October's theme is VISION
Our theme for October is VISION. It was chosen by our Riyadh chapter in Saudi Arabia and illustrated by Razan Alshalan.
How do you see the world? How do you want to change it?
Vision refers both to the sense of sight and our ability to imagine the future. Are you focused on the little details? Can you see the big picture?
As we age, our eyesight begins to deteriorate; seeing objects up close gets more difficult. And as we gain experience, what we want to accomplish evolves. Will your life grow darker or brighter?
Each creative act involves seeing something in your mind’s eye then attempting to make it a reality. A painter, an architect, and every other type of artist or craftsman has a vision for their work. What message, emotion, or impact do you want to convey in yours?
You are your own visionary. What do you want to see?
INSPIRATION FROM OUR COMMUNITY:
Each month, we ask the readers of our Weekly Highlights newsletter to submit creative work inspired by our global theme.
Here are this month’s featured works.
The Journey Within by Ranaa Farooq in Sheffield, UK.
A 1.5m x 1.5m abstract painting created using texture and acrylic paint. I believe vision isn’t just about what we see externally—it’s also about insight, clarity, and understanding from within. ‘The Journey Within’ explores inner reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth, all of which contribute to one’s vision of self and purpose.
You can see more work on Ranaa‘s instagram.
Standing there not knowing what to do with my hands by Clarissa de Oliveira in Brazil and New York City.
The discomfort of standing in front of the future, an audience or a decision and not knowing “what to do with your hands” reflects a mind that wanders into other areas than the present state. In this illustration, my active will directs the lighthouse, illuminating the path and the vision for what is true and honest with myself.
You can see more work on Clarissa‘s instagram.
So Relatable: A Zine by Chrissy Hennessey in Wilmington, North Carolina.
After years spent trying to publish a book the traditional way, I decided to take matters into my own hands by writing and publishing a zine. This required changing my vision for my creative life, and embracing a new idea of what it means to be a writer and artist.
See how to order a copy of the zine on Chrissy’s site.
8 Ways to Design for Disabled Joy by Hannah Silver in Portland, Oregon.
This one-hour training reframes the design of our built environment: inclusive, accessible spaces are responsive to people who navigate the world WITHOUT vision, sound, or both, and they support people who are sensory sensitive or use mobility devices. This video explains going “above and beyond the ADA” to ensure that everyone feels welcome! And it models accessibility with ASL interpretation, captions, and slide descriptions. The Community Vision Assistive Technology Lab team was instrumental in developing this training. And Monse Fonseca, my colleague at Holst Architecture, is the co-presenter.
Bag of Bones by Keith Hancox in Leamington Spa, UK.
A hand screen-printed tote to store those tasty Halloween treats. And to make it perfect for midnight feasts and night vision, it even glows in the dark.
You can see more work on Keith’s site.
Kaleidoscopic visions by Maria Louceiro in Berlin, Germany.
Photography, digital and analog.
You can see more work on Maria‘s instagram.
Naughty reflection by Mandy Jayne in Barcelona, Spain.
Digital work. Goldilocks looking at her reflection before eating little bear’s food. Why does she do it? Where does she come from? We’ll never know.
Mirrors by Gabriela Basin in Barcelona, Spain.
Our vision embraces what’s possible, holding the mistery of the unknown.
You can see more work on Gabriela’s instagram.
Loud Ocean by Sara Vogler in Washington, DC.
This piece or poetry is related to the idea of mirroring—how we can see ourselves in others and how our experiences shape our perceptions. It invites us to explore the intricate tapestry of our shared experiences, illustrating how we can mold our perceptions and shape our identities.
VISION Creative Affirmation Cards by Vicki Lovegrove in Derby, UK.
I have created a deck of self coaching cards. I want these VISION Creative Affirmation Cards to inspire and challenge creative thinking.
You can see more work on Vicki’s site.
Dream World by Rhea Zaveri in Mumbai, India.
This is a collage of two photographs I’ve taken of Mumbai and New York. My vision for the world is one where we keep nature as is, and really put a spotlight on the simpler things in life.
From Dreams by Erin Nicole Johnson in Austin, Texas.
This poem is inspired by one of the definitions of vision: the act or power of imagination.
You can read more work on Erin’s site.
In Between Dreams by Sofia Cox in Dubai, UAE.
A once-in-a-lifetime photograph of an eagle, caught for a fraction of a second, suspended in time. That’s what reflection can be; a pause to observe, mull over, feel.
2024 Vision: Slow & Bold by Michelle Arrazcaeta in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
My vision for 2024 was to embody slowness & boldness, which are often opposite energies. Instead of one big collage, I brought together a series of 6 collages to coexist on one page.
The day after your day in the sun! by Meg Barros in Vermont.
A vision of life and death. During Covid I started experimenting with crushing day lilies the morning after their day of bloom. I love the natural colors and patterns it creates and feel it reflects our own journey- what type of mark will you leave when you exit?!
Reflection Is a Tree Life Memories by Nazia Hayat in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
This written piece about reflection is all getting back to the storytelling of the human memories to connect back to the past present and future. A bridge that connects the dots various generation to cherish the human cultural shared values.
Reflection a ritual of the human life without which human being will die out soon.
A blessing to get back to the memories so that we can celebrate life trajectory various occasions and moments. Without reflection human being would be at the dead end of the thread as the reflection make us enjoy the sweet and bitter memories of the life. Reflection is the superpower of the human being to communicate to world about the insightful experiences so that the global human being creative perspectives can be shared assisting in developing the bond of humanity all across the world.
This connects the human life dots of the past present and future. Reflection a bridge to remember the greater souls of the human society who left all of us around, amazing loving relationships of the life around which our lives were built. Childhood Teenage Adults and the old age memories are tied together by the joint bridge of the reflections. Reflection mad the human to connect with the community of the human beings though the shaping of the human value enriched with happiness optimism altruism despair and many deep down insights of the human memories that together alone made the reflections as a living history to be celebrated all around.
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