This painting was painted while in an apartment on the 16th floor in Kuala Lumpur, during the spring of 2020. It felt far from simple. At this point I was guided by fear. What would happen to the world? Well I am not going to go into a list of everything that I feared, we all have a long list. For the first time in my lifetime, and maybe for all of us we shared a fear that is truly global. Is it not strange that while feeling really stuck at that point of time, I somehow found the idea to write a list about what would happen if everything was simple. I wrote the list quickly and forgot about it. The same day I made this painting in my daily art meditation. It has the feeling that life was simple. The other day back in Sweden I was sorting out art meditations and this list fell on the floor. It had probably been one of the most significant pieces of writing that I had ever done for my own personal journey, and I had not recollection that I had written it. Reading the points on my paper I noticed that I was far along on creating simplicity. Far along on understanding what my core values actually where when facing my fear. Still I have points left on the list, and I am not sure if I ever want to do them all. But today I know much more about what really makes me happy, and it in many ways was so much simpler than I thought and in other ways much more difficult. I know that most of us feel far more complexity and uncertainty right now maybe that is why we can gain from trying the exercise: if everything was simple right now... This simple shift in perspective might give you a clue on what really matters to you. For me I need this in my life. Time and opportunity to walk in nature with fresh air. That is a luxury and a necessity for me. If you would like to learn how to do this process of mindfulness, creativity and reflection the online course in art meditation is open and you will learn one and do the exercises offline. You can alos buy the book Create to Relax which is has many exercises I nature and a recipe on how to paint with coffee. Kursen finns även på svenska som konstmeditation. I would love to hear from you. What is on your list? The simple things that helps you in these times. Take Care #slow_down #slowdown #simple_life #simple_living #nature #Create_to_Relax #art_meditation #Zenart

Yesterday evening Swedish time two minutes before the sky had its own show with a thunderstorm the shortlist for Golden Door Awards 2021 was announced. I have listened three times, and yes I am in it. The book Create to Flow that holds a course in creative self discovery filled with excursuses, tools and ideas for anyone that wants to unblock their creativity, expand their creative thinking and listen to their intuition will now be presented towards an international audience. It is a humbling feeling, sitting by the lake after spending the day recording guided meditations for the online courses thinking about how to reach a larger audience as I know that these tools can be a great help for many in their journey of self discovery. If you are curious to find out more about the book If you would like to know more about Golden Door Awards or on Amazon I would also love to say a big thank you to my editor Jacyntha England and everyone that has contributed with words of wisdom to the book Create to Flow. The book does also come to alive as an online course, and I am currently working on enhancing that experience. I can tell you that it is colorful and filled with tools to meditate, create and reflect.

f you want more creativity, curiosity, and flow in your life - this card deck is for you. I created it from a piece of advice from my daughter as I was anxious and grateful to plan a large art exhibition. She asked me to open up my box of possibilities and that is what I have done. Now it is in your hands, ready to inspire your creative thinking. 52 cards filled with color and curiosity. To create the box of my dreams, I asked a few of the smartest and most creative people I know, including inspiring authors and creative innovators to help me along the way. This has infused the box with tremendous wisdom. Apart from wisdom you will find, reflective questions, colors and creative ideas. Like how you would describe your inner icon in words and color. HIS CARD DECK CAN BE USED TO INSPIRE WRITING, DISCUSSIONS, START A MEETING, JOURNALING, PAINTING, OR BE A TOOL FOR PERSONAL GROWTH... You can your own in the shop. It might be the perfect gift for a creative friend. If you are looking for gifts for your company, kindly send us a message and we will quote your prices without VATSwedishartanddesign@gmail.com

This Christmas I saw the movie Chocolate again, and since then I learned a great habit of drinking hot chocolate with chili and sea salt when I do my Sunday reflections on my art meditations. I prefer to paint on A3 watercolor paper, so that when Sunday arrives I can lay them out on the big table, and do my reflections. It involves a special playlist, my best pen and notebook. But, most of all time to write and reflect until I feel done. When I downloaded some photos for this post, I realized how different my weeks look. They follow how I feel and what I am experiencing during my weeks. When we have a set time to check in with ourselves we learn a lot about our own patterns. For me meditation, creativity and reflection is a great way to do this. If you would like to learn how, you will find online courses on this site. You can naturally also create your own system. This picture if from today. We listen to so many and so much every day, so to make space to listen to ourselves for 20 minutes every day, and longer on Sundays is a routine that I have found to be helpful in all areas of my life.

Today I will create a new collage. The one one the picture was created on a sunny day in late September with a dear friend. We watched the sunset and had Pro Secco, while discussing our collages. A colorful day full of insights. That is what I am doing today. I went out and bought magazines and champagne. The trick is not to think while you do this. Listen to your favorite playlist and pull out everything that you feel drawn to. Let your inspiration and curiosity guide you. If you are having fun, you are doing it RIGHT. I have created a special playlist for this years activity. I wish everyone a wonderful new 2021. #vision_collage

Our brains are wonderful but sometimes they seem to love repetition and we get stuck in our own thought patterns When we try to break free, our whole system sends signals to persuade us to go back to what feels familiar. It feels safe, not to change. This is not only on an emotional level, but it is also a physical reaction. But, one day something happens to us that gives us a taste of change and we start to reflect on how it could be. We awaken our curiosity and imagine a life without listening to the old thoughts that are holding us back, and when we are ready we change. Change doesn't need to be radical it can be one million small steps, and it can take years or a lifetime. But, when we feel that we grow, lean and evolve we tend to free ourselves from thinking the same thoughts that we thought yesterday and the day before that. It is hard to explain how that feeling feels like, in many ways you can say that it is like feeling as happy as when you discovered something you love as a child. This weekend we had a Zenart course. I usually start with going through expectations from the participants on what they want to learn. One said that she wanted to stop "älta" that is a Swedish term for being unable to stop thinking and talking about something negative that happened to you. It is impossible to make our monkey brain stop thinking, but it is possible to redirect it with new thoughts. A combination of nature, creativity and mindfulness can be an inspiration to start this journey of redirecting your thoughts to find new perspectives and new solutions to old problems. It does in no way mean that you should not think about reality or problems that you need to deal with. But, it does mean taking a break with mindfulness and meditation for a 20 - 30 minutes to be able to dela with life from focus and clarity instead of stress. This is the journey a few students started this weekend. It is not something you learn in 3 days, but you can learn what you need and how to get started. Today I had a message that read "enough is enough" it was from one of the participants that had decided to continue her shift in her own though patterns, and she felt about herself. Colors, nature, mindfulness, creativity, words and taking the time to listen to yourself are the tools to help you. What I have done with the Zenart course is to put these powerful tools into a process that flows. A process that you can design so that it suits your lifestyle. If you are curious to work with your change I suggest trying the online course in art meditation. "Enough is enough." Words can be the start of something new, within us. The pictures we paint can make us aware of what we want, and how we thrive. Maybe what we are lacking is a way to express our creativity, or a hobby so that you can sit down and think of nothing else than color, shape and form. When we manege to let go of our usual mind loop we seem to get the answers. Change is one of these things in life we can't change it just is, and still we resist and fear it in so many ways. There is a power in taking charge of your own change, and you direct the speed and the outcome. Your trust in yourself will grow with the process. #change #growth #sef_care

Painting and creativity can be a great tool to relax, unwind and have fun. When we add mindfulness it becomes a tool for increased well being. When we find calm and focus we make better decisions and creativity can help us see new possibilities. But many of us has stopped creating since childhood. We lost interest because we didn't like our drawing, someone said something about our painting, or art wasn't fun in school. Art wasn't considered to be important. There are so many reasons. Yet, in today's world art and creativity are important. It can be a tool for wellness and personal growth, as well as a tool for decision making and innovation. Creativity and innovation can change how you feel about yourself and it can also be how you can give back to your community or create a new product. You will not learn all of this in one mindful painting class but I hope to inspire you to play with your curiosity. In my new series the mindful painting classes, I am doing my best to give you exercises to boost your curiosity, and at the same time show you materials, techniques and design thinking. These are great classes for anyone that wants to explore there creativity, and paint to relax. Each one has it's own flavor and I hope you find one or two to inspire you. I will add new classes to the collection throughout summer! They come with a low base price, and on top of that you have 30% of until the 15th of June. Hope to bring more color to your summer. TO THE FULL COLLECTION Right now you will find two collage classes, one on texture, painting expressive feathers, acrylic butterflies and sunflowers. Enjoy creating throughout the summer. In the picture above you see textures made with sugar, salt and gauze. Explore painting to relax. "Ingela is so passionate about art in general and teaching it seems to be a joy to her. That shines thru in her art classes." Susanne Wallin #learn_expressive_painting #creative_mindfulness #wellness #Zenart

A feeling of gratitude and joy at the bookfair in Karlstad. Finally I can hold the book in my hand and read it on a screen. It is done. Most people that pick it up says that it is heavy and solid. It contains 12 weeks of exercises in meditation, creativity and reflection. The method of creative meditation can be used for many reasons so I have made each chapter a theme that stands on it's own. If you are looking for more focus and concentration do the exercises in Busy to Focused. If you are a person that loves to be present in nature I have written Go to Green for you. Should you be the person with artist materials in your closet Color to Courage might be perfect for you. Naturally you can also discover all the chapters and the course will turn into a journey in creative self discovery. You can now buy the book in the shop on this site as an Ebook or a physical copy. In January I will release an online class to flow alongside the book. I would also like to thank my partners in this adventure of developing this method and book. Jacyntha England for being a talented and patient editor. Marita Lekmo for providing wisdom in product development and focus. Börje Arvidsson for discussing the writing on every other Tuesday. Mathilde Gautier for doing an exploratory study to start to look at the effects of Creative Meditation. My students that have tried the method and been an important part of this journey. My partner Shan, children, family and friends for all the support. All the wise contributors in this product deserves a big thank you and I will write blog posts to introduce them to you! If you are curious about the study on Creative Meditation by Mathilde Gautier you can find a condensed version on Transverses. #mindfulness #flow #creativity #Zenart #Create_to_Flow

A few days ago I went to Bali with a group of talented artists from Norway and Sweden. The mission was to paint, eat and enjoy. We did all that and beyond with Nyoman Sani. We experienced so much that it is hard to describe, but I will try. When it came to painting we wanted to learn more about Taksu, the Balinese philosophy of finding the heart and the soul in the painting. A few of the students wanted to become more free and expressive in their own artistic language. We started off with two questions regarding art that has left a mayor impact on you, and which ones of your own work that you are most pleased with yourself. After this we went on to working with a self portrait. Not everyone was happy about this task but I can only say it once again it is a good learning experience and if you have not tried yet I urge you to try. The next task was working with only colors and no motifs. In both assignments interesting things started to happen, and as one of the participants said there is a meaning to what you put on to your canvas but sometimes it takes you a bit longer to see it. We ended the day with sketching by the sea, and eating fresh seafood while listening to music and enjoying the traditional dance. The light just before sunset was warm and rich, perfect for photographs and painting. The second day was filled with activity. After looking at a traditional batik painting we headed for painting and lunch in the rice fields. Where we used oil pastels and watercolors, and a lot of interesting art was created. In the afternoon we went to Seniwati Artspace and meet Ni Nyoman Sani, her husband I Ketut Sutawan an the artists behind the exhibition Finding the me in me. We were welcomed with open arms and after a round of presentation we started working together. It is hard to describe in a blog post how moved we all were that we could all share our art and how brave Balinese female artists were in their expression. The workshop was followed by sharing. When we went to look at the art of Ni Nyoamn Sani and I Ketut Sutawan the artists hung all the creations from the workshop alongside the exhibition. The studio visits were very interesting when we heard Sani express her soul behind her painting everyone felt close to knowing what Taksu means. Sanis art revolves around the Balinese women and their heart and soul. As she says it is sometimes necessary to be both smart and soft, and she herself is both very clever and beautiful. Her art has soul, passion and interesting themes. Her husband I Ketut Sutawan is also a very interesting contemporary artist that comes from an artist family. Ketut works a lot with different animals in his paintings. His father creates magnificent wood sculptures. After the studio visit we all meet up for the art opening of the exhibition, and watched a heartbreaking and heartwarming art performance. The exhibition shows that the female contemporary artists in Bali have a strong and interesting voice. I will be trying to keep an eye on how they develop and look for opportunities for them to show their work on more arenas. I am grateful for the experience and we all came back full of inspiration but also very thoughtful and reflective. This was a journey of Taksu, of heart and soul in the painting. The last day was spent walking in the village, sketching and having a cold drink by the sea while listening to music. Sharing in Seniwati artspace So the next time you go to Bali visit the ladies in Seniwati, you will not regret it. #NiNyomanSani #Balineseart #Paint #eatandenjoy #talentedartstudents #Arttrip #heartandsoul #Artjourney #Bali

Earlier this summer I had the question: Can you meditate in Prada? Of course you can meditate basically in anything or anywhere. I had a student in creative meditation that had been meditating in the hospital cafeteria during 20 minutes of her lunch break every day at work for 20 plus years. This was her moment to get balance and energy for work as an emergency nurse. She meditated in a place filled with people and sound. We can all find our own way to meditate if it with creativity or a guided video the important thing is getting started. The picture is of Pradas rainbow sweater, and of course it is not what you wear it is like with exercise more important to do it. However if you are anything like me it can be so easy to fill your life with other things, I can honestly now say that if I don't meditate for a couple of weeks I notice a big shift in how I think and how well I can create or produce great work. Just like with exercise meditation or mindfulness is about finding a habit and a style that suits you. For me it improved my wellbeing even if I did a short meditation in 5 min in the morning. For me one of the best advices I had to start meditating was to start with putting on one song and stay present in that song. To sit down and color, or do a Mandala is also an active form of meditation that reduces stress. Now I would love to hear from you on what you find is difficult with a habit of meditation so that I can support you. Thank you for being part of the Zenart community. All the best Ingela Johansson #Prada_mindfulness #Meditation #Creative_wellness

The colour assignment was to create a painting in 5 minutes from two words. After the two first paintings we limited the colours to three and tried to take away the symbols and only use colours. Amazing how many beautiful pictures came out of a few minutes. The choice of colour depending on the artist and the symbolism we chose to put in to colours is an interesting journey. #colourassignment #ArtclassinSingapore #artinSingapore #arts #Singaporeartclass #Colourmixing

Yesterday we had a workshop in Karlstad, Sweden using creative meditation and inspiration from two masters of creating art beyond what you can see to infinity. Hilma af Klint was born in 1862 and painted until she passed 1944. On some of her paintings, she made a mark that they should bot be shown until 20 years after her passing. She started out as a landscape and portrait painter but became interested in spiritualism as a teenager, and later formed the group called the "fem" (five) that held seances. Hilma got her largest commission through channeling, and it was a large body of work. Part of these where the ten largest that have been shown at Guggenheim. Kusama is today 87 years old and is one of the worlds most loved and successful contemporary artist that just celebrated 50 years as an artist. She sees art as her medicine, and her goal is to create joy and love. Both these amazing creators served as our inspiration during a workshop. We watched a short documentary on both, did color meditations and worked inspired by what we saw in meditation. The goal was to open our own inner eye and to be inspired by the stories, colors and challenges face by 2 wonderful artists. I could probably write a book on what you could learn from these two artists. But if I have to limit myself to the most important lessons this would be it: 1. Trust your intuition. 2. Dare to try things that no one has tried before. 3. Stay true to your artistic voice. 4. Keep creating. 5. Dare to try many new expressions to find yours. 6. Paint from the soul. What I learned from the group: 1. Color can shift your mood instantly 2. Our masterpieces are often connected to our personal stories 3. It takes courage to let go of control and create. To reach this space I find that there is an alchemy between meditation and creativity. I will release online courses with the color meditations later in March. If there is interest from you I would also be happy to do this as a virtual workshop live. Let me know if this is something that you would like. These two amazing artists will continue to inspire me throughout my creative life. Ingela #Kusama #intuitive_painting #creative_meditation #zenart #workshop #Hilma_af_Klint