Sandra van Beurden Art

…and creative unfoldings….

Two months ago, I found myself doing a clean-out I hadn’t planned, but which was very necessary. I didn’t consciously think of it as a “reset” at the time—but looking back, that’s exactly what it was. After three years without a proper clear-up, my studio had become a bit of a mess and wasn’t feeling good. I had sewing projects waiting, and I needed a clean space to work in, so I finally tackled it.

I was mushrooming out of my painting space: doing what I love, yes, but in growing disarray. It’s hard to strike a balance, working with energy and a sense of freedom, but at the same time keeping the paint spatters off the floor and ceiling! I exaggerate — but paint does get everywhere – not to mention ruining my clothes. I need a big pair of overalls I can jump into at a moment’s notice. Note to self – go and buy a pair.

Once I cleared the space, I felt a surge of new energy and possibility. Sewing again felt joyful, and it reminded me that I could bring textiles into my mixed-media work. Every creative thread feeds the next, and this simple act of tidying has sparked ideas I didn’t even know I was waiting for.

I still haven’t returned to painting at home—but that’s okay. I will soon. I’ve been busy in other ways: building my website, cataloguing my work, naming each piece, and putting it all online. Who knew I’d enjoy this so much? It’s another reminder: knuckle down, get on with the hard things, (web site building – Oh the struggles in the beginning!) they often aren’t as hard as they first seem. I feel like I’ve added another string to my bow.

I’m busy framing work for gallery representation—something so wonderful that has come my way, presenting opportunities that make me determined to expand my horizons and keep stepping into new spaces. My vision—or action—board, as Tara Swart calls it in her excellent book The Source, hangs nearby as a steady reminder of what I’m aiming for. Though it’s due for an update, I’m amazed at how many things on it have already materialised. It fascinates me—it’s powerful. I can thoroughly recommend her book; it explains how creating an action board engages multiple pathways in the brain—tactile, visual, emotional, intuitive, and motivational—and how the brain “value-tags” images, helping you notice and act on opportunities aligned with your goals.

I’ve also had fun redoing my studio picture wall, playing with frames and arranging things that inspire me around my action board. I cleared out all my old magazines too—they’d been through my hands so many times, and nothing was sparking inspiration anymore, so they went in the bin. That felt freeing, part of making space for new sparks, new inspiration.

My recent poetry success has rekindled my love for words, and naming my paintings has become its own creative delight. It all feels connected—the sewing, the cataloguing, the writing, the framing, the planning. Each small act feeds the next. I feel a poetry meets painting series of my own coming…. something I have dabbled with in the past, but which is bubbling up again.

This is my summer reset: clearing, organising, noticing, and following sparks. I’m feeling expansive, hopeful and courageous. I feel on the verge of new things and I’m ready to step out. I will let curiosity, creativity, and possibility guide me. My ideas are flowing, and I’m collecting new magazine clippings for my action board, excited for all the opportunities and manifestations yet to come.