What Inspires Me

Have you watched Soul? The animated movie from Disney Pixar? 

If you haven’t, watch it.

But don’t watch this next clip because it’ll spoil the movie for you. Actually, set down your phone or close your laptop. Don’t read any further until you’ve watched the movie, and then come back. 

…

Ok, now that you’ve watched it, I know I won’t spoil anything for you. (phew!)

Here is one of my favourite clips (there are *many*) :

This life of ours is a funny thing. As wondrous as it is, we get caught up in some tough stuff and miss out on beauty all around us. I’ve been there. More than once.

And that’s ok. If you’re there right now, it’s ok. 

I think that’s why art means so much to me. It’s my way of remembering (or sometimes, trying to remember) how to find the beauty in life again. Because, when you find it, it truly is beautiful. Like, right-to-your-core-everything-makes-sense-beautiful.

It’s why I keep coming back for more. Art is my connection to whatever that is.

This past summer, I created one of my favourite paintings. I’m so proud of it. It makes me remember one of the best days on Loftquist Lake (see blog post below) – the weather was perfect, the water was beautiful, and it inspired me to paint again.

I decided to make prints of Solace so that I could share my painting with you. After weeks of adjusting files and testing variations of ink on paper (process pics below), the printers (bless them for their incredible work) have created a print that I am so excited to share.

A limited edition of 50 prints are now available for purchase. 20% of the profits will be donated to Nipigon-Red Rock District High School to support their sports program. Ethan is graduating this year, and this is my way of thanking the school for the work they do.

As a teacher who has worked there for over 20 years, I see it every day: the commitment from my colleagues who make our small school so much more in so many ways. Both Ethan and Alison were lucky to attend our school, and became better people because of it.

Each print of Solace has an image size of 15 x 24″ with a one inch border. The paper measures 17 x 26″. If you are interested in purchasing a print, send me a message: colleen@colleenrose.ca or via Instagram @ColleenKR.

Prints are $90 but because this is also a way to give back to the school, you are welcome to make an extra donation if you would like to.

Thank you!

Thank you to the printers, who have met with me *outside of regular hours* on several occasions, to make it easier for someone who lives out of town. I appreciate your hard work!

Check out the making of Solace in the blog post below:

Totally Worth It