Hello my friend. I know it’s been a bit of a stretch since my last post. I’ve been on an exciting, winding, sometimes confusing, but ultimately fantastic journey of following my passions, exploring, learning, uncovering, unfurling, and stepping into realms that my soul has been drawn to and called to. As creative types, we are ever-evolving. Are you nodding? Wondering? Biting your lower lip, maybe?

Change. That’s what makes doing this job both elating and scary. There’s an aspect of impermanence. True of all things, really. And I made a contract with my soul years ago when I started this venture… that I would surrender to evolving, whether or not that meant having a career with it. I vowed to be authentic. Always.

In the past few years, I’ve felt myself being drawn in many directions, diving into seemingly unrelated interests, wondering what to embrace, what to let go of, how it might all come together in an authentic way, intersect and align, or if it even could or would. In the tangle of it all I just decided to let go and trust. Follow my interests, my instincts, embrace the opportunities that shimmered for whatever reason, and just see what would happen. The process was slow. Is slow. Murky at times but marked with moments of pinpoint clarity and confirmation. All good things truly do take time.

So, here’s what’s happening. Pivoting, as my cousin would say. And on a deeper level, I do think it’s related to what’s happening here in the US politically, environmentally, economically. Humanly. Earthly. State of Emergency.

I will, and always will, have a passion for photoart and teaching it. That, I suspect, will always remain, but there is more to me, and I want to be of service in the little time that I am here in a body…

I am drawn to the natural world. Now more so than ever. It’s my respite. What makes me feel whole. I have embraced rewilding as a lifestyle. I grew up in the woods. I live in the woods as an adult. It calls to me. Teaches me. Implores me to be a part of Her preservation. I have a deep love for Momma Earth. We need to save Her. Before it’s too late. And connecting with her, reconnecting actually, is key. Imperative. For all of us. It’s in our DNA. I’m a sensitive, empathic activist who has experienced burnout in these hard, teetering times. The aggressive, judgemental nature of activism is not fully working for me. I’m discovering that we can learn from and teach one another without judgement, aggression, attacking, and burnout. I’m discovering there is another way to be resistant, that doesn’t fit the popular activist paradigm. A softer, gentler way, that’s no less loud, or assertive, or imperative. A way that feels invigorating and life-giving. Lush. Not depleting.

Here’s what I can offer, in service, at this juncture in my life. And fortunately, it’s all coming together. I waited it out, and I’m glad I did.

I found a way to embrace making and sharing art, practicing herbalism, and coming out of the broom closet. Acts of love. And resistance.

All of this, in a way that intersects. All in a way that serves.

Some things need to die, in order for there to be rebirth. Yes? This blog for instance… I am letting go of regular posting here, at least for now. This website and its galleries and previous posts will remain, and I will continue to use it as a vehicle to share online course announcements and updates. Here is the shift… I am currently focusing my energies and efforts in these two places online:

@whisper_in_the_wood on Instagram, where I regularly share my still life photoart that has a witchy aesthetic, posts about herbalism, rewilding, reconnecting with the earth, witchcraft and what it means to identify as a witch in this day and age …a person in their power, in whatever form that takes. These are my forms of activism.

In the Wood Botanicals, my newly-launched shop, where I offer a line of wildcrafted, plant-based body care products I’ve made primarily from simple plant allies I’ve reverently and responsibly foraged from the woods, fields, and riverside that surround our home here in Maine. I practice a slow process of co-creating with these amazing, life-giving plants. Making a tincture, for instance, will take at least six weeks, as the plant slowly releases its medicinal properties into the liquid. The time and care put into this process both honors the plants and brings to fruition unique herbal products that are infused with the healing energy and spirit of the plants. Join me in this effort to reconnect with the Earth. Together we can make a difference.

If you’ve read this far, I thank you. Let’s continue to connect.

In Love,

Susan

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I’m thrilled and delighted to be able to offer you a BRAND NEW extended techniques iColorama course that I’ve co-created with the multi-talented mobile artist, Nicki Fitz-Gerald.

You see, the iColorama app is SO versatile, SO extensive, that Nicki and I decided to collaborate a second time to bring you even more iColorama secrets, tips, and techniques. 

Nicki and I have carefully designed this course for both more seasoned iColoramists as well as beginners. The content serves both as a continuation of the iColorama journey for those who took the first course, and it serves as a stand-alone course for newcomers, so it has everything ANYone could need to get started creating amazing digital art right away.

Go have a look at all we’ve put into making this an engaging, inspirational, enriching experience for you…

iColorama Creative PLUS

There’s SO much for you to explore in this course.

Enjoy learning about new artistic treatments, blur and light effects, how to make images pop, tricks for incorporating stunning and effective typography into your compositions, extended techniques with masking, employing dynamic brush effects to energize your images and create movement, and so much more!

And it’s packed with new bonus materials as well — including additional video tutorials that carry the core training even further, and an exclusive set of Nicki’s Graffiti brushes created especially for this course.

And just as with all of my course offerings, you get Lifetime Access to all the content and you can work at your own pace and review as often as you like.

I hope you enjoy this short trailer I made for you, to give you a taste of what this BRAND NEW course is all about. Won’t you join us in this artistic adventure? (if you are on a smartphone, turn phone sideways to view in landscape mode)…

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**I invite you to enjoy individual Instagram posts for these “autumn into winter” images @whisper_in_the_wood, my ‘everyday life’ IG account.**

Seasonal Contemplation:

Autumn marks a time for weighing. What in our life do we wish to keep? To treasure and grow? And what do we wish to leave behind that no longer serves our highest good and potential? As I observe and record what’s happening in the woods and fields that surround my home, as we transition from autumn to winter here in Maine, I notice the same types of changes resonating inside of me and others, because we are all a part of this wondrous natural cycle. There are feelings of both fullness and completion. Energies are returning to the Earth. Apparent death. Winter. Which is a necessary part of the life cycle. Without it, there can be no rebirth.

Sharing:

• soulful, mystical + enchanting music I am currently enjoying during this time
• I’ve been smitten with this one’s whimsical and mysterious art for years.
• cinematic beauty

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Susan

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I could live in this Federal-style home.

Susan

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An excerpt from my recent @whisper_in_the_wood Instagram post…

When the kids go back to school and the autumnal air sets in here in Maine, I begin to shift, noticeably. I miss them and feel a layer of sadness inside, coupled with enjoying the freedom of having time to myself for work and play. Bittersweet, indeed. A ‘mama bear, nurturing and comfort provider’ side of me comes to the forefront, and I get this strong desire to make soup and bread.

My morning and afternoon hours are becoming a mix of working on creating a new online course and making food and herbal “medicine.” As soon as the kiddos got on the bus this morning, I made a potato kale and zucchini soup with vegetables from our garden and a fresh loaf of beer and cheese bread to go with it.

My homemade firecider was ready, so I strained out the plant matter and bottled it up. It is the most delicious immune tonic I’ve ever tasted. Yummy straight from the bottle. I also plan to use some to make a salad dressing.

I made a nettle herbal infusion and I am brewing tea for another batch of kombucha. There’s tinctures and oils that are ready for straining, lined up on the countertop.

As I work and look out the window, I feel akin with the chipmunks and squirrels that are gathering nuts for winter. #harvesttime #autumn #shifting

What kinds of things do you like to do as you shift into autumn?

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and good coffee.a day trip to Burlington, Vermont. I have a love affair with this state, as i do with Maine, my home. i love layers and neutral tones with pops of color. in my art. my home decor. and it’s the way i like to dress.Portsmouth, New Hampshire. you must try the Ziggy Stardust drink at the Green Elephant.the green dress. a new rendering of an iPhone self-portrait of me in a blue dress, using iColorama.

i can show you how to make stuff like this in my new course.happy girl! we celebrated with our daughter at a reception at the Portland Museum of Art.

her piece was selected for the state of Maine’s Youth Art Month Show.

Sharing:

• Have you explored the Stories/Highlights features on Instagram? In my latest newsletter I introduce you to two apps that will provide you with templates and simple design tools that you can use to add visual appeal to your Stories and Highlights. You can find it all right here.  And, if you like what I’m sharing, you can sign up to receive our monthly-ish newsletter where you’ll find even more helpful photography tips and techniques and freebies. Subscribers will also be the first to receive info on my latest online workshops and discounts. And you get a free photo overlays bundle when you sign up. Join here.

• Let’s connect. I have two Instagram accounts (as if one wasn’t enough). 1. @susantuttle is where you can view my purely iPhone sensual art which tends to be monochrome and mysterious in nature with splashes of color here and there for accent. You’ll find portraiture explorations and scenic natural landscape shots. 2. For my everyday experiments in artful living, visit my other IG account @susantuttleartist (formerly @drawn.to.the.river).

• I’ve enjoyed this book immensely. So much so, that I bought an autographed copy of the first edition. A magician with words, she is. And the way she views the world and her experience in it is unique, artful, human and inspiring.

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