This project is also my last contribution to the Bring Spring Challenge organized by the talented Skillshare teachers and artists Anna Sokolova, Ohn Mar Win, Jen Dixon, Marie-Noëlle Wurm, and Julia Henze on Instagram.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete all 10 tasks with the same number of Skillshare classes. It was just too tight on time.

But I'm really grateful that I surprisingly managed to do all 10 tasks in one final piece, thanks to some lucky circumstances and of course, this amazing class. It really helped me out and has been a great inspiration.

Thank you so much, Chloe. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. I would love to dedicate myself to this class again soon, with a stronger focus on the linework.

Now, let's move on to this project:

By Friday evening of last week, I thought I failed and was done with it. But as I was falling asleep, ideas started flowing and I saw how I could integrate each task element into a single illustration, like magic.

It was like reading a fairy tale to little children. The symbolism that unfolded before me gave me goosebumps and eventually lulled me into a peaceful sleep.

However, I felt a bit stuck and circled around the issue for far too long. So, I made a very detailled sketch to reassure myself that it was indeed possible to incorporate all the elements. A few days later, I started working on it at the very last minute.

* Right: Reference photo by Mike Birdy on Pexels.com

For those interested in the process and symbolism:

My thoughts started with task #8 "Spring In Your Neighborhood" and the association of "The cherries in the Neighbor's Garden", an old song by Peter Alexander and part of a German saying. Represented here by the cherry branches. The essence lies in the allure of temptations that seem so tempting because they are currently out of reach, triggering desire.

But as Jesus already said, "the kingdom of heaven is within you". And the owl (task #1 "Owl") also points to this in its infinite wisdom.

As a spirituell animal, the owl symbolizes among others guidance through the dark night (task #2 "Starry Night"), urging you to free yourself from illusions and face your true self.

The owl is depicted here for a second time. "Learn from the past", she adds in this way and rests meaningful on task #5 "Vintage Book".

The tulip also appears twice here, serving as a decorative element, placed at the top two corners. One time it fulfills task #10 "Tulips", the other time task #4 "Ephemeral". Just like all flowers, the tulip in particular is a fleeting beauty and represents the awareness of transience.

The scene is flanked by iris flowers (task #3 "May Flower") on the right and left in the frame. They promise positive news and symbolize creativity.

Spiderwebs (task #9) hold various meanings. They can symbolize the importance of listening to one's gut feeling. — Maybe I will include a spider as well. As a spirit animal, it serves as a reminder of the incredible power of co-creation.

Task # 6 "Little Bird" — here, depicted in a pure and naive way like everything else — is intended to be a nightingale. "Hey little fighter, soon things will be brighter", the nightingale starts to sing its song and encourages to trust and to enter through the "Secret Garden Gate" (Task #7).

Because: "Follow Your Dreams, They Know the Way".
Title and main message of this project.


If you have read this far, thank you very much. Wishing you all the best.