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Paving stonesHead to your local landscaping store to buy some individual paving stones.
The square shapes enable you to wrap different shapes along the sides.
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I would LOVE to have a garden path with dotted paving stones! ah bliss! (But make sure you triple seal them!) But if you don't have a garden like me, paving stones can be used as door stops and bookshelf holders.
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Meet your fellow dotter - Christina LeeChristina Dot Meditation Âû https://linkpop.com/christinaleedotmeditationau (Click for links to Christina's social media, Patreon page and shop) Christina created a popular facebook community dot group where she opening shares her life and wisdom and provides a platform for others to teach. "Dotting is my language of communication. It has also helped me find out who I truly am as a person. It’s given me the tools to look inward with self-discovery instead of the outward validation most of us often seek."
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"Early on I created this piece called Autism Acceptance. It's still one of my favorite pieces today. Many people associate the puzzle piece with autistic individuals. many in the autism community strongly dislikes this because it implies autistic individuals are a mystery in some way and/or we need to be figured out. It has negative connotations to it.
I came across a fantastic alternative with the infinity symbol being used along with the rainbow because we are a spectrum of people. None of us are the same, in fact we are all infinitely different. Our lives are full of richness and we are distinctly ornate and precious. It is like a love note to other autistic individuals." |
What is your art experience?
My entire life I felt I was being called to create. Growing up I was always creating things with my hands and even earned my Bachelor of Science from the Art Institute of Portland. I majored in interior design but quickly realized that industry was not right for me for many reasons. Instead, I got married and settled down but still felt deep down there was something I was supposed to be creating. Something my soul needed to connect with. One evening after my children went to bed, my roommate and I were hanging out in the living room browsing on Youtube talking about art. She mentioned a style of art called Zentangle and watched a few video demonstrations. It was cool but not something that particularly caught my interest. Then Youtube suggested Kristin Uhrig #32 and it changed my life forever. Watching her create a stunning mandala out of dots spoke life into my soul. Watching her mandala form out of thin air using something so simplistic as dots was the most magical experience I’ve ever had. The rest is history. What do you like most about dotting? I’ve never been able to sit still and meditate. My entire life I’ve felt like meditating was something I could benefit from but could never bring myself to doing and it was frustrating. Yet another thing I felt like a failure at. I quickly discovered when I dot, my mind is occupied in a way like meditation, but it’s something I could focus on for hours. It has brought me a type of peace I’ve never been able to achieve otherwise, and it feels like such an accomplishment. Why do you love dotting? At nearly the same time I discovered dotting, I also discovered I’m autistic. I associate the two discoveries as one event. My entire life I felt like I have been unable to effectively communicate with the world about the way I think and feel. Dotting has given me the tools to show people what my thoughts are, what my soul sees, how sound has color and how I dream in patterns. It was like unlocking a language I didn’t know I had or could use. I couldn’t help but share it with the world because I finally had a language I could communicate with others. It seems no accident I got involved in dotting right before the pandemic started. My community of fellow artists expanded so quickly, it felt like I had finally found the people with whom I belong. The people that understood and loved me for who I am. It’s indescribable. What is your favourite type of dotting/designs that you do?/What dotting design are you most know for? I am a sucker for metallic and pearl paints. I believe people are attracted to my art because of its simplicity and colorfulness. My mandalas often have a meaning behind them, inspired by an event, people or objects. I think people are drawn to this type of concept style art as well as being drawn to beautiful color combinations. What is your favourite dotting tip or saying? There is no such thing as perfection. What have you discovered about yourself since you started dotting? Since I’ve started dotting, I feel like my soul finally aligns with my purpose. Not only in the self-expression, but also in helping others find their passion and joy for dotting, and what it can do for them. I am still working out what feels right and getting my focus in the correct place, but I can definitely tell I’m headed in the right direction. What is your favourite dotting equipment? All of them. LOL My first real set of dotting tools were the DIY Mandala Stone tools. They are still my favorites! But to be honest, I have most dotting sets and find uses for all of them, depending on the design I’m working on. I’ve also recently learned how to use cones, brushes, and other types of mediums to further enhance my dotting practice. I love learning how to use new tools. What is your favourite item to dot? Canvases. 100%. Stones are fine, but the curved edges and drippy paint can be tricky at times. Plus using canvases allows me to focus on a conceptual piece and what I’m trying to convey without having to manage an awkward surface. Do you sell dotting items/art? I sell some items. It’s not my focus in my art business, but I do it to provide something extra for my community, and it keeps my business floating along. I have a set of ball stylists which are a must have for any beginner. I also carry novelty items such as hand carved items from Mustofa Art. He lives in Indonesia, so I’ve purchased several items of his to resell in my shop to my USA audience. I’m so grateful to be able to support him and his art business. What is some advice in selling your art? You’re worth more than you think you are. What is your biggest lesson you learnt while dotting? Have fun with it! So many times I’ve wrapped myself up in so many unnecessary projects it’s often distracted me from what I love doing most. CREATING! Why did you start the facebook group? I honestly don’t know. It felt like a natural progression of my dotting journey around October 2020. I’m glad I did because we have a unique group of dotting enthusiasts and I’m so grateful for them all. What have you learnt most about starting the facebook group? I originally modeled the group after another popular dotting artist and quickly realized my ego was taking over the group which would eventually destroy it. In the beginning I was trying to be strict with rules about sharing and promoting within the group. This caused way more stress and it wasn’t serving the group and its members in a way I had hoped. Over time I got more comfortable with the idea that I can share the spotlight with other incredible artists as group experts, and in turn, has made the group a very powerful and resourceful place for everyone to gather. It’s such an honor to work with others in the dotting world who are willing to come into my group and share their knowledge and expertise with us. I have learned so much from them and I know others have as well. Tell us about your facebook lives. I do Facebook lives on Mondays where people can drop in and say hello and ask questions! The facebook group also has several dotting experts giving advice, sharing patterns and offering facebook lives. It is a place where people can come and join in the activities. |
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If you know of any sales, tips or groups that would help other dotters, please send us a message so we can share it with others! |
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DIY Mandala Stones
PO Box 44137, Kensington Square Burnaby BC, V5B 4Y2 Canada |
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