Ruth Watt, Vision Board, Collage, November 2010, 16 x 20 inches
I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Watt for the first time at Dragonfly Dreams studio in Richmond, Ontario. At first she was unsure of how to tackle her vision board but slowly through the process she discovered a way to make it work. Ultimately, her vision was to make time to produce art despite her busy life. Although she described herself as a “procrastinator”, I think many of us face this same challenge of struggling to balance our professional and family life with our own needs and dreams. I thought taking the workshop itself was a good indicator of Ruth’s commitment to doing this. Here are her vision board reflections…
Ruth Watt, Spring 2011
Ruth, what’s your background?
I work full time as an Administrative Assistant (one of many other duties) in a very busy and stressful office. Home life is also stressful as there are 3 generations living at my house. As far as art goes, I am currently working on a daily journal. I got started in Tole painting and ceramics about 8 years ago and progressed to ATCs and paper projects. I have dabbled in other art but have not found my niche yet.
What attracted you to the vision board workshop?
I had no idea what the vision board workshop would entail and was interested in exploring a new artistic area.
Did you have a vision/dream in mind for it before you began the workshop? If yes, what was it? If not, how did you feel about that?
I tried the “homework” you gave just so that I would have an idea what to do. I was able to envision what I wanted my vision to be but still wasn’t sure what the end product would be.
How did you find the visioning process (ie. closing your eyes, imagining your dream, etc.)? Did you find it helpful in clarifying your goals? How did it make you feel?
I have to admit that I felt a little uncomfortable and unsure of what I was supposed to accomplish but after a few minutes I just let it flow over me and as I relaxed, my inner feelings took over and I was able to see what I was reaching for.
How did you find the process of collaging your vision board? Was visually setting down your ideas helpful to you or revealing?
I really enjoyed the collaging. I was surprised at some of the pictures that I chose and how well they actually fit into my vision board. They felt like random choices but as I moved them around on the board a larger picture came into focus.
Where is your vision board now? Is it working for you?
My board is standing in a corner of my art room near the door so that I can see it every time I leave the room. I also have put photos of it on my blog so that I see it when I go there.
I love the “beautiful dreamer” section of Ruth’s board. It’s so romantic and full of promise! Its sumptuous array of textures and colour contrasts are so jewel-like!
I was so relieved that Ruth was able to finally relax during the visioning exercise and thrilled to see the final results of her board! I can’t tell you how many magazine fragments she collected – I didn’t see her finishing it any time soon… especially by the end of the class! But, she did. Her board is vibrant. Its surface abounds with little stories where various characters give insight into her life, personality (ie. that zany repetitive leopard print!) and thoughts. She uses found text fragments beautifully to indicate her elation of discovery; search for knowledge; expressing her desires and calling herself to creative action. I love the way her composition works itself from the centre outwards. In class, she revealed her main image, the multiple hands, represents those vying for her attention… while the outer rim of images reminds her of the things she strives for for pleasure and creative development – a wonderful layout strategy no doubt arrived at by bringing her vision into focus through the act of composing. I truly believe when it comes to collaging, no choice of images is random… each one is a reflection of a part of who we are or wish to be. It was such a pleasure to get to know Ruth through the class. I always find it inspiring to check out her Fleurs de Mon Coeur blog to see what she’s up to creatively. Best with your vision board goals and the latest little addition to the Watt household, Ruth!
Vision Board Tip:
Viewing your vision board on a daily basis helps to increase its power. Just as a magazine, billboard or TV ad you see every day, seeing it on a regular basis helps to ground your dream(s) in your mind as well as keeping it fresh and alive!
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