THE BEACH, SPIRITUALITY, MYTHICAL CREATURES & GHOSTS

Visual Artist Hannah Nowlan’s connection to the natural world is intrinsic to the creation of her art works as well as her personal state of well being.

Living in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Black Rock, Hannah draws inspiration from the local natural surrounds. Her daily walks to the beaches around Half Moon Bay with her constant companion Jasper, helps her to feel grounded, calm and awakens her senses and mind.

The rich earthy ochres of the Red Bluff cliffs and the ever changing greens and blues of the water are colours that feature throughout her work.

However, it is what lies beyond the natural world that Hannah chooses to also explore through her art. Her fascination of mythology and spirituality were the basis for a recent exhibition she titled after a mythical creature, Chimera.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Hannah and discovering more about her art, her time in isolation, her love of the beach and what she has planned for her future works.

Your studio is situated in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Black Rock, can you tell me the significance of the beach and the ocean in your life and artworks?

The coastal landscape of Black Rock and my connection to the water is integral to who I am. Having grown up by the sea my entire life, I now can’t imagine a day without it. I find the ocean incredibly grounding, calming and awakening for the senses and mind. The beach is part of my everyday and queues my feelings of ‘coming home’. More than anything, it has become a way of life.

You have described some of your recent works as an exploration of death, duality, mythology and spirituality. Can you explain what you mean by this?

From a young age I’ve been interested in experiences that could be felt but not seen. Initially sparked by my own journey with chronessic pain. I then focused on transparency and ghosts. It then filtered through wider interests. Themes of mythology were first sparked during my Artist Residency in Portugal, where myth and legend were integral to the history and narrative of the towns and locals. When I returned home I found myself exploring memories, family stories and the local histories of my surrounding landscape. After losing my eldest brother in 2018, my fascination for these long-held interests of spirit and legend have taken on new significance. My work now delves deeply into notions of the afterlife, as well as a myriad of symbols and motifs connecting back to my brother and his spirit.

You speak of your art as therapy. In what way does your art practice help you?

I find painting incredibly therapeutic. I also find the digging and searching from within incredible cathartic. Processing emotions and the granular states of life through my work feels almost ‘indulgent’. I feel very humbled that I can take personal experiences and essentially paint my way through them. Once a painting, filled with so much of me and my projections is finished, I’m able to ‘let it go’, often too letting go of the feelings it conjured or held.

How have the recent events and the need to self-isolate affected you, your work and your daily life?

Admittedly, my daily life and work routine were relatively unscathed by the recent events. Most of my work is done solo in my studio or alongside my father who I already live with. Whilst this all remained the same, I did have quite a few projects paused and many looming works left somewhat up-in-the-air. It has always given light to how great our in-house processes are, when all we need to rely on is ourselves. I’ve definitely found inspiration during this time of deep reflection. I found a shell on the beach while I was walking with my dog Jasper. It alone has been one of my greatest sources of influence for my next body of work. That and all the symbolism of what a shell holds. So too has the essence of slowing down and the art of slow living. Values that I have personally held for a long time but it definitely resonates even more so now.

Can you tell us what you are working on at the present moment?

I’m currently working on my next solo exhibition. Inspired by the state of the Australian landscape. In the aftermath of the Australian bushfires and now the current health crisis. I’ve found there’s undoubtedly a state of renewal taking place. I’ve been looking at shells as symbols for hibernation, withdrawing within and internal listening. Whilst the notion of shedding one's skin, like that of a lizard or snake has also coined my interest. So too, ashes and a sense of rebirth, an afterlife for the landscape. This then extends to another concept I’ve been researching like that of underground burrows where animals fled-to during the fires.

Do you have some ‘must have’ self-care rituals in your daily life?

Must have self-care rituals within my routine would have to be refreshing face moisturiser in the morning and a calming night oil before bed. A homemade cup of coffee is always apart of my morning, so too a walk outside with Jasper. The time of which often changes everyday depending on how I feel. I also surprisingly find quite a lot of self-care in the comfortably and functionality of the clothes I wear everyday.

Photo credits: @suziappel_photo

Visit Hannah’s website at hannahnowlan.com.au and insta @hannahnowlan

LIVING THE DREAM

Devyn

At nunchi we have a strong belief in serendipity, chance events that bring happiness and good fortune. Meeting Devyn has been one of these serendipitous moments.

We first crossed paths at the Emu Plains Market, Balnarring, on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. She told us she had purchased some nunchi from her friends store, Darling Style Merchants, Cheltenham, and had fallen in love with her chosen spray, no mud, no lotus.

On our second meeting at the Showroom Surf & Espresso cafe in the NSW coastal town of Scotts Head, we realised Devyn was ‘living her dream’, a cliché we know but when someone so young takes the brave choice to give up the security of home, jump in a van on their own and see where they end up, that takes courage.

Devyn was embracing all that we admire. She has chosen to follow her heart, immerse herself in nature, take chances, meet new people and contribute to the community by facilitating and writing programs to inspire young girls. Inspiring people comes so naturally to Devyn.

Read about why she chose to leave, her love of the ocean and the outdoors and how her adventure has evolved so far. We cant wait to cross paths with you again Devyn.

What inspired you to begin your van journey?

I think there are times when the world can swallow you whole and suddenly you lose yourself in the hustle of trying to live a life that society deems as ‘successful’. It took a while for me to realise that a life of success meant years of stress, grey skies and inauthenticity. I had always known that there was a myriad of ways to trek through life but it’s an obvious truth that the easiest path is the one already laid out for you. My resistance to do as expected and choose the obvious finally sparked the courage to seek my own path. 

Choosing to live my life on the road was a choice of simplicity and connection. I had a yearning to strip my world of all its complexities and immerse myself in the bare essential pleasures. I wanted to relish in nature, drink my morning cuppa slowly and align my body clock with the sun. I wanted the freedom to learn and understand my own inner workings. I wanted to slow the pace of living so that it allowed for more potent and beautiful connections with people. I wanted enormous chunks of solo time and even larger portions of time in the sea. And most importantly, I wanted to have the space and capacity to explore my authenticity and create my version of a successful life. 

So I packed all my surf boards and my favourite books to chase warmer weather and more purposeful work. It's been heavenly so far.

What are the 5 most important things in your self care checklist?

To me, self care isn't just about keeping your head above water when the world throws you a serious curve ball, it's about figuring out daily practices that elevate and invigorate your life.  My checklist may not be anything revolutionary. In fact, I have no doubt you've heard them all before but these little habits of mine form the foundations of my everyday: 
 

1. Salt water therapy.  It's a little cliché but I am an avid believer in the salty power of the ocean, a good ol' teary and a decent sweat session.  These fundamentals of my self care are not only my most reliable remedies for an aching heart or a heavy day, they are my every day essentials for a vibrant life. There is not a day in my life that I don't exercise, spend time in sea or have a cheeky cry (happy tears included). 

2. A warm cup of joe and a whole hearted chat. There is no greater soul soother than hugging a mug of warm, milky goodness and connecting with someone that I absolutely respect and appreciate. I live by the famous words of Brene Brown that "connection is why we are here: it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives".  When it comes to fueling my spirit, nothing tops an honest conversation with a person I adore over a cuppa...or a big glass of red wine.  

3. Sleep.  I know, a very predictable and obvious answer but after listening to a podcast with Dr. Matthew Walker, the importance of sleep bolted its way into my top priorities for self care.  For the frightening science behind the powerful impact of sleep on our health and wellbeing, Google this great man . Science aside though, I know that I am better functioning, more present and joyful human when I get consistent and decent sleep. Fact.  

4. An everyday dose of nature. I have no doubt that the greatest elixir in life is time spent in the natural world. I believe we are hardwired for a deep and unwavering connection with mama earth. I always notice an instantaneous shift in my wellbeing on the days I forget to fill my lungs with fresh air. Hence, you'll find me somewhere in the nature every damn day.  

5. Stoop time. A beautiful friend of mine explained the notion of 'stoop time' that derived from the early 1900s when folks would sit out on their porches or entrances to their apartments for no other reason than to sit, ponder and chat with those walking on by. Today, my translation of this is about giving myself an undefined amount of time to slow my world right down so that I can get lost in a decent book, freely and creatively write, sift through my endless thoughts, daydream a little or simply rest. I think it's the age old 'check out to check in' which pauses the chaos and serves as my grounding reminder to live more gently.  


Tell us about the work you do with youth groups?

Having been a facilitator and youth worker for 10 years, I am lucky to say that my job description is forever changing. However, the constant in my line of work is the passion for meaningful workshops for young people to explore the nitty gritty issues in their life so they can develop the self awareness and self worth necessary for chasing their dreams.  At the moment, I am based on the mid north coast NSW doing the program design and delivery for a new start up business called Igniting Minds that works with young people, youth professionals and communities to inspire young people to make positive change in their lives.  Through Igniting Minds, I am in the process of creating and implementing a program for young women to wrestle and redefine the expectations that society places on them so that they are empowered to make their own, educated decisions in their life. It is my hope that young women develop the inner strength to steer clear of the constant comparison and criticism at their finger tips everyday and focus their energy on their passions, unique strengths and dreams in life.  


What are your dreams for the future?

Ah, this question. Where to begin? I am one of those people that will have a different answer every time you ask me. My vision for my life is an ever-evolving project that I think about every day. For now, I hope to continue to create out of the ordinary spaces and conversations for people so they feel more capable, worthy and inspired to reach their full potential. I hope to travel to every inch of the world in pursuit of creativity, connection and perspective...and of course, great waves too. I hope to write a book, become a celebrant, build a tiny house on a block of land somewhere beautiful and maybe even attempt my masters in the social science realm. I hope to inspire people to prioritize slow living, connection and health, above all. I hope to be the kindest, most authentic and courageous version of myself. But mostly, I hope to meaningfully contribute to the lives of others in any capacity, as often as possible. 

How do you bring nunchi into your day?

nunchi oils have been a mysterious blessing in my world, coming into my life right when I need them most. I first started using nunchi during a challenging period in my life at the start of the year. During that time, I discovered a myriad of ways to alleviate the pressure and the sadness I was experiencing which my bottle of ‘no mud, no lotus’ played a magical role. There was something about spraying that oil a few times a day that not only eased the overwhelm and grounded me, but reminded me to trust my own resilience and strength.  


When I bumped into Di on my van adventures, I landed with a bottle of ‘wanderlust’ in my lap. Did I know that this little gem would be such a beautiful addition to my trip? Absolutely not. But before I knew it, I was half way through my bottle and wishing I had carried it along for the entire ride. Living on the road, you find ways of creating a sense of home no matter where you wake up. My bottle of wanderlust has been my home away from home. I had no idea that something so simple could be so grounding and so soothing all at once. Hence, I use it every morning when I wake up and in those brief moments when home feels like a foreign concept.

THE GIFT OF CONTENTMENT

As we head into our new year and think about the things we would like to achieve in 2018 take a moment to consider that; where we are right in this moment is be exactly where we are meant to be.

I often reflect on what I am doing throughout the day and say to myself, ‘there is nothing I would rather be doing in this moment’. If I am doing a boring and thankless task, I accept that this needs to be done, it is my choice to do it and to not resent doing it.

If we constantly resent our situation and think our happiness will come when things change, it is very difficult to ever be happy. This does not mean we do not change parts of our life, our life will be continually changing, we just need to recognise and accept that every moment and experience is a part of life’s rich tapestry.

I write this after spending the morning around my whole family, my husband, my three daughters, their three partners, one beautiful granddaughter, my 87year old mother in law, my sister in law from Queensland, three dogs and a brand, new puppy.

The morning feels hectic, noisy, messy and all in all pretty, crazy but, how lucky are we to share this time together. Next time we are all together the situation will have changed, the puppy will be older, our granddaughter may not think her princess dress is the best thing in the whole world anymore and many other changes that we can’t predict or foresee.

Santosha (contentment) is an important learning from the niyamas (self-discipline and spiritual observances) in yoga.  We can experience feelings of contentment when we begin to accept that life is an ever-changing process and each moment is a moment to be cherished.

‘Feeling happier every day involves bringing the power of positive feeling back into the present moment. This does not mean you won’t have goals, but it does involve learning to be more content with where you are before moving onto the next thing.’
... Kate James (Change How You Think)
In 2018 aim for the feeling of contentment; create goals, seek ways to create change but enjoy each moment along the way.

I wish you a New Year filled with contentment and mindful moments. I also welcome you to nunchi and hope that you are loving your nunchi mood sprays. If you are receiving this, you are a valued VIP customer, so don't forget to put in your discount code when you next order. ... 'NUNCHIVIP'

On a final note, and if you have read this far, I would love to hear how you are using your sprays. Drop me an email or let me know via nunchi instagram @nunchi_oils
Love and here's to spreading good nunchi,

Di