I didn't know until joinging Artella and roaming around for the first week or two, how much I longed for...for lack of a better word..."a soul connection" with other artists. I have been isolated geographically and by some health challenges for 8 years, and I kept wishing I could get to workshops, take classes, visit galleries, like I used to before I could no longer work. When I joined Artella, I thought, oh good! Classes (I took the Digital Altered Book class)! A place to Shop! Artwork to look at!  But then as I wandered around ArtellaLand I began to read blogs and challenges and forums, and started responding. Suddenly, yesterday I understood that it was my "spirit and soul" that was starving....That it is from a nourished spirit and soul that creativity flows. I have probably experienced more emotion, during my travels in ArtellaLand, in the last few weeks, than in the last few years. It feels rich inside me again, and I can feel the withered leaves greening and stretching in a luxury of abundance. It is the heart and soul of the people in ArtellaLand that rained down into my aridness. The classes, the artwork, the shopping....they are really the fringe benefits. After each interaction, I know myself a little better and come more alive. I never knew that it was kindred spirits I longed for, and now, they are here.

I think every one of us felt the same way as you upon finding Artella and Artellaland.  We are very happy you are here with us!  Make sure you subscribe to Artella Zine/Magazine or at least order one copy.  The art combined with the words is mesmerizing.  We are doing a similar thing in the collaboration forums in case you haven't visited there yet.  One person puts up a poem or piece of art, and the rest of us react to it using our own words and/or art.  It is drawing all of so close together as well as helping us to deal with life's issues.       

Bill

Hi Bill, I have seen your name here and there and some of your artwork as I am beginning to visit the forums regularly and hope to participate often. I am paging throught the 2 free copies of Artella Zine I received when I joined, and it sure seems to me to be an invaluable resource - but it is good to have you confirm that! Hope to see you around, and thanks for taking the time to comment and say hi!  I do espeically like the collaborative forums and hope there are lots more!! Cheryl

Hi Cheryl!

It's good to see you exploring the Cafe Forums. I agree with Bill, many of us find this a wonderful place that nurtures the spirit. I have also found all of the folks here in Artella to be an awesome inspiration as well as encouraging and supportive. You mentioned that you liked your two free Artella Magazines. If you like freebies, I've been listing websites on my blog (http://artellacafe.com/blogs/glitter_girl/default.aspx) where you can find lots of freebies. And don't forget to stop into Annamarie's let's inspire each other blog. She has been designing her own freebies and posting them on her blog  for us to download.

                          Hugs,    Julie

Hi Julie - already went to both places and snagged some nice things. Annamarie's stuff is astounding. I offered to somehow do an "adoration barter, where she gave free images, and I gave her something from my studio" she could use.  Thanks for pointing me in their directions! Here in Artellaland, you just have to think outloud and a muse appears to guide you!  [ :-) ]  Cheryl

Hi Cheryl!

I'm glad you found the information useful. To play on Marney's theme, until recently, I never believed the concept that:  "If you need or want something, just put it out there or ask for it" and the Universe will deliver. Well, my belief system has changed. One day, I wanted to work on a collage to be included as part of a gift for a dear friend that would have a flower and crossword theme. I had no problem finding the floral part, but I had no idea how to address the crossword part of the collage. Shortly after that need arose, I was in a craft store and low and behold, you'll never believe what I found. I love rubber stamps, so I always check out that isle and there it was, a perfect crossword puzzle stamp in the perfect size for my project. I had never seen that stamp before and I haven't seen it since. Ever since that day, I firmly believe that the Universe really does deliver.

Hugs,   Julie

 Cheryl, I read your post in The Artella Daily Muse, and have to say I absolutely understand and feel the same way!  We staff folks often reference "the Artella community" or "the Artella family" -- and it comes as natural as talking about a neighborhood (remember those?) ... Thank you for saying this so richly.

-- Constance 

 Cheryl, 

Your words "It feels rich inside me again, and I can feel the withered leaves greening and stretching in a luxury of abundance. It is the heart and soul of the people in ArtellaLand that rained down into my aridness." describes so succintly what Artella is about. Thank you for your heartwarming words. I hope to see more of you here in the Cafe! Welcome!

This is a very special place indeed. So glad you found us and that you're soul well is being filled up.  It's wonderful to have you here and I hope you learn and grow more and more each day and with each new friendship. I know my life has been wonderfully enriched by being a part of Artella, it was always a goal of mine, I've loved Marney and Artella since she started so many years ago and I was just beginning to find my "art".