Stamp of Self-Approval
JAN26
STAMP OF SELF-APPROVAL
I did my first ever artist residency last August when I was eight months pregnant. I spent a wonderful week at Greywood Arts Centre in East Cork. It was just what I needed as it gave me time to reflect and create before the big life change of having my baby Remy.
I have lovely memories of dancing in the big studio in the mornings, working uninterrupted at my desk, listening to podcasts, picking chard in the garden, cooking and baking in the communal kitchen, walking in Kilbower Wood and by the sea in Youghal and heading off to Ballymaloe for lunch.
On the reflection side of things, I took time to read over some of my journals I had kept over the last few years. One of the insights that came after reading back over my writing, was the value of self-inquiry - that is, asking myself questions. Like being a good listener to myself. Listening to what I have to say, listening to my needs, listening to the inklings of my interests and then responding. There’s a lot of power in that. It find it really fosters a stronger sense of self-connection and self-compassion. And in turn, I feel full and whole - and with way less of a need to be wandering outside myself looking for answers and approval. But I find it hard to maintain this level of self-connection! On off days, I can give so much power away looking for approval and validation outside myself - unfortunately somehow believing that I need other people to understand and/or approve of me in order for me or my work to feel valid or important. “The hustle for worthiness”, as Brene Brown calls it.
So one of the projects I worked on while on residency in Killeagh was a lino cut and print called The Stamp of Self-Approval. I guess it is aspirational. Where I’d like to see myself more and more in the future: no longer seeking outside approval, turning inward and being kind to myself.
In the stamp, my eye is closed (i.e no longer looking outwards) and I am looking lovingly inwards. And listening…
[future project idea: a brooch to have as a wearable reminder of this]