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This article is written by Melanie Statnick

Get off line and make art. This is my message to you and it is now your new mantra.

Have you ever noticed how much time we spend online? Connected to all those virtual friends? Close friends?  How many websites you scroll through, morning, afternoon and evening. News, weather, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest ,Flicker and blogging?

Working from home can really put you to the test when you sit in front of your computer or check your phone.  We are addicts of social media. How can you create when you’re tuned in to the World Wide Web 24/7?   Get off line and make art. 3 years ago I started practicing yoga and meditating first thing in the morning. Before I even went to the computer or checked my phone.  Being more mindful first thing in the morning can have a powerful effect on how you view the world for the day.  When I finished my routine I was ready to face the day with an open and clear mind.  But I quickly found myself sitting too long in front of the screen afterward. I decided I needed a timer. I set my phone up and I give myself 45 minutes to check e-mail, respond, post, tweet etc… When the bell rings I’m done.  I’m off line and I’m making art.

In that quite reflection I was inspired to create mediation reflection cards. I would make them daily or every other day and began to keep them in a drawer I bought. I used plain index cards, gesso, paint, tape and stamps and I wrote my mantra for the day.   You can use quotes or make your own.  At the end of the year I will have a drawer full of personal motivation and words of self-care and growth.  It is always tempting to check the phone. Turn it off, tune out and get off line.  Give yourself the time and self-care you need to make great works of art. It has been said you can create a habit in 21 days. Challenge yourself of 21 days of cutting your internet time in half and meet your deadlines, personal goals or just tune out and turn in to create art.

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Melanie Statnick is a Canadian Mixed Media & Collage Artist out of North Carolina. Melanie creates art daily from her private studio. Her style is fun, whimsy and eclectic. Melanie is also an Art Instructor for local venues and community colleges for students of all ages.

You can see more of Melanie’s artwork at Rabbit Hole Art
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