Follow Your True North Star

Did you know that you and I are actually made of stardust? What if this inner light could become our compass, our guiding star? What if we allowed it to take the lead, trusting that it will take us exactly where we most need to go, in life as in art?

Every year I choose a “word of the year” to guide me during the next twelve months. Most years I simply let it come to me, and when the right word shows up, I intuitively know it. I’ve also learned not to question it even if it feels challenging! My word for 2020 is “Focus”, and in just one month it has already proven a true blessing, making extra sure that I don’t lose sight of my “true North” whenever life gets in the way, as it often does! Health, family, administrative complexities (hello France!), tech issues (hello Mercury retrograde!), a rotten beam (hello sweet old house!) or simply too many wonderful ideas and possibilities (hello shiny object syndrom!)… to me it’s vital to keep my eyes on something steady, and it all comes from within.

“It’s in you too, my darling girl, and in me, and in every living creature, be it ever so small. Even the dirt I’m sweeping up now is stardust. In fact, all of us are made from the stuff of stars.”

— Kate Forsyth

To me, making art is the best way to quiet the mind and open up to intuition. Trusting ourselves takes practice, and the canvas is a wonderful, safe and fun training ground!

That’s why a few years ago, I crafted a painting lesson all about the “True North Star” for my class Layers of Light. I even made it available for a short while as part of an online event that reached thousands of participants (maybe you were there!) and it has become such a favorite among my students that this year I’ve decided to release it as a mini class!

Take a peek at this project below:

Staying focused on my truth means that whatever I create will always spring from what I most need and love in the moment, be it art or classes! I have loved revisiting this special project and turning it into something even more beautiful and meaningful. I hope it will inspire you!

Find out more about "true north star" here

I believe with all my heart that our world needs all the light and beauty it can get, today more than ever. Your light matters, and your art matters. If we all got just a little better at following this inner spark, if we dared to trust ourselves a little more, and shine just a little brighter, together we would make such a difference. This is what moves me to create and share the joy of art every single day. I would be absolutely delighted to share this new art adventure with you, and help you shine your brightest light!