COLLEEN BLATCHLY
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Colleen was born and raised in St. Albans, Vermont. Growing up on a dairy farm offered opportunities to notice, appreciate and explore nature and beautiful landscapes. Early on she was influenced and encouraged by two artistic aunts and an uncle. Through school, art classes were always a personal priority and she learned from several amazing teachers. Colleen Graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, MA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications. Post college she moved back to VT and worked locally as a graphic designer. Being in front of a computer all day every day did not feel fulfilling so she shifted and began taking classes at Wellness Massage Institute where she earned her massage certificate. Today, Colleen balances her time between being a mom and wife, her massage practice and creating art and wellness as well as some freelance graphic design.
When creating art Colleen tends to use canvas, watercolor paper or wooden panels or discs for the majority of her work. She works in both fluid and heavy bodied acrylic, watercolor, gouache, marker, paint pens, spray paint, colored pencils, inks and even crayons. Colleen will often meld together several different techniques and mediums and enjoys playing with layers. Art is a form of play, it’s a way for her to get a little bit of an escape from the day-to-day duties and seriousness of life. Colleen credits her children for reminding her to foster a creative process that includes curiosity and wonder. The best art sessions begin with a shift in mindset. Colleen will often start with meditation, yoga, music and aroma therapy to get the creative juices flowing. As those closest to Colleen will attest she also chooses art as part of her overall health & wellness regimen. Helping others heal themselves is a passion and profession of hers, but it is easy to forget about “me” at times. The practices involved in creating art are definitely a form of her self-care. Art heals! |
