11 Comments
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Shan's avatar

Such good thoughts! I think the unique thing we can give the world as artists often lies at the intersection of seemingly opposing or non-related interests.

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Orla Stevens's avatar

thank you, and absolutely! it's such an interesting process to connect threads together & see what newness emerges. Have you been exploring blending things together lately? I want to try pull maps and snorkelling together somehow...

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Fiona Flaherty's avatar

I loved the latest video, Orla!

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Orla Stevens's avatar

aw thanks so much! :)

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Melissa's avatar

Sounds fantastic ❤️ I live in New Zealand and it's summer here at the moment. I am always inspired by the changing seasons. I love to paint colourful flowers in summer and soon when the season changes, my art will reflect my joy for autumn.

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Orla Stevens's avatar

The seasons are so inspiring, and what a landscape to call home! It must be beautiful to see that transition reflected in your art too 💙

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ColorSpotter's avatar

Very inspiring article! I Like the idea of combining different ideas and sources of inspiration to see what new connections can be made or finding common points, often not immediately visible. That allows me to develop my own ‘language.’ Recently I find lots of inspiration in visiting exhibitions, not only from the exhibition itself but from the space and experience of that space and art... It is also a much more focused and more definite inspiration compared to viewing the art online and ending up overwhelmed. It is interesting how a physical space (especially when it is well designed) allows us to breathe and think.

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Orla Stevens's avatar

thanks so much - I love your substack name by the way! 100% that's how I've been finding my voice too. Ohhhhh that's so interesting; I had a similar conversation recently with a friend, but instead of pace it was books for him. There's so much in layout and presentation to impact and inform the work! Absolutely - It somehow makes the art feel more, y'know? you just can't beat real world depth :)

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Tuğba Avci's avatar

I love the idea of combining unexpected things together. I started creating visual art last year. Before that, I mostly did written art with a bit of photography here and there. Last year, I embraced all of my creative interests and tried different workshops such as oil painting, ceramics, printmaking, and even drumming classes. I was putting pressure on myself to decide on a specific focus until I realised that everything I do in life can be a source of inspiration for combining ideas. It's great to see you on Substack, Orla :) I've been following your work on YouTube for a while now!

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Orla Stevens's avatar

Oooh wow, do you ever pull the written art & photography in to your practice now? That's so good; I often feel that trap or pressure too, but all those things feed the work! So, I try to remind myself as much as possible, the more the merrier haha :) aw lovely to have you here too! Thanks so much for following along :)

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Tuğba Avci's avatar

Yes, I included my photography in one of my posts here. I started sharing some of my artwork, too, now. I need to brainstorm more about ways to connect unexpected things.

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