative practice looks and feels like. 

Creative practice is a way of approaching life to me. In all the moments. A way of seeing. A way of choosing to see. I practice the perspective, and build my muscles of perspective shifting, through painting and writing, first and foremost. Painting and visual journaling open me to the channels of intuition, to the alchemy of seeing and visioning – beyond, before and after the limitations of verbal expression. They also marry my tendency toward the contemplative with the freedom of conscious play – there is a powerful harmony for me in this. Writing can be a similar practice, ironically enough. Word-wrangling and blending has always been both challenging and rewarding to me, since I was a wee one – because I see the multitudes of meaning in most things rather quickly, literally and metaphorically. Both the visual and written processes feed one another for me, in a deep way. Today, in describing it, it feels like the visual world is how I tap in to a deeper level of consciousness and awareness, while the writing becomes the delightful song of translation of what I discover and remember there.

Truly, though – I have a medicine bag of practices, because my needs and expressions are vast and dynamic – and I’ve come to embrace this (whereas I used to think I was a bit flighty). So there is also music-making through piano, ukelele, flute, tank drum, and lately, spontaneous songs made up of ‘vocables.’ I feel shy to share about that even in written word, as it is something new moving through me – but it is a powerful way of becoming presence. I also reach toward cooking, or making household and body lotions-n-potions, as a way of moving into a different zone of creativity.

I also spend a good amount of time doing no-thing, in and with nature – this too, is part of my creative process. Listening. Being. Seeing. Revering. Harvesting the medicine of Being With for my own dispensary. Celebrating silently within. Praying. Practicing this awareness of our inherent connection to All.

 halione

:: Describe your creative practice in three words.

Three words just won’t do. I’m hyphenating. :)

Mystical-Truth-Tending. Trust-in-Love. Grounded-in-Gratitude.

:: What or who inspires you?

In moments, in the being, nothing inspires me like the Mama Nature and creation sparking Life within and around us – becoming, evolving, dissolving and becoming again. From cells to rocks and trees, from stars to core lava, rivers, bugs, four-leggeds, and those of feather and fin. Except maybe witnessing people in the moment that they realize and feel that they are a whole, perfect expression of that fierce and tender miracle. The mysterious Spirit of Life is what really lights me up inside. That can feel abstract to some – but to me it is quite tangible.

I am also inspired deeply by acts of devotion from every-day people. This is a two-part meaning. Of course there are amazing people out there with earned notoriety for a string of many great acts or one ‘huge’ one… but I find myself moved most intimately by stories of courageous choices, compassionate voice and brave humility that make a difference in day-to-day interactions and quality of life for one another – from ordinary people. Those that value relations and honest connection enough to do the thing, say the thing, see and be seen, give the time, change the behavior, in a way that is un-normal or out of their comfort zone, and in the face of looking inconsistent or even foolish. This inspires me. The other part of my meaning here is that I am inspired by those who know their devotion, their message, their reason, their burning inquiry – and live as a disciple to the realization and expression of this truth they carry. Artists and musicians can be like this. Healers. Mystics and many more. I’m enamored with them all… and it is helpful, because I aspire to this myself. It is helpful to seek inspiration and support from those who model a path similar to ours – it can be like balm in hard times.

halitwo

:: How do you “love through” obstacles or stagnancy back to your creative center and passion?

Great question – this has evolved over the years in my practice – thank goodness. It didn’t always look like “loving through” at all. The first approach is to wait and Do Nothing specific at all – other than to direct any impatience and negative language toward more loving inner dialogue. It often runs its course – or the illusion of the obstacle becomes more apparent.

Another approach, and a great supplement to the first, is to get back in my body. Movement, exercise, massage, dance. Drop in to my skin, and get the lymph, blood and oxygen moving again, to all the parts. Let the energy flow and have an outlet. I’ve found, for me, stuckness is usually about emotional energy that needs to be moved, and not being present to something – what is happening, what is coming up or changing, or my truth. And the cure often lies in the wound… meaning if I feel stuck or obstructed, then get moving, OR just the opposite…

A third approach, get real still, intentionally quiet and listen in for a bit – best done in communion with nature, in my experience. Rest into what is, stop fighting to know what to DO and just Be for awhile. In that space, I often find that I can hear my muse more clearly and just how to show up to my center and practice becomes the obvious antidote. Maybe that’s because a devotional love toward nature IS one of my passions.

Creativity, like much of the healing that our body is capable of, has a funny way… it is always happening, and it will rise organically to work its magic if we get out of the way and let it do its thing. Letting ourselves move through the natural pace of our creative process – including the stuckness resolving itself – can be a radical act of love, indeed.

:: Describe your creative space and atmosphere. 

I create at home – for my livelihood and well-being. I have a studio in a little building separate from the house, and this bit of separation feels important. Yet in all honesty, I create in our living room as much as I do in the studio. Our whole living space is devoted to creating a life that supports and inspires us as artists – and for me, this includes my spirituality, which is very much part of every act, every day, as much as I can remember. So, while we have the ongoing project clutter of two energetic creative spirits to contend with, we also have small altars in most rooms, or other intentional touchstones (like musical instruments) or tools of ritual that keep us centered in our art and our why.

There is often an aromatic – smell is a powerful anchor into the moment. I burn sage, sweetgrass or cedar everyday – and it lingers, which I appreciate. I am mostly a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, with crazy socks and boots or moccasins, yet sometimes feel more me in flow-y things – I just go with my mood, but comfort has become a must. You can bet that for the majority of most days my hair is a little tousled and wild. There are a few accessories that are always present when I paint and write, though – the turquoise ring my mom gave me, my wedding band, my mala bracelets and one of my medicine necklaces – pouch, amulet or bead. Most jewelry I wear, when I choose to wear it at all, imbues an intention for me.

halifive

:: Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy that guides your creativity?

There are so many – I am a Lover of good quotes. Applying non-attachment with loving devotion has really liberated my practice experience and amplified my intuitive connection, but mostly at the core for me, my philosophy is this: Trust your Truth.

:: Three must have products or tools you use in your creative process?

Mixed Media sketchbook (I like both Canson and Strathmore, as well as Moleskine), A journal for writing (my preferences change with each one), Paint (This year, I’ve been enjoying Koi field watercolors, Gouaches and Golden Hi-Flows, but acrylics are my favorite – any kind or brand to mix it up is interesting to me)

:: Any advice or words of wisdom to share with aspiring artists?

Your greatest allies are your sense of humor and curiosity – keep them close. Have a small circle of supportive people in your life who ‘get’ what you do, or at least why you do it. Loosen that grip on seeking meaning and making plans and just make your Art – every damn day… the meaning moves through you in the making. Keep a written journal alongside your practice – it can be as simple as a sentence stating your intention for the day before you begin, and then a sentence or two noting what you learned, liked, didn’t like, experimented with or realized during your art-making session. Then review that journal once or twice a year – your meaning, message and why will be all over those pages, with little effort at all. Just do what you love and be willing to stretch your comfort to see what you’re capable of. Trust your dynamic truth.

halithree

:: What current project are you working on that excites you?

Wellll… I didn’t mention it above, but a huge part of my art right now is about gathering artists and visionaries together for unique collaborative offerings that give them the space to bring to a shared table whatever is inspiring them most at the time. I’m currently doing behind the scenes prep work for the second year of my Holistic Creative workshop, Spectrum – where creative journaling is highly encouraged as a way of working through the invitations. It is evolving and some things are shifting for next year, and the creatives involved are *so* holistically inspiring that I’m just bubbling over with excitement. I also coordinate the artists for the 21 Secrets Art Journaling workshop, and the Spring line-up is another fantastic group of artists to be connected with. I truly get excited about working with creatives.

Also, I’m a guest teacher for another *amazing* program called Birthing Ourselves Into Being. This program woke me up and supported my own evolution several years ago when I did a little self-study with it, and it is so exciting to get to be a part of the amazing line-up of teachers they have for the 2015 curriculum.

ANNNND… I’m in the middle of a certificate program just for me, on Spirituality, Health and Healing. The sage in me dives in and savors the courses, which help me with articulating some of what I’ve experienced in my own journey as an artist, hospice nurse and seeker – as well as how art, spirit and healing are intimately connected. It’s like an infusion to my creative practices, percolating and marrying with the evolution of my expressions and offerings.

:: Where can we find you?

I write a couple of love-notes to my subscribers each month HERE.
My BLOG
I love Instagram
People seem to enjoy my Pinterest also
On Facebook, you can follow my page HERE, or friend me HERE
I’m not on Twitter much, but I want to give a fresh try in 2015. Find me HERE.

halifour

:: Anything else you’d like to share?

Just a heap of gratitude for this chance to reflect, and for you, Erica, and the light you shine in the world, and for everyone reading and witnessing me articulate my process in this season. You are Whole. You are Creative. You are Life. And I feel blessed to connect in this way.

click here to read more conversations with beautiful & brave creative kindreds.


Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: art journaling, artist, creative kindred conversation, interview

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