Priscilla H.

Engage!11 Grand Cayman – Making Meaning and The Sketches Part I

It can be difficult to put into words the impact of a moment.  How can I describe a collection of stories, laughter, conversation that courses through my mind like strong coffee on a clear, sunny morning?  Inspiration is plenty these days.  It seems we don’t need to seek it out, it finds us.  However, what we do with that inspiration once its initial novelty wears away, is what speaks of our true entrepreneurial nature.

If you’ve followed my blog for some time you may have heard me speak of these Engage experiences.  I am back from Grand Cayman and while I enjoyed, steamy sun and warmth, fine food and white sands, I also carved a deeper understanding of what makes me tick – sharing my artistry with the world in valuable ways.  A big statement, I know and one I will be exploring more in the near future.  I digress…

Engaging Cayman watercolor given to each attendee.  I tried to capture the spirit of Grand Cayman with each brushstroke and spatter of ink.

Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce have become like creative family to me.  I don’t use the word family lightly.  Growing up an only child and marrying into a small family, I have always thought differently about the word.  For me families inspire one another, work effortlessly together and value each others  gifts.  Engage has created an alumni of sorts of creative relationships and for that I am grateful.

I spend a large portion of my time during sessions sketching.  Somehow, laying color and line on paper helps me process all I hear.  My notes become art and the art sustains me long after I leave.

A big takeaway from our 3 days of session was the idea of making meaning for our couples.  Think about it, really.  What does it mean to make MEANING?  It goes far beyond painting pretty or gathering the finest materials.  Meaning is made out of experience and endearing process.  Fun also has a little to do with it all as I learned from the brave Barbara Corcoran.  If we are not enjoying the moment, understanding the steps we need to take and having fun, what is the point in all of this?

I must give love to the talented team at Celebrations led my the lovely Jo-Anne Brown.  Sculptural flower designs at every turn gave me endless sketching fodder!!  Check back tomorrow as I share more wisdom from the speakers and more sketches of course!

Alison E.

Nikki L.

Briana S.

A Real Momental Wedding – Tara and Kristopher June 19, 2010 Part II

Yesterday I shared a look at Tara and Kristopher’s tropical affair.  Today I have more including the massive stationery collection designed for them!  Tara is a stationery junkie to say the least.  We spent hours thumbing through papers and experimenting with painting techniques.  Tara’s design even inspired this look seen in Inside Weddings, a favorite hand picked by the editor from our current project gallery at the time!  Tara’s paper story began with painted bamboo save the dates embellished with a sketch of her Chinese character tattoo meaning “mysterious”.

Gold stocks,  a palm leaf pattern from Envelopments and a punchy fuchsia palette were integral to Tara’s collection.  Torn edges softened the boldness on select pieces and elaborate hand painting on each and every orchid gave these pieces a feeling of  thoughtfulness, like each was handcrafted with only the recipient in mind. Tara chose a poignant and not at all traditional wedding quote which seemed perfect for this spirited couple.  “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams” – Thoreau

Some of my favorite detail shots captured by Daniel, especially the scribbled note from Kristopher to Tara, so sweet.   I created a custom seating plan for the celebration which displayed like a fine work of art.  Free hand painted orchids and bamboo completely encircled the guest list.

Thanks so much for following along today!  It has been so fun to look back on Tara’s day and remeber all the bright, colorful fun!

Allison M.