JO Blog

We are all beauty chasers in one way or another. My friend Timothy Willard often says that, “Beauty Defies Despair”.  Do we have our eyes open to that beauty?  The beauty that is all around in people, nature, circumstances, love, forgiveness, faith, gathering, the work of our hands, the sound of laughter, the comfort of […]

As I was growing up I dreamed of being an archeologist. I had a deep love of history, stories, and the idea of uncovering what was hidden. It was not until I was a working artist that I found it surprising that so many of the other artists that I admired also had this same […]

Proof of Life Journal Entry No. 10 Welcome to the Proof of Life journal entry series. Writing more in general, and specifically with you, is something I hope to continue throughout the year. Like many of you, life has become clearer over the past year and there are many things I have dropped along the […]

I have several Kate Thompson works of art in our own home and the more you look, the more you see. What from a distance looks likes a portrait soon becomes lines, texture, layers, history, wire, plaster, and most importantly…a story. Kate is a master at breaking down the face and then adding the most […]

In 2018 I knew that 2019 was going to be the last year I led overseas art workshops for the foreseeable future. As much as I loved gathering, teaching and traveling it was the most deep knowing that it was time and I had complete peace about my decision. Then 2020 changed all of our […]

I am constantly in awe of the beauty that is there if you have your eyes open to it. Sometimes it will be the little things like digging for vintage treasures with dear friends, foraging in the woods, building the first fire of the season in the studio, and the beauty of paint-covered hands. Sometimes […]

Join Melissa Fink for Finding Beauty In The Mess. In this free art lesson you will begin by creating a messy, playful piece with no expectation or specific outcome in mind. You will be amazed at the beautiful compositions you will end up finding along the way. In this easy-to-follow lesson, Melissa begins with a mindset […]

The holidays are approaching and I KNOW your hearts for family, home and gathering because you share them with me often. I know that you want attention to detail and beauty but most of all you want a home where people feel seen and loved! Women are atmosphere changers of their homes and gatherings and […]

Want to learn to gather your own pigment, make art supplies from scratch and then create landscapes from your foraged finds? If you are lover of nature and the world around you THIS course is what you have been waiting for!   Each teacher on our creative network has been handpicked because I see something so special […]

I have several Kate Thompson works of art in our own home and the more you look, the more you see. What from a distance looks likes a portrait soon becomes lines, texture, layers, history, wire, plaster, and most importantly…a story. Kate is a master at breaking down the face and then adding the most […]

    Welcome video from Erin Faith Allen In this video I share the backstory of how and why I became passionate about creating with history and my ancestors. We will be focused on creatively expressing what you do know about your ancestors. If you know nothing about your ancestors … it is my wish […]

Proof of Life Journal Entry No. 09 Welcome to the Proof of Life journal entry series. Writing more in general, and specifically with you, is something I hope to continue throughout the year. Like many of you, life has become clearer over the past year and there are many things I have dropped along the […]

As I was growing up I dreamed of being an archeologist. I had a deep love of history, stories, and the idea of uncovering what was hidden. It was not until I was a working artist that I found it surprising that so many of the other artists that I admired also had this same […]

The holidays are approaching and I KNOW your hearts for family, home and gathering because you share them with me often. I know that you want attention to detail and beauty but most of all you want a home where people feel seen and loved! Women are atmosphere changers of their homes and gatherings and […]

There are those among us that travel this life with an open heart and eyes to see the beauty around them. In every way, this is my friend Aimee Irel Bishop. She has an appreciation and knowledge of the land she lives on, a confidence in her own creative process, an encouraging spirit, and the […]

In this free art lesson you will begin by creating organic ground markings on a simple piece of paper with your sharpie. These markings can be slow and controlled or chaotic mindless scribbles and doodling. Either way you end up with an amazing piece. In this easy to follow lesson Julie begins her meditative process […]

  Fourteen years ago I had a one, five and seven year old and once they were in bed each night I would create until the early hours in the morning. I look back now on those nights and know that those hours to myself to create and finding time no matter the exhaustion the […]

Have you ever wished you had a personal cheerleader to not only speak encouragement over you but to take your hand and show you what is possible? Well, that is exactly what you get in the heart and voice of Shaunna Parker of the Creative Exponent! She was made to encourage and bring joy and […]

  Fourteen years ago I had a one, five and seven year old and once they were in bed each night I would create until the early hours in the morning. I look back now on those nights and know that those hours to myself to create and finding time no matter the exhaustion the […]

The live workshops here at our home, land and studio ended a few months ago, so I have rounded up a list of live workshops here in the United States if you are deeply desiring creating with others.   There is so much magic in coming together in community! If you are able to gather […]

Want to learn to gather your own pigment, make art supplies from scratch and then create landscapes from your foraged finds? If you are lover of nature and the world around you THIS course is what you have been waiting for!   Each teacher on our creative network has been handpicked because I see something so special […]

Proof of Life Journal Entry No. 08 Welcome to the Proof of Life journal entry series. Writing more in general, and specifically with you, is something I hope to continue throughout the year. Like many of you, life has become clearer over the past year and there are many things I have dropped along the […]

In 2018 I knew that 2019 was going to be the last year I led overseas art workshops for the foreseeable future. As much as I loved gathering, teaching and traveling it was the most deep knowing that it was time and I had complete peace about my decision. Then 2020 changed all of our […]

There are those among us that travel this life with an open heart and eyes to see the beauty around them. In every way this is my friend Aimee Irel Bishop. She has an appreciation and knowledge of the land she lives on, a confidence in her own creative process, an encouraging spirit and the […]