On 12 August 2025, the dawn sky carried a rare story.
Two of our brightest wandering stars – Venus, the herald of morning and evening, and Jupiter, the gentle giant with the sky as his throne – stood side by side.
Their light merged, as if the night itself were holding its breath. And the phenomena is still visible over the following days.

For the astronomer, it was a perfect line of sight: two planets in the same field, moons like small companions circling Jupiter.
For the passerby who simply happened to look up, it became something else – a whisper that certain meetings can change everything. 

An Echo from the Ancient Skies

Humanity has always read stories in the script of the stars.
More than two and a half millennia ago, Babylonian scribes carved into the Enuma Anu Enlil that Venus and Jupiter had drawn close – and that it meant something for kings and kingdoms.

In the myths of Greece and Rome, they met as goddess and god-king: she with the gifts of love and beauty, he with the weight of power and wisdom. When they shared the sky, it became an image of union between passion and leadership, between the beat of the heart and the grand designs of the world.

The Glow of Symbolism

In all eras, Venus has carried the light of relationships and creation, while Jupiter has shone with the radiance of expansion, fortune, and wisdom.

When they stand close in the heavens, it has been seen as a moment of harmony – where heart and mind walk hand in hand.
Historically, bright conjunctions have been read as the sky’s own harbingers, signs that change is on the way.
Perhaps that is why we pause, why our gaze lingers: because it reminds us that sometimes beauty and meaning meet in the same moment.

This meeting of Venus and Jupiter also echoes ancient esoteric traditions, such as those of the Rosicrucian Order, which for centuries has woven celestial symbols into its teachings. In their allegories, Venus embodies love and beauty, while Jupiter represents wisdom and expansive vision. Their conjunction was seen as a sign of harmony between the heart’s compassion and the mind’s higher understanding — a moment when the visible heavens mirror an inner alignment. 

In this light, the August dawn was not only an astronomical event, but also an invitation to an age-old journey: the search for unity between our earthly selves and our highest potential.

A Poetic Witness from 1831

Even in the 19th century, their meeting caught the eyes of poets.
William Cullen Bryant wrote in The Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus (1831):

Look, even now,
how two bright planets meet in twilight,
upon the saffron heaven – the imperial star
of Jove, and she who from her radiant urn
pours out the light of love. Let me believe,
for a while, that they have met for ends of good,
amid the evening’s glory, to confer
of humankind and their affairs,
and to shed down kind influence.

He captures not only the visual, but also the dreaming interpretation of what their meeting might mean.

Later in the poem, he invites us to dwell in the moment:

Let us set aside
dark and sorrowful thoughts for a while – there is time for them
later – tomorrow we may meet
with melancholy looks, to tell our griefs
and make each other wretched; this calm hour,
this mild, blessed evening, we will give
to bright hopes and dreams of happy days,
born of the meeting of those glorious stars.

Bryant captures what we still feel: how stillness deepens beauty, how light becomes presence.

Love, Wisdom, and the Alchemy of the In-Between

In esoteric traditions, including the Rosicrucian Order, Venus and Jupiter are more than celestial bodies — they are archetypes. Venus embodies love, beauty, and the creative spark; Jupiter represents wisdom, expansive vision, and the guiding force of higher purpose. Their meeting in the sky is seen as an alchemical marriage — the union of heart and mind, beauty and truth, compassion and understanding.

This union unfolds in what mystics call a sacred interval — a transformative space in between. In alchemy, this is the stage where opposites pause, purify, and prepare to merge into something greater than either could be alone. In Japanese aesthetics, it echoes the principle of Ma, the fertile stillness where meaning is born.

Moments like the August 2025 conjunction are an invitation — not only to look up, but to look within. They ask us to notice the alignments in our own lives: the rare times when our deepest values meet our clearest vision, when we feel both grounded and expansive. Just as two lights meet in the sky, we can let such moments kindle a light within us — one that guides our next steps on the journey toward our highest potential.

The Space In Between – A Bridge to Art

In my own artistic work, especially in the exhibition Unlocking Potential in the Space In Between, from October 2024, I explore the quiet thresholds between moments, where transformation quietly gathers.
The Venus–Jupiter conjunction is such a threshold – a brief alignment where two powerful forces meet not to compete, but to illuminate each other.

In Japanese aesthetics, there is the concept of Ma – the pause, the interval, the space between things where meaning is born.
The light of Venus and Jupiter in that August dawn was a perfect Ma in the sky: a stillness that held not emptiness, but possibility.

In an exhibition space, this could be mirrored through art that invites the viewer to linger in their own “in-between” – between thought and feeling, between knowing and discovering.

Two glowing orbs suspended in a room.
An ambient reading of Bryant’s poem, set against the hum of dawn.
A reflection table where visitors can write about the alignments in their own lives – their personal Venus–Jupiter moments.

The Sky as a Mirror

Perhaps this is what Venus and Jupiter are whispering to us:
That we, like them, sometimes have the chance to stand close to someone – or something – and that these moments can hold more than we first understand.
That the world grows richer when we look with curiosity, embrace the unexpected, and let both heart and vision guide our steps.

For when two lights meet in the sky, they can also kindle a light within us.
And perhaps that light is what we carry forward – into our lives, into our art, into the spaces in between.

More Moment when Eyes Woven in Time Exhibits

For more magical moments and encounters, you are warmly welcome to visit my art exhibition Eyes Woven in Time on 6–7 September during the Danderyd Art Tour. 

Inspired by;

Venus Jupiter Conjunction by Sky at Night Magazine
About our planets by NASA
About Enuma Any Enlil
Same as it ever was by Public Domain Review
About William Cullen Bryant
About William Cullen Bryants Poems by Gutenberg
About the Rosencreuz Order History
Bigert & Bergstroms artwork at Hallands Museum Summer of 2025 , and a photo from the visit;  

From earlier posts;

Unlocking the Potential in the Space in Between  
Moon through my lens creatively

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member and advisor, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com

This blog post is also shared at the blog of www.liselotteengstam.com, with the artist name Novisali.

The post When Venus Met Jupiter – and the Sky Spoke in Light first appeared on Novisali.

(Läs denna blogpost på svenska HÄR)

As both an artist and someone deeply curious about how we carry and translate meaning across time, I’ve long felt a quiet kinship with women like Engla Hägertz,  my fathers aunt,  and Hilma af Klint—creators who saw the world not only as it appeared, but as it might become.

This project is an offering. A poetic reconstruction. A meditation on what might have been said, if two visionary women—one with a camera, one with a brush—had found one another across their parallel paths in early 20th-century Sweden.

It is also an invitation to reflect on the unseen threads that connect us across generations, disciplines, and silences. In these imagined letters, I hear echoes of my own creative questions—and perhaps you will too.

— Novisali

Parallel Lives, kindred visions 

Engla Hägertz (1890–1974) and Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) lived in the same country during overlapping decades, yet belonged to different spheres of the Swedish art world. One wielded a camera. The other, a brush. Neither sought fame. Both pursued truth.

Engla Hägertz 

Engla was a female photographer and studio owner in Oskarström, a small industrial town in Halland, Sweden. Together with her sister Gudrun, she opened her first studio in 1914, capturing portraits of townspeople, laborers, and local families. She also photographed nature—especially flowers—and later created and sold hand-printed botanical postcards. Her work, though often practical, radiated empathy and compositional clarity. She saw light not just as illumination, but as revelation.

Hilma af Klint 

Hilma, meanwhile, painted in silence. Her early career followed conventional routes—portraits, landscapes, botanical and scientific illustrations. She studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm (1882–1887), where she was one of the first women admitted. After graduation, she lived and worked primarily in Stockholm, where she built a modest career as a traditional painter.

But in 1906, guided by spiritual experiences and communications she believed came from higher realms, she embarked on a radical new path. She began creating abstract paintings—geometric, symbolic, visionary works that preceded Kandinsky’s by several years. These would later become known as the “Paintings for the Temple,” and marked her turn away from the visible world toward an art of inner revelation. She believed the world wasn’t yet ready to understand them.

Though no evidence suggests they ever met, their lives unfolded in quiet parallel. They were unmarried, independent, deeply spiritual, and creatively driven—women who built careers on their own terms in a time that offered them few models. Both cultivated beauty from the everyday. Both listened for something beyond the visible.

If They Had Met: A Likely Conversation

Imagine Engla reaching out in admiration—perhaps after hearing whispers of Hilma’s strange and beautiful paintings through artist friends in Halmstad or Gothenburg. She might have asked how to stay true to a vision the world didn’t yet understand. Hilma, decades older but similarly solitary, might have written back with gentle encouragement: urging Engla to trust the unseen, to follow the light not just in her subjects, but within herself.

Their letters would not be loud. They would be slow, thoughtful, and quietly transformative—like the way spring sunlight moves across a wooden floor. They would speak of loss and courage, of nature and mystery, of photography as memory and painting as revelation.

And though their mediums differed, their messages would harmonize:

See deeply. Create faithfully. Trust what others cannot yet see.

Letters between Engla Hägertz and Hilma af Klint

Letter 1: March 1914

Engla (24) → Hilma (51)

From Bruksgatan, Oskarström – To Brahegatan, Stockholm 

Dear Miss af Klint,

I hope this letter finds you well. I write with humble admiration and genuine curiosity. My name is Engla Hägertz, and my sister and I have just acquired our first photography studio in Oskarström. We are two women, newly in charge of both business and image, filled with ambition but also uncertainty.

I came across mention of your work through a friend in Halmstad, who described it as “otherworldly—like symbols singing in color.” That description has stayed with me.

I wonder if I may ask you something: how does one stay true to an artistic vision when it runs ahead of what the world understands? I feel this already—people want simple portraits. But sometimes, I see something else in them. Something more.

Do you ever feel guided by something unseen? And if so, how do you honor it in your work?

With respect and hope,
Engla Hägertz
Studioägare, Bruksgatan 19, Oskarström

PS. I’ve enclosed a photograph of my sister Gudrun and myself—taken just outside our new studio on Bruksgatan. I thought it might make our letter feel a little less distant, a little more human. I hope you won’t find it presumptuous; it simply felt right to share an image, since that is the language I speak best.

We both admire your work greatly, even if we are just beginning to understand it. Perhaps one day, we will have the chance to meet—not just through letters or photographs, but in person, spirit to spirit.

Warmest regards once more,

Engla

Letter 2: July 1914

Hilma (51) → Engla (24)
From Munsö, Stockholm – to Bruksgatan, Oskarström

Dear Miss Hägertz,

Your letter reached me with the gentleness of someone attuned to more than just surface. Thank you for writing.

You ask how to stay true to a vision ahead of its time. I have asked myself the same. For years, I painted portraits, flowers, even scientific illustrations—works that others understood. But in 1906, something shifted. I began to receive messages. Not from the outer world, but from within. I was asked to paint the unseen.

Many do not understand what I do now. But I believe we are not alone in our creating. We are collaborators with something greater.

Keep seeing what others miss, Miss Hägertz. The world may catch up, but your vision must lead.

Warmly,
Hilma af Klint

P.S. I’ve enclosed a small photograph of myself in my studio, alongside a preparatory sketch I made years ago. It later became part of a larger painting I titled Old Age, part of a series exploring the cycle of life—not as decline, but as transformation.

I share it not for judgment, but in the spirit of artistic kinship. Perhaps you will see in it something I did not intend—some echo or energy that speaks to you. I wonder: how do you read images that reach beyond clarity?

I would be most curious to hear your thoughts, not as a critic, but as a fellow seer of the in-between.

With kind regard once again,

Hilma

Letter 3: September 1915

Engla (26) → Hilma (53)
From Bruksgatan, Oskarström – To Ynglingagatan, Stockholm

Dear Hilma,

Thank you for your words. They offered strength in a year full of trial. My sister Gudrun and I are still learning the rhythms of running a studio—booking sittings, managing chemicals, chasing light. Yet more than that, I’m learning to listen.

You wrote that you were asked to paint the unseen. I feel I am learning to photograph it. A man came in with tired eyes and a soot-darkened face. When the image emerged, there was tenderness the world never saw in him. The lens, I believe, listens to light’s memory.

You said we are collaborators with something greater. Perhaps so. And perhaps that is the artist’s true commission.

With warmth and thanks,
Engla

P.S. I’ve enclosed two photographs that I hope you’ll receive with interest. The first is from within our studio—a quiet moment between sittings, where light poured in just right across the backdrop and caught Gudrun adjusting the camera. I often find the in-between moments are the most revealing.

The second is from a recent visit to Arild, where we combined work and rest. The coastal landscape there felt more alive than any backdrop we could construct. The sea, the wind, the way the grasses lean—it all seemed to whisper something ancient. I felt more like a listener than a photographer.

I wonder—do you also find that nature speaks differently depending on where you are? And do you think the unseen you paint is sometimes nestled in the curve of a hill, or the hush of a tree?

Curious to hear what you see.

Warmly,

Engla

Letter 4: April 1917

Engla (27) → Hilma (54)
From Bruksgatan, Oskarström – To Ynglingagatan, Stockholm 

Dear Hilma,

I write with a heavy heart. My sister Gudrun has passed. She fought bravely, but the illness overtook her this spring.

The studio feels hollow without her presence—her quiet hands, her strong laugh, her way of framing a shot before I even saw it. She was not only my sister but my co-creator. I wonder if you’ve ever felt a creative bond like that, one so woven into daily life that its absence feels like light missing from the room.

Still, I develop the prints we began together. I press flowers into books like we used to. I try to listen for her in the silence.

With grief and love,
Engla

P.S. I’ve enclosed a photograph of myself standing on the doorstep of our studio. It was taken by a kind neighbor who sensed, I think, the pause in me. Some days I hesitate there—hand on the doorframe, heart holding its breath—half expecting to hear Gudrun’s voice from inside. For a moment, I still believe she might be there, adjusting the curtain, laughing at the sunlight catching the lens.

Do you know that feeling, Hilma? When absence doesn’t feel like an emptiness, but like a presence you cannot quite enter?

The studio remains filled with her touch, but I walk through it differently now. Quieter. Slower. More aware of everything we built together.

I share this image not as a portrait, but as a question. What do you see in it?

With a full and aching heart,

Engla

Letter 5: October 1917

Hilma (55) → Engla (28)
Från Ynglingagatan, Stockholm – Till Bruksgatan, Oskarström

Dearest Engla,

I am deeply sorry to hear about Gudrun. Such losses shape us, even as they try to undo us. In my own life, grief has often opened the doorway to deeper seeing.

I’ve just returned from Dornach, where Steiner’s vision is taking shape in the Goetheanum. I have also been exploring aand writing on Studies of the Life of the Soul. The building curves like thought itself. I believe architecture, painting, even photography can become temples of becoming.

In your portraits, you reveal the sacred in the ordinary. That is no small feat. That is alchemy.

Hold close what calls to you.

With care,
Hilma

P.S. I’ve enclosed a small drawing—made during one of our recent séances. It came quickly, almost without thought, as if passed through me rather than from me. It is not a composition in the usual sense, but a trace—a symbol I do not yet fully understand.

I share it with you not as finished work, but as a gesture. A language of lines born in stillness. Perhaps it speaks more clearly to you than it does to me.

You mentioned listening for Gudrun in the silence. I wonder if what we call silence is sometimes where the truest presence lives. I do believe that in certain states—dream, grief, prayer, light through trees—we become more attuned to what moves beneath.

Let me know what you see, if you feel called.

With gentleness across distance,

Hilma

Letter 6: Spring 1919

Engla (30) → Hilma (56)
Från Bruksgatan, Oskarström – Till Munsö, Stockholm

Dear Hilma,

This spring has been both return and rebirth. I recovered from the fever that swept through last year and have resumed our studio. It feels different now—quieter, maybe deeper.

Your letters helped me through. The thought that my work, too, might be a temple—this stayed with me. I now photograph not only people but their gestures, their absences. What is not said has become just as present.

Thank you for showing me that form can hold silence.

With gratitude,
Engla

P.S. Lately, I’ve taken to bringing small bursts of color into my surroundings—painting the garden chairs sky blue, the table legs a hopeful green. It’s as if, after so much grey, I need the world to speak in brighter tones again. Even the simplest things—a tin watering can, a cushion on the step—have become little altars of intention.

I’ve also done something I never imagined: I bought myself a car and have started learning to drive. There’s something freeing about being behind the wheel, wind in my hair, with no one expecting where I’ll go next. I’ve been visiting coastal towns with my camera, following nothing but light and feeling.

I’ve included a photograph of my mother, Josefina, standing on the beach at Tylösand. She looks out over the water with a kind of quiet courage. I often think of her resilience—and now I see I carry it, too.

I wonder—have you ever felt the need to color the world around you before returning to your canvas?

With spring’s unfolding,

Engla

Letter 7: Summer 1920

Hilma (58) → Engla (31)
Från Munsö, Stockholm till Bruksgatan, Oskarström

Dear Engla,

It delights me to hear you’ve taken to the roads in your own car! A woman with wheels is a marvel of our time. I, too, have wandered—to Mölle, to Dornach again. Travel shifts perception. So does illness. So does spirit.

I’m now painting trees—both real and imagined. I see you are photographing by the sea? The sea is another kind of spiral. May your images hold the rhythm of waves.

Yours in quiet motion,

Hilma

P.S. I’ve enclosed a page from my sketchbook—a study of blue violets I made while walking near Dornach. I’ve started calling it The Blue Swedes in my mind, perhaps because the colors reminded me of the way home feels in memory: tender, quiet, rooted.

The form came to me like a whisper—part flower, part symbol. I’m not certain what it means yet, but I feel it’s a link between body and spirit, soil and sky.

Do you ever name your photographs after feelings rather than places? Or after the people they remind you of?

I thought of you as I painted this. Perhaps it’s the rhythm of your seaside journeys that stirred the color in me. Let me know what you see in it—your eye often reveals what mine misses.

With traveling thoughts,

Hilma

Letter 8: August 1925

Engla (35) → Hilma (63)
From Bruksgatan, Oskarström – to Munsö, Stockholm

Dear Hilma,

I’ve been photographing reflections lately—people in mirrors, flowers caught in glass, faces in puddles. Something in your spiral paintings must have inspired this. They seem to say: the center is always elsewhere.

Sometimes I wonder, do we both use our crafts not to document but to translate? I think so.

With admiration,
Engla

P.S. I’ve enclosed a photograph that feel like small riddle.

It showm my sister Hevig an dmyself. It shows me twice—once directly, and once in reflection. A mirror stood angled just so in the corner of our sitting room, catching more of me than I intended. Yet there’s something truthful in it. The seen and the seen-again. The self and the echo. I wonder if your spirals also carry that doubling—a movement toward something not yet fully revealed.

Do you ever find that your brush captures questions rather than answers?

With curiosity and affection,

Engla

Letter 9: January 1938

Hilma (76) → Engla (48)
From Grönegatan, Lund – to Bruksgatan, Oskarström

Dear Engla,

In Järna the trees are frozen but glowing. I’ve taken to sketching them again. Roots like prayers. I’ve also been dreaming of a round temple filled with paintings—not to display art, but to awaken something in the visitor.

You once asked if our work remembers. I say yes. It remembers what we forgot. What the world hurried past.

Yours in devotion,
Hilma

P.S. I’ve enclosed three small offerings that I hope will speak to you in different ways.

The first is a painting I made in Dornach in 1930—an earlier study of trees. Their branches reach upward like questions, while the roots, invisible at first, form a quiet geometry of trust beneath the surface. I was thinking of how growth is both ascent and descent—how spirit and soil speak to each other if we let them.

The second is a photograph of my place in Järna, taken on a frost-bright morning. The light was still and translucent, and I felt it carried something sacred—as if the house itself was listening.

The third is a new sketch for what I now call The Temple Within. It is not a building as much as an intention—a place where images do not instruct, but resonate. The shape came to me in meditation: circular, unfolding, womb-like. Each wall would carry a cycle of paintings, each passage offering stillness.

Let me know what you feel in these fragments. You, with your gift for reading light, may see something I have only begun to sense.

With quiet hope,

Hilma

Letter 10: December 1939

Engla (49) → Hilma (77)
From Bruksgatan, Oskarström – to Hamngatan 5, Djursholm

Dear Hilma,

The world teeters again on the edge of war. I find myself returning to small things—hyacinths in the window, shadows on frost.

I think of you often. You tucked your work away, saying the world wasn’t ready. Was it trust or doubt that guided you? I hope it was trust. I try to trust too.

With quiet courage,
Engla

P.S. I’ve enclosed a few photographs that have become anchors for me in these uncertain days—fragments of light I’ve tried to hold onto.

The first is a quiet portrait of myself with flowers on the table. Behind me on the wall hangs a photograph of my beloved Gudrun. It was taken years ago, but I find that her gaze still steadies me. Some days, it feels like we’re still working side by side.

Another shows me arranging flowers—some placed gently as a tablecloth embroidered by hand, others tucked on a lamp that casts golden light in the early evenings. These small gestures—flowers, linens, light—feel like ways of saying: We are still here. We still create beauty.

And finally, a larger photograph of my family: sisters, brothers, their husbands, wives, and children gathered in laughter and layered conversation. I look at it often now. In the face of what looms, it reminds me of what binds.

I share these with you not only as memory, but as testament—that even as the world edges toward shadow, we keep shaping light.

With tenderness across the distance,

Engla

Letter 11: September 1944

Hilma (82) → Engla (54)
From Hamngatan 5, Djursholm – To Bruksgatan, Oskarström

Beloved Engla,

I sense this is my final letter. My hands shake now, but the light is still within me. I have prepared the archive. Erik will guard it. Not yet understood, but not lost.

When you press the shutter, do you feel you are making something for a future eye? I always did.

You helped me feel less alone in this. Thank you.

In light,
Hilma

Ps. Adding my sketch of Pinus Silvestrus: Pinus sylvestris is a manifestation of the search for truth; it ascends to the heights and tells us: “try to reach the light, try to overcome what holds you back.” That obstacle is our disinterest in searching for the source of life; instead, we have an innate desire to create ourselves following our own rules. There is no possibility to create, for man draws from a common source the life skills that in part lie concealed, in part are revealed in the world of forms. In order to be able to come up with new forms we would have to understand what has already been created.

Afterword: A Dialogue Across Light and Time

The letters you have just read are fictional—but the lives, the art, and the questions they contain are very real.

Engla Hägertz, the quiet observer with a camera in her hands, left behind over 25,000 photographs. Her images of working families, children, flowers, and local life were never part of a major gallery show—but they became cherished reflections of a region and an era. She documented the beauty in the ordinary and made space for feeling in the formal.

Hilma af Klint, the painter who listened to inner voices, created more than a thousand visionary works—swirling with color, geometry, spirit, and symbolism. Her paintings, kept hidden for decades, are now recognized as foundational to abstract art. She imagined her works displayed in a temple not yet built—a future gallery of awakening.

Though these women never met, this exchange reimagines what might have occurred if their worlds had touched. Their imagined letters are a celebration of parallel courage:

– The courage to create without applause.
– The courage to trust invisible truths.
– The courage to leave behind a trace for others to follow.

In reading their words, we are reminded that some of the most important artistic conversations happen in quiet—between light and shadow, spirit and surface, brushstroke and shutter.

Their legacy is not only in what they created, but in what they make possible for us to see today.

Perhaps you, too, are listening to something others cannot yet hear.

If so—may these letters be your encouragement to continue.

Learn more

More about Engla Hägetz (google translated website) EnglaHagertz.se

Details about Engla from genealogy

More about Hilma af Klint (wikipedia) About Hilma af Klint

Hilma af Klint Foundation

Hilma af Klint exhibition 2025 at Museum of Modern Art in New York

The newly authored book about an imaginary time of Hilma af Klints life, The invisible temple – a vision about Hilma af klint (in Swedish) by Ida There´n.

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member and advisor, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com

This blog post was is also shared at the blog of www.liselotteengstam.com, with the artist name Novisali.

The post When Quiet Visionaries Speak first appeared on Novisali.

Every footprint tells a story. Some fade with the tide, others linger in memory.

Some of life’s most profound moments arrive quietly — a glance, a sunset, the touch of a wave at our feet. We might not notice their weight at the time. Yet, like footprints pressed into wet sand, they shape us in ways we only understand much later.

As the soft notes of Footprints in the Sand play  listen here, we’re reminded of how those invisible presences — of people, of time, of grace — walk alongside us.

There is something elemental about walking along a shoreline. With each step, we leave behind a delicate imprint — a personal marker, briefly visible, vulnerable to wind and water. The next wave may erase it, and yet for a moment, it existed. It mattered.

Footprints remind us of presence. Of movement. Of passing through.
Some vanish quickly, like fleeting thoughts or sudden feelings.
Others stay with us — not in the sand, but within us — as memories, as transformations, as quiet truths we carry forward.

The shoreline becomes a metaphor:
Where permanence meets impermanence.
Where what was merges with what’s becoming.
Where we pause between land and sea, past and future, self and world.

And in that in-between, something opens. Perhaps it’s:
• The impermanence of time, mirrored in waves that erase yesterday’s paths — reminding us to cherish the now.
• The quiet power of presence, in pausing to observe a shadow on the dune, a pattern in the sand, the light glimmering across the water.
• The warmth of connection, in footsteps that follow one another, in shared silence, in the memory of a moment that left its mark.

To walk along the beach with music rising in the air — like this violin version of You Raise Me Up, filmed by the sea— is to feel how art, nature, and emotion converge in one breath.

Not all stories are spoken. Not all journeys are grand.
But every footprint holds the possibility of meaning.
Some are solitary. Some are side-by-side.
Some appear, then disappear.
And some stay with us — not because they lasted, but because they touched something deep within.

As the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote:

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time…

These lines are a gentle reminder that our lives — and our creations — carry meaning beyond ourselves. A trace we leave might be the encouragement someone else needs to keep going. A step we took might help another find their way.

Reflections Along the Shoreline of Memory

Which footprints have shaped me?
Think of the moments, people, or places that left a mark on you — not with noise, but with presence.
A glance, a decision, a season of life.
What did they awaken in you? What have they taught you?

Which footprints do I like to be reminded of?
Not all imprints fade. Some you return to, again and again.
A sunset you carry in your chest. A voice that still calms you. A choice you’re proud of.
What brings you strength, warmth, or clarity when you remember it?

Which footprints am I ready to let the tide wash away?
Some marks are heavy. Some are no longer yours to carry.
A story you’ve outgrown. A fear that’s done its time. A memory that no longer defines you.
What are you willing to release – gently, without force – to make space for something new?

An Art Exhibition Rooted in Tylösand’s Soul

With Footprints in the Sand is not just an art exhibition — it’s a tribute to moments that once were, to golden hours by the sea, and to the quiet presence of nature that continues to shape us long after we’ve left the shoreline.

From wind-swept dunes to sunlit waves, this exhibition gathers a carefully curated selection of indoor and outdoor artworks inspired by Tylösand — a place where many of us have laughed, reflected, wandered, and found stillness.

Get a glimpse of Tylösand today from above in this peaceful drone view, and sense how the beach continues to tell stories.

Each piece holds a trace of someone’s steps…
…a family’s summer walk across the warm sand,
…a solitary morning watching the sea dissolve into sky,
…a fleeting feeling that somehow stayed.

What You’ll Experience:
• Artworks that speak to memory and motion, created in diverse techniques — from watercolors and digital art to sculpture and installation.
• A walk through inner and outer spaces, where the boundaries between gallery walls and open air blur like footprints on a breezy beach.
• Stories behind the works, inviting visitors to recall their own memories or to simply pause and be present.

This exhibition is a warm reminder that beauty doesn’t need to last forever to leave an imprint.

Explore Tylösand’s rich history through this film from 1939 (start at 8:20) or dive into the story of Hotell Tylösand from 1915 — places that still echo in the present.

Welcome to visit:

Physical Art Exhibition April 20 15-17 in Tyludden Tylösand – With Footprints in the Sand/
Fysisk utställning 20 april 15–17 i Tyludden Tylösand – Med spår i sanden
(click on the picture below)

Virtual Art Exhibition Transient Tylösand / Virtuell utställning Transient Tylösand
(click on the picture below )

In the art exhibition is including a song about Tylösand. a Swedish song about Tylösand can be found below;

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member and advisor, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com

This blog post was is also shared at the blog of www.liselotteengstam.com, with the artist name Novisali.

The post With Footprints in the Sand first appeared on Novisali.

In a recent conversation between Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management and Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), this question took center stage. Strannegård passionately argues for the integration of art, aesthetics, and culture into business education to cultivate creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. These qualities, he suggests, will be key to future leadership.

The Role of Art in Leadership and Business

Art has long played a pivotal role in shaping leadership and business. Engaging with artistic and aesthetic experiences fosters creativity, enhances emotional intelligence, and sharpens decision-making. Art challenges individuals to see beyond conventional structures, encouraging them to embrace complexity, think innovatively, and communicate with nuance.

In the business world, leaders who incorporate aesthetic thinking develop a deeper capacity to navigate uncertainty and inspire others. As AI continues to take over analytical and repetitive tasks, the ability to interpret the unspoken, embrace ambiguity, and lead with empathy will become invaluable. By integrating artistic perspectives into leadership, organizations can cultivate cultures of innovation, adaptability, and human connection.

Arts-Based Training in Organizations: Many organizations have adopted arts-based training programs to address various employee development needs. These programs aim to foster creative thinking, develop new leadership models, and strengthen skills in collaboration, conflict resolution, and change management. Such art based learning initiatives have been implemented in numerous Fortune 500 companies, reflecting a growing recognition of the arts’ value in business contexts. ​

Art-Based Coaching: Incorporating art into coaching practices has emerged as an effective approach to leadership development. By engaging clients in creative processes, art-based coaching facilitates deeper self-reflection, enhances emotional awareness, and encourages innovative problem-solving strategies. This method leverages the expressive nature of art to unlock new perspectives and insights, contributing to more effective leadership.​ Studies have shown considerable impact of art-based leadership development on various dimensions of leadership capabilities. 

The Science Behind Aesthetic Engagement

Research supports the significant benefits of engaging with artistic and aesthetic experiences:

• Creativity Enhancement: A report by the Arts Education Partnership in About Visual art Education  ​indicates that students involved in art programs demonstrate greater proficiency in creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Engaging with art encourages individuals to think flexibly and explore new perspectives .
• Emotional Intelligence Development: The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence highlights how creative endeavors help cultivate emotional intelligence, improving emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
• Decision-Making Improvement: Studies suggest that positive emotions, often stimulated by artistic activities and Creativity  ​, enhance cognitive flexibility and improve decision-making processes.

These findings reinforce the idea that art is not just a luxury—it is an essential tool for developing the cognitive and emotional skills that define effective leadership in an AI-powered world.

Education vs. Cultivation: Nurturing Leaders for an AI-Powered World

In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, the concepts of ‘utbildning’ (education) and ‘bildning’ (cultivation or holistic personal development) gain renewed significance. Lars Strannegård emphasizes that while ‘utbildning’ equips individuals with specific skills and knowledge, ‘bildning’ fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, nurturing empathy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

Strannegård advocates for integrating the arts and humanities into business education, asserting that such interdisciplinary exposure enriches students’ perspectives and enhances their ability to navigate complex, ambiguous situations. He posits that this holistic approach not only prepares individuals for professional challenges but also cultivates responsible and reflective citizens.

At SSE, students are exposed to art and philosophy alongside traditional business subjects, challenging them to think beyond numbers. This philosophy manifests through initiatives like The Art Initiative, which incorporates art installations and collaborations within the academic environment. Such initiatives serve as intellectual stimuli, encouraging students to engage in reflective and critical thinking beyond traditional business paradigms.

Embracing ‘bildning’ alongside ‘utbildning’ aligns with the demands of an AI-driven world, where uniquely human qualities such as empathy, creativity, and ethical judgment become increasingly vital. By fostering these attributes, educational institutions can prepare leaders who not only excel in their fields but also contribute thoughtfully and compassionately to society.

The Unbreakable Human Spirit

AI can analyze vast amounts of data, but it sometimes lacks the human intuition to create with meaning, the depth to tell truly resonant stories, and the ability to forge genuine emotional connections. What sets humans apart is our ability to find meaning in the abstract, to see beauty in imperfection, and to embrace paradoxes that machines struggle to comprehend. Throughout history, art and storytelling have helped societies navigate uncertainty, offering solace in times of change and inspiring bold visions of the future.

In leadership, this human spirit manifests in the ability to empathize, to inspire, and to cultivate environments where people thrive—not just function. The greatest leaders do not simply make decisions; they ignite imagination, foster emotional resilience, and create a sense of shared purpose. As we stand at the intersection of AI and humanity, our challenge is not just to adapt but to lead with heart, wisdom, and an unwavering belief in human potential. Leaders who cultivate aesthetic intelligence will not only be better decision-makers but will also be able to shape company cultures that inspire and engage.

This resonates deeply with my work as Novisali, where I explore the intersections of art, leadership, and transformation. Through guided reflections, creative collaborations, and exhibitions, I invite people to engage with the “in-between spaces” of meaning—where logic meets intuition, and structure meets fluidity.

Welcoming You to “Radiant Voices: Women Through Art“

As part of this journey, I am glad to invite you to the virtual mini-exhibition today on Intenrationa Womens Day, titled “Ridiant Voices”. Women Illuminating the Future, celebrating the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women, over generations. This exhibition will offer moments of reflection, encouraging us to explore the unseen dimensions of leadership through art.

We stand at a fascinating threshold—one where AI and humanity must co-evolve. By embracing the artistic and emotional dimensions of leadership, we unlock new pathways for navigating an ever-changing world.

Join me in this conversation. Let’s celebrate the art of leadership together. Welcome to join the virtual art exhibition Radiant Voices

More Inspiration

Listen to the inspirational interview of Lars Strannegård, Dean at the Stockholm School of Economics, conducted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management—one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, owning shares in over 9,000 companies worldwide.

Tangen, an art patron, has also founded art museum Kunstsilo, a museum dedicated to Nordic modernist art.

Learn more about the Art Initiative at School School of Economics 

Explore and join the Art Exhibition outside Stockholm until March 29 “Potential of the In-Between“, with several guided reflections.

Related Blogposts

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member and advisor, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com

This blog post was is also shared at the blog of www.liselotteengstam.com, with the artist name Novisali.

The post Leadership Renaissance with Art, AI & Human Leadership first appeared on Novisali.

(the text is also available in english further down)

En resa genom Hopp, Ljus, Paradis och Mellanrum

Stig in i en värld där gränserna mellan dåtid och framtid, verklighet och fantasi upplöses. “Mellanrummens Möjligheter” är en konstutställning som utforskar gränslandet till förändring —de flyktiga ögonblicken mellan mörker och ljus, osäkerhet och klarhet, stillhet och rörelse. Det är en hyllning till övergången, där varje paus rymmer potentialen för något nytt att uppstå.

Låt oss gärna veta om ni planerar besöka utställningen

Leonardo da Vinci sa en gång: “Konst blir aldrig färdig, den överges bara.” Hans förmåga att röra sig mellan discipliner—att förena konst, vetenskap och filosofi—inspirerar grunden i denna utställning. Det är i mellanrummet, i det ofullbordade och det ständigt föränderliga, som nya möjligheter föds.

Utställningen är skapad av Novisali, den konstnärliga aliasen för Liselotte Engstam, en autodidakt konstnär som har målat med akvarell i över 40 år. Under de senaste nio åren har hon utvidgat sitt konstnärliga uttryck genom digitala tekniker och omformat sina verk till nya format och material. Hennes konstnärliga resa förenar tradition och innovation, där den organiska flödet i akvarellen möter den digitala världens obegränsade möjligheter. Genom sitt arbete bjuder Novisali in betraktaren till en resa av reflektion, övergång och upptäckt.

Som Joi Ito, tidigare chef för MIT Media Lab, påminner oss om: “Framtiden är inte något vi går in i. Framtiden är något vi skapar.”  Konstverken i denna utställning återspeglar denna filosofi—varje verk är en inbjudan att föreställa sig nya verkligheter, att navigera osäkerhet med nyfikenhet och att omfamna det okända som en plats för omvandling.

Utställningen innehåller utvalda verk från konstserierna Tomorrows Sentinels, The Space In-Between, Hopepunk, Pastel Paradise och Water Edge. Utställningen Mellanrummens Möjligheter är kurerad för att utforska de övergångar som formar oss—hoppet som finns i osäkerheten, ljuset som öppnar nya perspektiv, längtan efter paradiset och den obegränsade potentialen i mellanrummet. Istället för att påtvinga en mening bjuder dessa verk in till utforskning, där tolkningar är personliga, förändras och fördjupas över tid.

Refik Anadol, en pionjär inom AI-driven digital konst, föreslår att “Osäkerhet är en av de vackraste sakerna i livet—den leder oss till oändliga möjligheter.” Denna utställning omfamnar just den tanken, och låter betraktaren kliva in i ögonblick av förändring, där gränsen mellan verklighet och fantasi blir flytande.

Varje verk fungerar som en portal, som leder betraktaren bortom fasta tolkningar och in i en värld av personlig upptäckt och transformation. Tryckta på material som återvinningsbar aluminium, naturlig siden och växtbaserad återvunnen mocka, förkroppsligar verken själva temat förändring och hållbarhet—där linjen mellan beständighet och utveckling, tradition och innovation, det påtagliga och det eteriska suddas ut.

Mer än en visuell upplevelse är denna utställning en inbjudan till engagemang. Som Otto Scharmer, författare till Theory U, säger: “Energi följer uppmärksamhet. Där du riktar din uppmärksamhet, dit går systemets energi.” Genom guidad reflektion och tankeväckande dialoger uppmuntras besökare att utforska sina egna resor av förändring, kulturell fusion och självinsikt.

Brené Brown talar om vikten av att kliva in i det okända: “Du kan välja mod eller så kan du välja bekvämlighet. Du kan inte ha båda.” Denna utställning uppmanar betraktarna att våga sig in i modig utforskning, att möta osäkerhet och att finna mening i rummet mellan trygghet och förändring.

Jane McGonigal, framtidsforskare vid Institute for the Future, utmanar oss att föreställa oss alternativa framtider: “När vi spelar spel skapar vi ett utrymme där vi kan öva på att vara de bästa versionerna av oss själva.” På ett liknande sätt fungerar denna utställning som en lekplats för fantasin, där besökare kan experimentera med perspektiv, känslor och tolkningar.

Som Yuval Noah Harari (Homo Deus) påpekar: “Människor tänker i berättelser, och vi försöker förstå världen genom att berätta historier.” Denna utställning bjuder in varje besökare att kliva in i berättelsen om mellanrummet och reflektera över den historia de själva skapar genom sina egna transformationer.

Utställningsinformation

“Mellanrummens Möjligheter” visas på Bålsta bibliotek från den 1 mars till den 29 mars.

Utställningen invigs under vernissagen den 1 mars, kl. 13:00-15:00, och kan besökas under bibliotekets ordinarie öppettider.

Besökare får också möjlighet att delta i guidade reflektioner på följande utvalda dagar med start kl. 13:00:

• 8 mars – Ledstjärnor & Diserna (på Internationella Kvinnodagen)
• 22 mars – Rymd & Vattenspegel (på Internationella Vattendagen)
• 29 mars – Framtidsperspektiv

Låt oss gärna veta om ni planerar besöka utställningen:

Var befinner du dig i mellanrummet?

Svaret växer fram i rummet mellan det sedda och det kända, det påtagliga och det subtila, mellan konsten och betraktaren—där möjligheterna är oändliga.

Välkommen att besöka utställningen.

Exhibition: Potential of the In-Between

A Journey Through Hope, Light, Paradise, and the Space In-Between

Step into a world where the boundaries between past and future, reality and imagination dissolve. “Potential of the In-Between” is an art exhibition that explores the liminal spaces of transformation—the fleeting moments between darkness and light, uncertainty and clarity, stillness and motion. It is a celebration of transition, where each pause holds the potential for something new to emerge.

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” His ability to exist between disciplines—bridging art, science, and philosophy—inspires the essence of this exhibition. It is in the in-between, in the space of the unfinished and the evolving, that new possibilities emerge.

The exhibition is created by Novisali, the artistic alias of Liselotte Engstam, an autodidact artist who has been painting with watercolors for over 40 years. Over the past nine years, she has expanded her artistic expression through digital techniques, transforming her works into new formats and surfaces. Her artistic journey bridges tradition and innovation, embracing both the organic fluidity of watercolor and the limitless possibilities of digital expression. Through her work, Novisali invites viewers into a space of reflection, transition, and discovery.

As Joi Ito, former director of the MIT Media Lab, reminds us, “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” The artworks in this exhibition reflect this ethos—each piece is an invitation to imagine new realities, navigate uncertainty with curiosity, and embrace the unknown as a place of transformation.

The exhibition showcases selected artworks from the art series Tomorrows Sentinels, The Space In-Between, Hopepunk, Pastel Paradise, and Water Edge. This exhibition is curated to explore the transitions that shape us—hope found in uncertainty, the illumination of new perspectives, the longing for paradise, and the infinite potential of the in-between. Rather than imposing meaning, these artworks encourage exploration, revealing layers of personal interpretation that shift and evolve with time and perspective.

Refik Anadol, a pioneer of AI-driven digital art, suggests that “Uncertainty is one of the most beautiful things in life—it leads us to infinite possibilities.” This exhibition embraces that philosophy, allowing viewers to step into moments of flux and transformation, where the boundaries of reality and imagination become fluid.

Each piece serves as a portal, guiding the viewer beyond fixed interpretations and into a realm of personal discovery and transformation. Printed on materials such as reusable aluminum, natural silk, and plant-based faux suede, the artworks themselves embody the themes of transition and sustainability—blurring the line between permanence and evolution, tradition and innovation, the tangible and the ephemeral.

More than a visual experience, this exhibition is an invitation to engage. As Otto Scharmer, author of Theory U, states, “Energy follows attention. Wherever you place your attention, that is where the energy of the system will go.”  Through guided reflections and thought-provoking dialogues, visitors are encouraged to explore their own journeys of change, cultural fusion, and self-discovery.

Brené Brown speaks to the power of stepping into the unknown: “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both.” This exhibition invites viewers to lean into courageous exploration, to engage with uncertainty, and to discover meaning in the space between comfort and transformation.

Jane McGonigal, a futurist at the Institute for the Future, challenges us to imagine alternative futures: “When we play games, we create a space where we can practice being the best versions of ourselves.” In a similar way, this exhibition serves as a playground for the imagination, where viewers can experiment with perspectives, emotions, and interpretations.

As Yuval Noah Harari (Homo Deus) notes, “Humans think in stories, and we try to make sense of the world by telling stories.” This exhibition invites each visitor to step into the narrative of the in-between and consider the story they are shaping through their own transformations.

Exhibition Details

“Possibilities of the In-Between” will be on display at Bålsta Library from March 1 to March 29.

The exhibition will be introduced during the Vernissage on March 1, from 13:00 to 15:00, and can be visited during the library’s opening hours.

Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in guided reflections held on below selected days starting at 13:00:

• March 8 – Guiding Lights & Diserna (on International Women’s Day)
• March 22 – Space & Water Mirror (on International Water Day)
• March 29 – Future Perspective

Let us know if you plan to visit:

Where do you find yourself in the in-between?

The answer unfolds in the space between the seen and the felt, the known and the unknown, the art and the observer—where possibility is limitless.

Welcome to visit the exhibition.

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member and advisor, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com

This blog post was is also shared at the blog of www.liselotteengstam.com, with the artist name Novisali.

The post Mellanrummens Möjligheter/ Potential of the In-Between first appeared on Novisali.

Motherhood is a profound journey, an intricate dance of love, sacrifice, and unyielding strength. As we take a moment to celebrate mothers, it’s important to reflect on the incredible impact they have on our lives and society at large. This celebration is not confined to a single day; it’s an acknowledgment of the countless moments that define the essence of motherhood.

The Unsung Heroes

Mothers are often the unsung heroes of our lives. From the first lullabies to the late-night consolations, they weave a tapestry of care and nurture that supports us through our ups and downs. Their love is a steadfast beacon, guiding us through life’s challenges with unwavering support and wisdom.

Think about the countless roles a mother plays: a nurse when we’re ill, a teacher guiding us through our first steps and words, a counselor in our teenage turmoil, and a friend in our adulthood. Each role is embraced with an innate sense of duty and an unselfish heart.

The Silent Sacrifices

Behind every successful individual, there’s often a story of a mother’s silent sacrifices. Whether it’s putting her career on hold, working late hours, or simply being there even when exhausted, a mother’s sacrifices are immeasurable. These sacrifices are made without expectation of reward, driven purely by love and a desire to provide the best for her children.

The Strength in Vulnerability

Mothers are pillars of strength, but their power also lies in their vulnerability. They show us that it’s okay to have moments of weakness, to cry, and to seek help. Through their vulnerability, they teach us resilience, demonstrating that true strength is about getting back up after a fall and continuing the journey with grace and courage.

The Evolving Role of Mothers

In today’s world, the role of mothers has evolved significantly. They are not just homemakers but also leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Modern mothers balance careers, personal growth, and family life with remarkable agility. They are breaking stereotypes, challenging societal norms, and paving the way for future generations.

Celebrating All Forms of Motherhood

Motherhood is not limited to biological connections. It’s about the bond, the love, and the nurturing spirit that transcends biological ties. We celebrate adoptive mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and those who take on motherly roles. Every form of motherhood is unique and deserving of recognition and appreciation.

Honoring Our Own Mothers and All Mothers Before Us

As we celebrate mothers, we reflect on the women who have shaped our lives and the lineage of mothers before them. Our own mothers are our first teachers, caregivers, and lifelong supporters. Their love and guidance have shaped us into who we are today.

Our mothers are part of a chain of remarkable women whose strength and sacrifices have been passed down through generations. Each mother carries the legacy of her predecessors, who navigated challenges, celebrated joys, and nurtured their children with love and devotion.

These ancestral mothers handed down traditions, wisdom, and values, creating a rich heritage that we carry forward. By acknowledging this continuum, we recognize that the love and strength of motherhood transcend time, linking us to an enduring legacy.

Let us celebrate our own mothers and the countless generations who paved the way. Their stories are interwoven with our own, and their spirit lives on in the love and care we give. To all mothers, past and present, we offer our deepest gratitude and respect.

Swedish Mothers Day

In Sweden Mothers Day is Celebrated on the last Sunday in May, most likely to be able to include more flowers in the celebration, as Sweden is situated quite far North.

The author Cecilia Bååth-Holmberg took the initiative to have a Mothers Day celebration in Sweden and it was celebrate the first time in 1920.  She proposed “More than ever do we need to gather around something that warms and shines for us all. A worthiness of life that, in spite of the changes of all other things, still stands firm and unchanged without being threadbare or diminished in power or beauty: Our mother’s care and love.”

The year after the committee for “Mors Dag” in Uppsala gave out the brochure “Mors dag” with “instructions how to celebrate” it;

1. The Swedish flag is to be hoisted on the flagpole at home.
2. Mothers is to be greeted in the morning with a song by her children
3. She is to be given a good coffe and bread, preferably made by the children. She is to be honired with flowers and a small gift.
4. Rest and freedom from all housework for mother as much as possible. 
5. The children will help around the house as much as they can by sweeping, cooking, an ddoing the dishes
6. At afternoon coffe or in the evening, a small ceremony is to be held, during which the father participates. Somtehing beautiful is to be read, and a hearthfelt “thank you” is to be said to Mother, the unifying force of the home.
7. Children who are not at home are to great Mother with a letter or a telegram. 

(as no other brochure has been release since, this is still valid…..;-)

Seeds of Life: Dandelion Mothers

“Seeds of Life: Dandelion Mothers” is an art exhibition dedicated to celebrating the resilience, beauty, and nurturing spirit of mothers through the metaphor of dandelions. Just as dandelions spread their seeds far and wide, mothers sow the seeds of life, love, and wisdom, nurturing their children and communities. This virtual exhibition brings together a stunning collection of artworks that highlight the multifaceted roles of mothers, drawing parallels between the natural world and maternal care.

Themes Explored in the Exhibition:

– Resilience and Strength: The exhibition features powerful visual representations of mothers who, like dandelions, endure and thrive despite challenges. These pieces depict the unyielding strength that mothers possess, ensuring the survival and growth of their offspring in all conditions.

– Nurturing and Growth: Through intricate and evocative artworks, the nurturing aspect of motherhood is celebrated. Artists have captured the essence of maternal care, showing how mothers provide the essential foundation for their children’s growth, much like how dandelions nourish the soil.

– Legacy and Continuity: The continuity of life and the enduring legacy of a mother’s influence are illustrated in various art forms. Just as dandelions disperse their seeds to create new life, mothers pass down their wisdom, values, and love to future generations, ensuring a lasting impact.

Reflection and Inspiration:

The exhibition encourages us to reflect on the profound and often understated contributions of mothers to society. It invites viewers to be inspired by the natural resilience, beauty, and nurturing spirit that mothers embody. Through the metaphor of dandelions, the exhibition seeks to illuminate the spiritual meanings of growth, perseverance, and unconditional love.

Spiritual Meanings in Artworks:

Many of the artworks in the exhibition are imbued with spiritual meanings, such as renewal, hope, and interconnectedness. Visitors are invited to reflect on:

– Renewal: The cycle of life and rebirth, seeding new plants.
– Hope: The unwavering hope for the future, and the ability to thrive in various environments.
– Interconnectedness: The web of life and relationships, interconnected ecosystems, and generations.

Through this virtual journey, “Seeds of Life: Dandelion Mothers” by Novisali offers a heartfelt tribute to mothers everywhere, celebrating their vital role in the tapestry of life. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the art, find personal connections, and draw inspiration from the powerful metaphor of dandelion mothers.

Novisali (alias Liselotte Engstam), a multi-media artist and the creator behind the exhibition, extends art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. The exhibition is designed with a base in watercolor paintings, AI-generated artwork based on text, photos, digital drawing, and manipulation tools. The music is also composed and AI-generated by Novisali, along with a poem to illustrate in text the tone of the exhibition.

Explore the Exhibition “Seeds of Life: Dandelion Mothers”

Personal Reflection and Art Guide

Experience the exhibition with the Novisali Art Guide as your guide. Gain deeper insights into the themes and uncover personal reflections as you engage with the artwork.

Note: This AI-powered guide, built on ChatGPT by OpenAI, inspires personal reflection and action, set against a Novisali artwork. However, for critical decisions, users should always consult a professional or trusted advisor. The usage requires your own ChatGPT account (free).

Data Privacy Notice: Novisali and Digoshen does not track or store user data. By using the Novisali AI-based Guide, you take responsibility for your data choices. To opt out of AI training by OpenAI, disable “Improve the model for everyone” under “Data Controls” in ChatGPT’s settings or manage preferences via OpenAI’s privacy portal. OpenAI may retain conversations for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring before permanently deleting them.

Novisali (Liselotte Engstam) the multi-media artist behind the exhibition, brings curious and explorative mind to her work, aiming to extend the art experiences.

Conclusion

Mothers are the heartbeats of our lives, the silent warriors who shape our existence with their love, strength, and sacrifices. Celebrating mothers is not just about honoring them on a specific day but appreciating their invaluable contributions every single day. Let’s cherish and honor the mothers in our lives, recognizing the profound impact they have on shaping our world.

To all the mothers out there, thank you for your unwavering love, your endless patience, and your boundless strength. You are the true architects of our futures, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Happy Mother’s Day and every day!

About Novisali 

This blog post was originally shared at the blog of the blog of the Digoshen & Boards Impact Forum Chair and founder www.liselotteengstam.com, with the artist name Novisali and on the blog on Novisali.com .

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member, advisor and coach, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com

The post Seeds of Life: Dandelion Mothers first appeared on Novisali.

In a world where rapid technological advancements and complex geopolitical and sustainability challenges intersect, the need for reflection and visionary leadership has never been more critical. These periods of transition—these spaces in-between—are where real transformation can occur, repositioning businesses and societies for a sustainable future.

Embracing AI with Awareness and Strategy

An INSEAD survey of over 1,200 respondents shows a broad engagement with generative AI (GenAI), with most using it in both personal and professional spheres. The enthusiasm is tempered by concerns about potential misuse rather than job loss, with a balanced view on whether AI benefits individuals or organizations more. 

Wharton Professor Ethan Mollick, in his new book “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI,” proposes four rules to better integrate AI into our daily lives and businesses:

• Include AI in your projects to explore new challenges.
• Be the human in the loop, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human insight.
• Humanize your interaction with AI, directing its behavior positively.
• Anticipate better AI models in the future, preparing for continuous technological evolution.

These guidelines not only help in harnessing AI’s potential but also in managing its rapid development and integration into our workflows and decision-making processes.

Sustainability as a Business Imperative

The Climate Governance Initiative, along with Kantar’s survey, reveals that 86% of board directors view climate change as a business opportunity, with 93% believing they can significantly influence their organization’s direction on this critical issue. This perspective shifts the narrative from climate change as a challenge to a catalyst for innovation and growth.

The Japanese Concept of Ma and Space

The Japanese concept of Ma, signifies essential pauses in time and space that allow life to breathe and connect, highlighting that growth is hindered without these breaks. Japanese have four different words for “space”—wa, ba, tokoro, and ma—which provide profound insights into managing transitions and fostering innovation:

• Wa (和) emphasizes creating harmonious spaces that enhance collaboration.
• Ba (場) is about generating new knowledge and innovation.
• Tokoro (所) connects us with our broader environment, grounding our actions in contextual awareness.
• Ma (間) highlights the importance of pauses and spaces—intervals that allow for reflection, connection, and growth.

Reflection Framework based on The Space In Between  

Incorporating these principles into personal leadership and board strategies can significantly enhance an organization’s capacity for innovation, while ensuring that developments are both sustainable and ethically sound. It encourages a balance between rapid technological advancement and thoughtful consideration of broader impacts, fostering a sustainable future that leverages the best of AI technology. Linking these space in between across leadership, board work, sustainability, and generative AI creates a multidimensional reflection framework that can enhance personal and organizational effectiveness and innovation. Here’s how these concepts can be integrated into a cohesive strategy:

• Wa (和) – In leadership and board work, wa promotes a culture of cooperation and harmony, essential for tackling the complex challenges of sustainability and ethical AI implementation. By fostering a team environment where all members feel valued and understood, organizations can more effectively align on sustainability goals and ethical AI practices, ensuring that decisions reflect a collective commitment to these principles.
• Ba (場) – Ba can be envisioned as a creative space for problem-solving and innovation, where leadership and boards can engage with experts in sustainability and AI. This involves setting up interdisciplinary teams and think tanks that brainstorm and test new ideas, facilitating a continuous flow of innovation in sustainable practices and AI development. This space becomes a laboratory for exploring how AI can be used to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and enhance data-driven decisions in sustainability initiatives.
• Tokoro (所) – Tokoro emphasizes the importance of contextual awareness. For leaders and boards, this means understanding the broader environmental, social, and technological landscapes in which their organizations operate. This contextual insight is crucial for integrating sustainability and AI into corporate strategies effectively. It involves tailoring approaches to both local and global scales, ensuring that sustainability initiatives and AI applications are relevant and responsive to the specific needs and challenges of different markets and communities.
• Ma (間) – In the fast-paced realms of sustainability and AI, ma advocates for taking thoughtful pauses to reflect on the long-term impacts of decisions. For leadership and boards, this means incorporating periods of reflection before finalizing strategies or deploying new technologies. Such pauses allow for a thorough assessment of potential environmental, social, and ethical consequences, leading to more sustainable and responsible AI implementations.

Integrating these concepts into leadership and board strategies provides a holistic framework that not only enhances the organization’s capacity for innovation but also ensures that such innovations are sustainable and ethically sound. This approach encourages a balance between rapid technological advancement and the thoughtful consideration of its broader impacts, fostering a sustainable future that leverages the best of AI technology.

Virtual Art Exhibition – The Space In Between 

Let the Virtual Art Exhibition, “The Space In Between: Echoes of Transcendence “, with related reflection guidance and deep dives,  inspire you to find opportunity, reflection and beauty in the gaps, the pauses, and the quiet moments where the future is waiting to be shaped. As we navigate these transitions, we must remain mindful of the spaces that allow for reflection and growth—spaces that are not just physical but deeply woven into the fabric of our decision-making and strategic planning. The reflection guide available in the Art Exhibition is partly building on the Ma concept. 

See the Exhibition The Space In Between (clic on picture below) 

The Artworks are currently available for ordering – only one of each artwork will be issued and sustainably produced and delivered via local production hubs near destination of buyer. Read more here 

Personal Reflection and Art Guide

Experience the exhibition with the Novisali Art Guide as your guide. Gain deeper insights into the themes and uncover personal reflections as you engage with the artwork.

Note: This AI-powered guide, built on ChatGPT by OpenAI, inspires personal reflection and action, set against a Novisali artwork. However, for critical decisions, users should always consult a professional or trusted advisor. The usage requires your own ChatGPT account (free).

Data Privacy Notice: Novisali and Digoshen does not track or store user data. By using the Novisali AI-based Guide, you take responsibility for your data choices. To opt out of AI training by OpenAI, disable “Improve the model for everyone” under “Data Controls” in ChatGPT’s settings or manage preferences via OpenAI’s privacy portal. OpenAI may retain conversations for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring before permanently deleting them.

Novisali (Liselotte Engstam) the multi-media artist behind the exhibition, brings curious and explorative mind to her work, aiming to extend the art experiences.

Conclusion

The crucial transformations we seek occur in the transitional spaces—from unsustainable practices to a sustainable future, from routine automation to innovative solutions, and from individual focus to collective empathy. It is in these spaces in-between that true innovation and magic can emerge. By embracing these pauses, we allow ourselves the time and space needed to breathe, feel, and connect, setting the stage for meaningful change and progress.

Presencing Guide 

by Zen Teacher and Peace activits Thich Nhat Hanh:   

Breathing in, I release the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Breathing in, I’m aware of my heart.
Breathing out, I smile to my heart.

Audio Recommendations

Music: 

Listen to the Song “In the space between the lines i find my freedom”:

The Space in Between Playlist on Spotify

Podcasts:  The Space In Between Podcast Episodes on Spotify

Reading Recommendations 

Check out these Books, each complements the essence of “The Space In Between”, inviting you to explore the unseen forces and the transformative power of our dreams and visions for the future.

• “Co-Intelligence: Living and working with AI” by Ethan Mollick, Wharton. Mollick explores the transformative role of AI as co-worker, co-teacher, and coach in business and education. He urges us to collaborate effectively with AI to enhance our capabilities without compromising our identity. This book highlights the potential of AI to create a better future, emphasizing the importance of harnessing this technology responsibly.” 
• “Sustainability Leadership: A Swedish Approach to Transforming Your Company, Your Industry, and the World” by Henrik Henriksson and Elaine Weidman Grunewald offers a pragmatic yet optimistic guide for corporate leaders. The authors candidly address the complex challenges inherent in adopting sustainable practices, while emphasizing the significant opportunities that sustainability can bring. They present a structured three-step model designed to guide organizations through a transformative journey towards ambitious, far-reaching combined business and sustainability goals. 
• “The Upside of Uncertainty” by Nathan and Susanna Furr, INSEAD – The Furrs provide a compelling guide to embracing uncertainty and leveraging it as a force for innovation and growth. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, they show how uncertainty can be a source of possibility and progress, resonant with the exhibition’s exploration of the unknown and the potential it holds for shaping the future.
• “The Future of Humanity” by Michio Kaku – Kaku explores the potential futures of humanity as we venture into space and develop new technologies, resonating with the exhibition’s themes of imagining and creating future possibilities.
• “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell – Gladwell examines the complexities and misunderstandings that arise when we interact with strangers, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in our interconnected world, a theme that underpins the exhibition’s exploration of connections and gaps. 
• “Long Path” by Ari Wallach – Wallach introduces a forward-thinking approach to planning and decision-making, emphasizing long-term thinking to address today’s challenges and opportunities, echoing the exhibition’s focus on shaping tomorrow.
• “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander – This book explores the synthesis of creativity and practicality, offering a new perspective on how to approach challenges and opportunities in both professional and personal realms, resonant with the exhibition’s theme of shaping future realities through imagination.
• “Imagine: How Creativity Works” by Jonah Lehrer – Lehrer delves into the science of creativity, providing insights into how individuals and organizations can foster innovation. It’s a great complement to the exhibition’s focus on the boundless realms of imagination.
• “Life is in Transitions” by Bruce Feiler – Feiler provides a powerful framework for navigating the inevitable changes and transitions in life, offering insights that mirror the exhibition’s focus on growth and rebirth.
• “Living the Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron – Cameron’s seminal guide to unlocking creativity advocates for exploring one’s artistic potential, aligning with the exhibition’s encouragement of creative exploration and envisioning futures.
• “The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now” by Thich Nhat Hanh. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh explores the path to peace and freedom through mindfulness, emphasizing living fully in the present moment. His teachings, focused on joy and serenity in the now, align with the exhibition’s themes of reflection and the beauty of the present.
  
  Fiction:
• “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – A novel that brings to life an enchanting world where competition, love, and magic blend seamlessly. Its vivid portrayal of an imaginary circus echoes the exhibition’s theme of exploring the nuanced spaces between reality and imagination.
• “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell – Through interconnected stories spanning different times and spaces, Mitchell explores how individual actions can ripple through the past, present, and future. It resonates with the idea of dreams and visions influencing our world, as presented in “Whispering Visions.
  
  Poetry:
• “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur – Kaur’s collection of poems explores growth, healing, ancestry, and honoring one’s roots—themes that beautifully align with the rejuvenation and rebirth symbolized by spring in the exhibition.
• “A Thousand Mornings” by Mary Oliver – In this collection, Oliver contemplates nature, love, and the human spirit, echoing the exhibition’s invitation to reflect on the profound and often unseen forces that shape our lives.

Poem

Poem: In the Echoes Between

In the silence between heartbeats of the night,  
where dreams blur the lines of the tangible light,  
we stand in the gaps where futures are spun,  
the canvas of possibility, under the undone sun.

Softly, the universe in these spaces does speak,  
in the pause between words, where mysteries peek,  
stillness cradles the seeds where new worlds begin,  
each moment brimming with the might-have-been.

Look deeper, find the rhythm of the void,  
the graceful stillness of ‘ma’, where gaps are enjoyed,  
holding beauty in its silent embrace,  
crafting emptiness with a celestial grace.

From pause to purpose, the magic unveils,  
in the lingering quiet, where the slow breath sails,  
each hiatus a brush of light, painting dreams,  
on the stark canvas of the cosmos’ unseen schemes.

The future whispers, from the old to the redefined,  
where AI weaves thoughts in the dance of the mind,  
together we sculpt a chorus of evolution,  
melding essence, in the cauldron of revolution.

Here, in these thin places, creation expands,  
a breath, a still, a leap to new lands,  
in these spaces, the calls of transformation resound,  
in “The Space in Between,” where truths are found.

Beneath calm waters, a revolution quietly stirs,  
preparing us for what will be, as the future blurs,  
the quiet before the vibrant dance of existence,  
where calm gathers force in the hush of persistence.

Celestial paths are drawn in silent wonder,  
charting courses through the cosmic yonder,  
each celestial body narrates a cosmic tale,  
inviting us to sail the stellar gale.

Within these quiet moments, connect and see,  
the woven threads of our shared tapestry,  
how each solitary path meets and twines,  
in the gallery of life, where destiny aligns.

Echoes of transcendent calls, in each pause, a role,  
in every hush, a melody, a whispered goal,  
here in the space between, where spirits soar,  
we discover the profound, the core, the lore.

In this continuum, where moments hesitate and flow,  
ancient whispers in new realms quietly glow,  
between the frames, untold stories await,  
beyond the visible, through the covert gate.

Through these spectral gaps, ethereal paths are made,  
linking soul to soul, and the grand plans laid,  
each silence a sanctuary, each break a sacred land,  
where the subtle murmurs of being grandly expand.

Art, the quiet envoy of the in-between,  
captures the ephemeral, the scarcely seen,  
with strokes of genius, the emptiness breathes life,  
igniting visions that urge us to thrive.

In these liminal spaces, our truths entwine,  
amidst the shared breaths of the divine,  
a symphony of humanity, played in quiet colors,  
unveiling the beauty that silence uncovers.

The magic of transition, a broad, clear stage,  
where the soft echoes of becoming gently engage,  
between what was and what may be, lies true art,  
the crescendo of silence that speaks to the heart.

In this gallery of pauses, our views transform,  
as the ordinary veils begin to reform,  
each piece a gateway to a deeper view,  
casting light on the shadows, making old new.

The interstice, a realm where wonders persist,  
a gentle cradle for peace’s growing tryst,  
where reflection flourishes and insights unfurl,  
in the sacred space of the gallery’s swirl.

Here, in the whispers of the space in between,  
lies the power to alter, to foresee, to glean,  
a universe waiting in every silent breath,  
where art meets essence, and life meets depth.

So, step forth, let each silence instruct,  
in the quiet, listen, let each echo conduct,  
within these revered gaps, let your spirit fly,  
in the space in between, find yourself, reach the sky.

Upcoming Events and Programs 

Previous Blogposts 

About Novisali

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member, advisor and coach, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com 

For additional insights by Novisali, you can find more at her personal website at www.liselotteengstam.com, and where she is the Founder and Chair; Digoshen and Boards Impact Forum.

The post The Space In-Between: Reflections and Creativity in a Rapidly Evolving World first appeared on Novisali.

Water is the cornerstone of societal sustainability. This vital resource not only sustains life but also supports the economies of civilizations around the globe. From agriculture that feeds billions to industries that drive economies, water’s role is irreplaceable. 

At a TED Talk, environmentalist Lana Mazahreh discusses “3 Thoughtful Ways to Conserve Water,” where she shares from her experiences in water-scarce Jordan, highlighting effective, community-driven solutions that could be applied globally.

Jackie Savitz, a marine biologist, shares how fixing the world’s oceans might just help to feed the planet’s billion hungriest people, and how we can help the oceans heal, while making more food for all. Listen to her TED talk Save the oceans feed the world 

The World Economic Forums Ocean Action initative aims to support steps needed to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Learn from their important actions- WEF Ocean Action  

These insights resonate deeply with themes from the “Water’s Edge” exhibition, which illustrates water’s omnipresence and its crucial role in our lives. Water’s Edge is made by multimedia artist Novisali and is a celebration of the beauty of nature, water and the soothing sound of the sea. 

Essential for Body Function and Health

The significance of water extends deep into the fabric of our biological needs. Comprising about 60% of the adult human body, water is pivotal in regulating temperature, transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, and protecting our organs and tissues. In her TED Talk, Dr. Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer, emphasizes the necessity of preserving our oceans to maintain the planet’s health, which directly influences our own health. 

This idea is mirrored in the “Water’s Edge” exhibition, where the calming seascapes and serene views of the archipelago remind us of the tranquility and rejuvenating power of water.

A Muse for Artists and Poets

The aesthetic and symbolic qualities of water have long inspired artists, poets, and musicians. The archipelago, a cornerstone of the “Water’s Edge” exhibition, offers a unique interplay of land and sea, revealing nature’s masterpieces.

The photographer Edward Burtynsky has long been on a journey on sharing how manufactured landscapes impacts our society, water and humanity.

See the background to his impressive movie Watermark- An immersive look at water 

And from his recent exhibition on how we disconnected from nature

These visuals echo the seascapes in the exhibition that capture the boundless freedom and profound peace of the archipelago, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and vastness of the natural world.

A Gateway to Greater Horizons

“Water’s Edge” is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the interconnectivity between humans and the natural world. Each piece serves as a window to larger, often intangible concepts of freedom and the infinite, concepts that water embodies perfectly.

Wallace J. Nichols in his TED Talk on “The Cognitive and Emotional Benefits of Water” explains how exposure to water can improve creativity, calm, and connectivity.

The soothing sound of the sea, captured in several displays at the exhibition, resonates with our deepest senses of harmony and contemplation, urging us to consider our place within the greater tapestry of life.

Exploring the Depths: “Water’s Edge” Exhibition by Novisali

Introduction

“Water’s Edge” is a celebration of nature’s fluid artistry and human reflection, curated and created by the multi-media artist, Novisali, known for her curious and explorative approach to art. This exhibition blends traditional watercolour techniques with cutting-edge digitally enhanced artworks, accompanied by AI-composed music, creating a multi-sensory experience that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of seascapes and archipelagos.

Artistic Inspiration

Novisali’s exhibition is rooted in the profound allure of water—its endless horizons and the intimate details of its interface with land. Water, ever so vital and versatile, has been a canvas to portray freedom, escape, and reflection. The exhibition features various mediums that depict the tranquil and tumultuous moods of the sea, alongside views that stretch towards the boundless expanse of the ocean.

Personal Reflection and Art Guide

Experience the exhibition with the Novisali Art Guide as your guide. Gain deeper insights into the themes and uncover personal reflections as you engage with the artwork.

Note: This AI-powered guide, built on ChatGPT by OpenAI, inspires personal reflection and action, set against a Novisali artwork. However, for critical decisions, users should always consult a professional or trusted advisor. The usage requires your own ChatGPT account (free).

Data Privacy Notice: Novisali and Digoshen does not track or store user data. By using the Novisali AI-based Guide, you take responsibility for your data choices. To opt out of AI training by OpenAI, disable “Improve the model for everyone” under “Data Controls” in ChatGPT’s settings or manage preferences via OpenAI’s privacy portal. OpenAI may retain conversations for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring before permanently deleting them.

Novisali (Liselotte Engstam) the multi-media artist behind the exhibition, brings curious and explorative mind to her work, aiming to extend the art experiences.

Conclusion

“Water’s Edge” by Novisali is not merely an exhibition; it’s a profound journey that beckons viewers to explore the intricate relationships between art, nature, and personal growth. Through a seamless blend of traditional and digital media, accompanied by the emotive tones of AI-composed music, the exhibition creates a unique space for reflection, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of water’s vital role in our sustainability and health. As you wander through the serene depictions of seascapes and complex archipelagos, either virtually or in person, let the art inspire a year of personal and collective growth. 

“Water’s Edge” promises a transformative experience that extends beyond the gallery, urging us to appreciate, preserve, and celebrate the life-giving essence of water in our lives and societies. Join us to be moved and motivated by the endless dance of water at the edge of the world, and leave with a renewed commitment to safeguard our precious waterways.

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member, advisor and coach, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com.

For additional insights by Novisali, you can find more at her personal website at www.liselotteengstam.com, and where she is the Founder and Chair; Digoshen and Boards Impact Forum.

The post Water’s Edge: Where Sustainability, Wellness, and Creativity Converge first appeared on Novisali.

Summertime unfolds with twilight spectacles, golden suns, and tranquil sapphire skies, capturing the season’s vivid contrasts and serene beauty. From the tender melodies of dawn to the soothing tranquility of twilight, it’s a period rich in rhythmic cadences and vibrant imagery. 

This season embodies the dynamic energy and peaceful essence of nature, offering a profound opportunity to connect with the artistry of the natural world and explore the emotions it evokes. As light and shadow play across the landscape, summertime invites us to reflect on the deep connections between nature and human emotion.

Imagine stepping into a realm where every corner and canvas speaks to the tranquility of summer, where art and nature blend seamlessly to create an ethereal experience. 

This is what awaits at “Pastel Paradises,” an exhibition created by the multi-media artist Novisali. Novisali combines traditional artistic methods with modern digital tools, aiming to make art more accessible and engaging. 

A Journey Through the Summer Day 

The exhibition includes a special poem, “Summertime,” adding to the immersive experience. This poetic journey through the serene summer sings of twilight spectacles, golden suns, and tranquil sapphire skies, echoing the themes of the artworks themselves. Each stanza invites you to lose yourself in the vivid imagery and the soothing sounds of summer. From the tender melodies of dawn to the serene dance of twilight, the poem encapsulates the vibrant yet tranquil essence of the season.

I. Awakening in Hues

The poem begins at the break of dawn, setting a scene where day and night tenderly converge. The imagery of “peach and rose” hues paints the early morning sky with a soft palette, evoking a sense of calm and new beginnings. It’s a moment of gentle awakening, where the quiet whispers of the twilight invite reflection and tranquility. 

To explore more on how nature’s beauty influences human perception, consider watching Louie Schwartzberg’s TED Talk on nature, beauty, and gratitude 

II. The Day’s Canvas

As the sun climbs, the sky becomes a canvas, washed in “cotton candy skies” and the golden warmth of the morning. Each verse from this section draws attention to nature’s gradual unveiling of the day, characterized by soft transitions from lavender mornings to apricot evenings. The poem reflects a deep appreciation for the slow yet vibrant painting of the day, highlighting life’s serene kaleidoscope. 

For insights into how colors affect our mood and perception, Profesor Axel Buethers talk on “The language of color – effects on our experience and behavious” is a must-watch. 

III. Whispers of Nature

Midday brings a dance of dandelion dreams and whispers from the summer grass. This stanza emphasizes the subtle conversations between the earth and its inhabitants, suggesting a deeper understanding and connection with the natural world. The gentle movements of flora, driven by the lilac-scented zephyrs, symbolize the ongoing dialogue between past and present—a narrative quietly echoed in the sway of the grass. 

Rachel Sussman’s TED Talk, “The world’s oldest living things,” offers a unique perspective on the timeless dialogue of nature. Explore it here

IV. Symphony of Light

As the day unfolds, the elements of nature perform like a symphony. The poem speaks of “ribbons soft” and a world where the sun acts as an artist, orchestrating a symphony of lights and shadows. This part of the poem celebrates the dynamic and vibrant life force of summer, where even the leaves and clouds play their part in the day’s melody. 

For more on how music and nature intertwine, listen to Andy Thorn “How the Patterns in Nature Echo into Music” 

V. The Ballet of Blossoms

The narrative moves into a floral ballet as the day progresses, with blossoms bowing to the rhythm of the breeze. This imagery not only captivates the eye but also symbolizes the harmonious relationship between all elements of nature. Each flower, from cherry to tangerine, adds a unique note to the summer’s choreography, enhancing the poem’s theme of unity and beauty. 

Jonathan Drori’s talk, “Why we’re storing billions of seeds,” touches on the importance of plant biodiversity and is an enlightening addition to this theme.

VI. Twilight and Dreams

As twilight approaches, the poem shifts to a quieter, more introspective tone. The night is depicted as a comforting cloak that brings with it a lullaby of spices and a dance of shadows. This transition to evening reflects on the day’s end as a time for reflection and peace, suggesting that each day is a complete story in itself, from dawn to dusk. 

For those interested in the intersection of nature and human reflection, Fabian Oefner’s talk on “Psychedelic science” offers a mesmerizing look at natural phenomena and art. [Discover more here](https://www.ted.com/talks/fabian_oefner_psychedelic_science).

VII. Night’s Embrace

Under the moon’s watch, the world is bathed in opaline and turquoise, with the gentle tide and the luminescent dance of fireflies. Nighttime is portrayed as a realm of dreams, where the silent hills and whispering wildlife compose a nocturnal symphony. This serene imagery invites the reader to lose themselves in the enchantment of the night, embracing the quiet magic that it brings. 

For further exploration into the mysteries of the night, and our connection with nature and history listen to Jon Youngs talk about repaing emotional isolation by reawakening deep nature connection 

Engage and Reflect

At the heart of “Pastel Paradises” is the opportunity to engage deeply with the art. The Guide to Personal Reflection offers questions to ponder as you view each piece. These prompts encourage you to explore how the themes of the artwork resonate with your experiences and aspirations, gaining a deeper understanding of your own journey and the world around you.

Retelling the story of Humans and Nature. Can we tell a new, but old, story about humans and nature that will reshape our world for the better? Listen to Damon Gameau

To  Summer Pastel exhibition 

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in art, find personal connections and draw inspiration from the artworks for personal reflection.

Personal Reflection and Art Guide

Experience the exhibition with the Novisali Art Guide as your guide. Gain deeper insights into the themes and uncover personal reflections as you engage with the artwork.

Note: This AI-powered guide, built on ChatGPT by OpenAI, inspires personal reflection and action, set against a Novisali artwork. However, for critical decisions, users should always consult a professional or trusted advisor. The usage requires your own ChatGPT account (free).

Data Privacy Notice: Novisali and Digoshen does not track or store user data. By using the Novisali AI-based Guide, you take responsibility for your data choices. To opt out of AI training by OpenAI, disable “Improve the model for everyone” under “Data Controls” in ChatGPT’s settings or manage preferences via OpenAI’s privacy portal. OpenAI may retain conversations for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring before permanently deleting them.

Novisali (Liselotte Engstam) the multi-media artist behind the exhibition, brings curious and explorative mind to her work, aiming to extend the art experiences.

Conclusion

The “Pastel Paradise” is more than just a celebration of the season; it is an invitation to experience and reflect on the cyclical beauty of nature. Each stanza, rich with color and emotion, offers a lens through which we can view our own lives—reminding us of the constant yet gentle flow of time and the serene rhythm of existence. Through this poetic journey, we are encouraged to return to the dawn’s embrace, where the spectrum of summer awaits to spin its serene tale once again.

More inspiration

Music

Welcome to also enjoy the playlists about Summer Songs on Spotify “Summertime”

Pastel Paradise Summertime Poem

I. In the hush of dawn’s first light, a tender melody rings,
Across the pastel paradises, where the serene summer sings,
A twilight spectacle whispers in the hues of peach and rose,
Where day and night in soft embrace, the tranquil spectrum glows.

II. A golden sun that seeps and soaks, through cotton candy skies,
Every hue from amethyst to saffron duly rise,
Lavender morn and apricot eve, through the hallowed summer prism,
Paint the tranquil canvas of the day, in a serene kaleidoscope of wisdom.

III. Beneath the tranquil sapphire sky, the summer grasses sway,
Hinting secrets of the earth, in their gentle, wordless way,
Dandelion dreams dance along, on zephyrs, lilac scented,
Their whispering flutters tangle in time, where past and present are vented.

IV. Days unfurl like ribbons soft, in shades of butter and berry,
Time, the artist, brushes on, through July’s luminary,
The world’s palette is mixed and stirred, in delicate harmony,
Crafting the serene spectrum, of a sun-kissed symphony.

V. Soft green of willow’s weeping leaves, ripple in the golden gleam,
Vanilla clouds sail gently by, mirrored in the crystal stream,
Delicate feathered troubadours, echo in a sonnet bright,
From the blush of dawn to twilight’s hush, they orchestrate the light.

VI. Bountiful blossoms, hued like sorbet, sprawl in fields so wide,
Cherry, melon, tangerine, in the summer sun, they bide,
They bow and curtsy to the breeze, in a choreographed ballet,
Where each blossom takes its turn, in the grand summer’s play.

VII. And as the day begins to fold, twilight takes the stage,
Laying soft, indigo blankets, on the day’s final page,
From the heart of the spectrum, in the pastel paradise,
Emerges a serene starlight sonnet, a soothing lullaby of spice.

VIII. So dance, ye shadows of the eve, in your violet veiled caprice,
In the soft-spun tales of summer, find your gentle peace,
In the hush of the pastel paradises, where the serene summer sings,
Revel in the spectrum’s magic, the quiet beauty it brings.

IX. The moon ascends the pastel throne, in its opaline glory,
Illuminating the night with tales, of a silent story,
Its silvery beams cast a dreamy glow, on the tranquil turquoise tide,
That washes over the soft-sand shore, in a rhythm, gentle and wide.

X. Nightfall draws a star-studded veil, ‘cross the canvas vast and grand,
Where constellations gleam and glimmer, over the slumbering land,
Each star, a poet in the sky, weaves a verse of silver thread,
Their sonnets echo through the night, in the silence, softly spread.

XI. As summer nights slip into dreams, in their peaceful serenade,
Daybreak gently stirs again, in hues of mint and jade,
Under the dappled, rosy glow, morning blooms anew,
In this pastel paradise, every dawn imbued with dew.

XII. Canaries chirp their morning hymns, in sync with sunbeam’s kiss,
Basking in the warm embrace, of the dawn’s golden bliss,
The vibrant verdant tapestry, stirs with life anew,
As sunflowers turn their golden faces, to the daybreak’s dew.

XIII. Beneath the cloudless azure arch, the midday sun shines high,
Gilding the earth in a golden sheen, under the summer sky,
The spectrum unravels its radiant threads, in the heat of the day,
As the serene summer paints its canvas, in a vibrant, vivid array.

XIV. Rivers of time flow gently on, through the pastel paradise,
Reflecting hues of cobalt and cream, in their serene, still splice,
Freckled fish in shimmering shoals, weave beneath the flow,
Silver splashes dance and gleam, in the midday’s fiery glow.

XV. The day wanes to a dusky hue, a dream in lavender lace,
The sun dips down in a tangerine swirl, leaving twilight in its place,
The spectrum folds its colors in, as the day draws to its close,
In the serene summer’s symphony, a peaceful cadence flows.

XVI. So here ends the spectrum’s sonnet, in the hush of the summer’s end,
Where the pastel paradises sleep, beneath the moon’s soft bend,
From dawn’s first light to twilight’s fall, in every tranquil scene,
Is the wondrous spectrum of summer, in its serenity serene.

XVII. In the still of the summer night, under the crescent’s sway,
Fireflies awaken, to dance in their luminescent ballet,
Their tiny lanterns flicker on, like stars that fell to ground,
In this serene spectrum’s magic, where enchantment is found.

XVIII. Velvet night gently blankets, the slumbering, silent hills,
Where whispers of nocturnal life, the tranquil darkness fills,
Owl’s soft hoots echo forth, a symphony of the night,
In the pastel paradise, under the silver moonlight.

XIX. Soon the Eastern horizon blushes, at the night’s gentle retreat,
A symphony of colors, as day and night fleetingly meet,
Celestial hues of dawn’s spectrum, spill over the land,
An artist’s palette of serenity, brushed by summer’s hand.

XX. With each new day, the cycle renews, in this tranquil paradise,
A timeless dance of hues unfolds, in summer’s soft device,
So we return to the dawn’s embrace, where the spectrum begins,
In the pastel paradises, where each serene summer spins.

About Novisali 

Novisali, (alias Liselotte Engstam), is besides her roles as professional board member, advisor and coach, a multi-media artist, with a curious, explorative mind and an ambition to learn and extend art experiences to current and new audiences using both traditional and new digital mediums. More information and exhibitions can be found via Novisali.com.

For additional insights by Novisali, you can find more at her personal website at www.liselotteengstam.com, and where she is the Founder and Chair; Digoshen and Boards Impact Forum.

The post Pastel Paradises: A Serene Summertime Spectrum first appeared on Novisali.