It’s hard to describe. That feeling in your chest as the music reaches within, grasping your core, sending vibrations throughout your entire being. When nothing exists but you and that rhythm as you melt and connect into something primal.
Within the space I immersed myself in I felt the energy, the connection and the diversity. I saw others experiencing that same indescribable feeling – a ‘belonging’ to something outside of the modern world, the hustle and the hunger for more, as we come back to who we are, creations and creators.
I looked back at how this started and marvel at how a small act of picking up a magazine, one overlooked several times before, can have such a profound impact on me, my own journey and on those in the wider community.
This is more than a small magazine, it’s a movement. Coromind has a heart for giving and spreading joy, bringing people back to their true nature to experience life as we were designed, centred in creation.
Coromind holds values and a philosophy I relate to. These emerge from the pages, effecting change within small communities in a variety of ways, not only focusing on one genre of the arts, but connecting them all – as the spectrum of creation is as diverse and colourful as the people who create and appreciate creation. This kaupapa (initiative) was something I needed and could see the community needed in order to reconnect with their identity.
Another evening, another exhibition. The cycle of Coromind’s ArtWorks exhibitions rotates and I notice regulars and newcomers. As they peruse the artworks, worlds light up in their eyes as they get excited over details, big pictures, the stories of creations and artists. Artists engaging with the community, the community engaging with artists. Whose spark is being lit? What future artist has passed through these doors filled with doubt, leaving inspired.
I appreciated art but I was lost in the flow of time, of self-doubt. I learnt from local artists – their processes, each unique, beautiful in their own light. The most important thing I picked up: authenticity is appreciated and nurtured here. That felt like coming home.
My creative spark was reignited. I realised just how surrounded by like minds I was, so I began my journey of rediscovering my own creative gifts, with intent.
Turning the pages of this magazine opened my world up to new possibilities. From issue 23 emerged my beach ‘dance walks’ after reading Kaitlyn Gooch’s ‘health essentials’ article. Unbeknownst to me, Kaitlyn would become a good friend within the year.
Coromind is a magazine that has evolved to be more.
More than words on pages and pretty pictures. More than a commercial magazine focused on profits and meeting their quota. The rarest treasure found was that this magazine is free. They have created an entire and welcoming community.
One I now support through subscribing, knowing funds are going to a movement based on my values and beliefs. They create opportunities for a variety of people within the Coromandel community and provide a voice and platform for those who whisper.
The latest extension coming in hot from the Coromind team is an initiative I am on board with, as they bring free workshops to local artists.
Workshops with a focus of connection and equipping artists with a variety of tools to assist in their own creative journeys. These events provide support, growth opportunities and guidance where there is otherwise a void.
I’m incredibly grateful to have such an amazing magazine accessible to all and to be involved in the community they represent on their pages.
See more of Viola’s artwork here.
Words by Viola Ashford-Martin
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