• About
  • Visit Gray Star Design
  • Minted Collection
  • Design Services
  • Contact

The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: Mind Evolution

Inspiration Photo Friday: Onlyness

04 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Abbe Wright, art, art school, comparisonitis, design, experiences, growth, history, ideas, individuality, inspiration photo friday, life, life story, lifestyle, Mind Evolution, money, Onlyness, stree

The other night I read a great little article written by Abbe Wright. It was about the ticking clock syndrome, when people measure their lives against others milestones. It really resonated with me as I sometimes feel my age should dictate where I am in my life. Realistically, this isn’t true. People move at their own pace and depending on the experiences you have had, everyone will be at different stages of their life.

This one quote pretty much sums up the article. I wanted to share it so others can take something positive from it as well.

“Onlyness is the spot in the world only you inhabit-a mix of the history, experiences, and ideas that make up your life story. If you deny it by engaging in ‘comparisonitis’, you’ll miss your true value.”

We need to focus on our own lives and know in our hearts we are where we belong. At times when we feel we should be doing something better or different, than its time to change our path. But in no way should we compare our lives to others. If you are feeling down because others are getting engaged and married but you are single, cheer up. Ask yourself if thats what you really want right now anyway? If so, then get out there and be positive, someone will come your way. If not, live it up. Just because the people around you are having children, doesn’t mean its time to be parent too. Your life journey is unique and not like everyone else’s. Your time will come.

“There’s no schedule. Just admire your own kick-ass individuality“, is something we should all remember. Below is the poster I made for my BFA show before graduating college. It represents all my hard work and dedication. I was a little older than most when I got my degree, but at 27 years old I have been through so much, and with a ton of experience and I felt so ready and confident to move forward. The fact that my show was about my life, really gave a nod to saying goodbye to the past and greeting my future with a smile.

My greatest achievement up until then was graduating art school and creating a successful first gallery show. I was extremely proud of myself. Months later I scored my first full time graphic position in Long Island and moved from Jersey within two weeks, moved into my first apartment, and even met someone who I was with for a few years. And of course, things got in the way of my plans, but with persistence I made it happen. After six months I got laid off and had trouble finding another job, so I had to do what I could to make ends meet. Eventually, after another move, my relationship ended. I felt my life was at a standstill.

Who would have known just a few months later I would meet my current husband. I do have to say it was perfect timing. Since then, life has been challenging but I feel very lucky to be a wife, a homeowner, and a business owner – all of which I deserve to be. I have come to realize, even more so then before, that the life chosen for me wouldn’t be easy. It wouldn’t be filled with lots of money and extravagant gifts or a lifestyle where I can be carefree and less stressed. However, it has been one of many opportunities, lessons, love, change, and adventure. All of which enabled me to grow up fast and become the woman I am today. I have accomplished so much so far and no other life can compare. It’s my onlyness I live for and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Onlyness

 

Inspiration Photo Friday: Mind Evolution

11 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

7 Deadly Sins, envy, evolve, gluttony, greed, honesty, lust, Mind Evolution, pride, sloth, truth, wrath

I was always one to speak my mind, whatever the cost. Throughout my years in art school, I focused on the events and experiences in my life for a lot of my projects. My thesis and first show was called the Mind Evolution, held in April of 2006. It referenced my life in a sequence of digitally enhanced photos I took of myself along with text I wrote. Using the 7 Deadly Sins as my guide, I featured pieces that represented my thoughts and feelings during these times in my life.

The show was very personal, raw and honest and even though I was very excited to unveil my work to the public, I was secretly nervous to let it all go. I was so happy it was a hit and everyone thought it was a success. I had put so much work into finalizing this show, you can’t imagine the process I went through. From researching the mind and evolution to analyzing my life and past experiences. And choosing to open myself up to the world was brave to say the least.

I wanted to share these pieces on Inspiration Photo Friday because I feel they not only inspire people to be strong and truthful, but courageous as well. Sometimes you just have to replenish yourself and rid your soul of the monsters that live inside you. Even though they were negative experiences in your life, they will help someone else overcome a tough spot in theirs or may even help them avoid trauma.

We are all connected in this world so by opening yourself up to other beings, you spread truth and bring honor to the human condition. It is each other whom we learn from and gain knowledge, whether it be something you want to forget or something you are grateful for. Enjoy.

{I have created a book on this particular show that includes special notes on each piece as well as comments that were shared by viewers. If you are interested in purchasing this book, please contact me}

WRATH: Years of solitude inside my head. You never led me towards the light you proclaim to have. Leaving me broken…I leave you behind.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

SLOTH: Wasting time. Standing still. Life is passing me by. I will find my self and explore once again.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

LUST: I feel their eyes on me. Hands bound to me. My soul…exhausted.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Gluttony: Tasting myself once again. I erase you with every scar. I am this without you. I can never get enough.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

GREED: Here in my box of knowledge, I taste the world, touch what I see and make it mine. I take it all in. I grow…I share.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

ENVY: I look at her, satisfied. Envy undertones. The future me. Beautiful.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

PRIDE: Others start to fade as I gain success. Shadows walk beside me, for I am truth. May my strengths captivate. My talents impress. My pride overcome.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

color in films sound in color art inpsired palettes
art and design the home events and parties weddings real weddings color inspiration film-reviews historic places news and updatesminted






minted.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives



martha

Magnolia Rouge

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.29.10 PM

Etsy

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.18.10 PM

logo

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.42.13 PM

P&PBlogHeader

wedding chicks


ruffled

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.47.49 PM

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.16.32 PM


lauren-elle-photography

jenlombardo

logo_website

site-logo1

kelly_dekenipp_logo

homelogo

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Join 1,707 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...