The most brilliant shift that I’ve seen in design is the movement toward self-creation: the desire to showcase pieces that have meaning, story and personal reflection. Gone are the days of purchasing a random mass-produced décor item with the mindset that it “goes with the colour scheme.” This beautiful new approach toward designing one’s dwelling demands much more from the accessories to which we give space within our homes – the sense of connection with what we choose to live with has become paramount, and we are now looking to either engage with local artists when we consider our décor, or take it one step further and literally get our hands dirty and create the works ourselves.
Vancouver is home to a thriving arts community and we are fortunate to be involved in a time where this network is not simply open to established artists and professionals, but also to anyone with an interest in creating. Studios like The Luminous Elephant have allowed space for novice creatives, offering a mindful haven for beginners and the seasoned artisans alike to explore their abilities in a wide variety of artistic mediums. Founder of The Luminous Elephant, Madelyn Mulvaney, believes with all of her heart that “the capacity for soaring creativity is innate and infinite in all of us. By creating in ways unique to our personalities we deepen our self awareness, wisdom and happiness and can bring our very best selves to the world.”
With classes for both children and adults, the studio is a place for self-awareness through the art of creation. Very in tune with the shift toward personal connection to decor, Madelyn engages her students with every aspect of design, from painting to textile dyeing to modern knit and even the preliminary aspects of ceramics (alongside offering a stunning collection of handmade pieces by local ceramicist and studio teacher Caroline Katz).
When I checked in with Madelyn and Caroline in the studio, we shared a beautiful discussion about the future and importance of personal connection to art; fundamentally we all agreed with Madelyn’s perspective that “having things around that you have created and your friends have created does wonders for your happiness. It rejuvenates our spirit and the joy we radiate is contagious – everyone else feels it and wants some of that happiness for themselves, too. There is the most wonderful energy when you create with others – meaningful conversations, colour, music – it all helps us connect daily to a deeper sense of self. All these things within us blossom into such beautiful expressions of art.”
I definitely have a few faves for the upcoming classes, and it’s highly likely you’ll find me (and my little gal, Sienna) this fall in the studio checking out our inner artists.
