100 Hearts - Karen Abend

100 Hearts is 100 illustrations that explore one of the most widely used and beloved symbols of all time - the heart. Using the heart symbol as a creative launch pad, the illustrations in this book are playful responses to 100 different human emotions and ways of being in the world. They attempt to express each feeling, each way of being, no matter how complex, in the simplest visual language possible, inspired by the heart symbol itself. No matter how we are doing or being on any given day, our feelings can be expressed through the lens of our compassionate, loving, and wise hearts. Our feelings are part of the human experience and by affirming them both visually and with words, we can simplify them and attempt to see them for what they really are. In this way the illustrations are able to communicate something to everyone, underlining the universality of the heart, our emotions and being human. The illustrations are also an invitation for viewing each different feeling with the lighthearted and playful spirit in which they were originally created.

100 Hearts is also a journey about learning how to establish a creative practice and experiencing the benefits of that practice over 100 consecutive days of consistent creativity. The series is just one example of what's possible when exploring the power of practice using the same motif, techniques and approach every day for 100 days. Each image builds on the last, offering a new opportunity to practice skills with color, composition, imagination, symbolism, technique and style. With repeated practice, the skills will develop, shift and evolve. Together, the hearts affirm that no matter how seemingly simple or quick a practice may be, over time the benefits of the consistent commitment will add up to something more. They affirm that what's important is to have fun, play, enjoy the process and be curious. Finally, for anyone who is struggling with their own practice or wishes they could be more creative, 100 Hearst can also offer encouragement and inspiration for starting and keeping up a practice of your own.