Change is in the air this fall; so as part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias®, I was inspired by the Bigelow Tea package makeover to create a work of art to commemorate our transformational journey.
My all time favorite brand to work with, and savor, is Bigelow Tea. A cup is always near at hand for this artist/journalist. Earlier this year I wrote about transitioning from a diet soft drink habit to a more healthful tea ritual. Thankfully, I have moved beyond the ‘three sodas a day’ thing. This is just one of the many reasons I am passionate about Bigelow Tea. Quite frankly, I would share my love of this brand without their sponsorship. I have written and shared this passion here, on my radio show and throughout social media for many years now. Bigelow, and what they stand for, means that much to me.
Transformational Journey
It just so happens that while I have been on a life-changing journey personally and professionally this year, Bigelow Tea has been on a similar path. They revealed a fresh and modern packaging update this month. I first spotted the new look on a box of Earl Grey on the shelves and shared on Instagram. Here is my fave below…
Take a look at this video where Brand Manager Lauren Westbrook explains how Bigelow Tea’s packaging refresh highlights unique attributes that have made this brand America’s #1 specialty tea. Bigelow is AmericasTea! You can check out my entire shopping experience at two Walmart Supercenters here. NOTE: The tea blends remain the same!!!
A complete makeover, in look, is a major undertaking for any brand.
I should know because the brand of me has undergone a transformation this year as well. I reached out to several business and marketing experts for help in shaping and defining the Rebecca E. Parsons brand when I hit a wall earlier this year. I was working 18-hour days and seeing little return for the effort. I reached a crossroads where I was ready to chuck it all. The transformational journey has been as eye-opening as it has been uncomfortable; but it has been necessary to revitalize and energize my mission and purpose. The artwork here came from this disquiet.
The Artist’s Statement
I undertook a process this year to invigorate, nourish, refresh and revitalize my life as well as my business. I found myself working too hard and too long while reaping few rewards. I was way out of balance. My body and soul knew I could not sustain the course I was on. I took some much needed time to evaluate the situation with the encouragement of some good friends and associates. With this support. I was able to develop a plan to enliven and revive my mission and purpose, which had become lost and cloudy through the years. As a way to alleviate the fog and bolster the future, I returned to the creativity that sustains me. In the transformation I have strengthened and confirmed that which delights me and makes my spirit dance.
The above work, titled “my spirit dances still,” is an acrylic on canvas painting. I scanned and printed it on watercolor paper, then painted over it with watercolors and pastels. Below you see the tea bags I save for making my art. I drink a lot of Plantation Mint!!! 🙂
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Throughout this discovery process, Bigelow tea has been a warm and healing companion. The warmth of the tea soothed my soul when I was overwhelmed. A tall, cool glass refreshed my spirits in the times I needed strength to move forward. The bags of tea brewed during this period have been incorporated into the artwork. I love the texture and strength of the fibers as they weave a foundation, add movement to and become one with the artful dance that is my life.
This artwork is so special to me because I can honestly feel the connection of the bags of tea I enjoyed during the process. I call them my Tea Moment Memories. Incorporating the tea bags into my art adds a nuance and energy to the work that surpasses words. Above you can see the layers, which represents the peeling away of the old to reveal the new. If you lift the artwork it reveals Memories with the bag tag from the cup I was drinking as I created this artwork. This will always remind me of this moment in time…a beautiful Tea Moment Memory!
The Journey Continues
I find it all the more comme il faut that this post represents another transition as I head joyfully in a new direction on my professional journey. Next week, I travel to Arkansas to step into a new job. As I travel this new path, my trusted companion will always be Bigelow Plantation Mint Tea.
To connect with my favorite tea, visit Bigelow on Facebook and Twitter @BigelowTea. Tell them I sent you!!!
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Your talent is astounding. Loved reading this AND experiencing your art!
I have been trying to be more creative and this is great! As always quite clever! I love Bigelow Tea too, but haven’t tried Plaintation Mint yet.
Thank you Shelley. The art and writing this post were the most fun to do!!!
Oh Natalie Plantation Mint is the best tea ever!!! 🙂
Wow! I love your artwork! That is such a creative project!
Thank you Kristy. It was a special post for me.
I love all of your creations and this one is so beautiful! The green/ blues really pop alongside the browns. Love it! Love that plantation mint too… mmm
Rebecca, your creativity is always so inspiring and while I know this year has been difficult, I can see that it has been a very worthwhile journey. Congratulations on finding your joy and passion on the other side of it! I’m excited to see your “next chapter”. Yay, Bigelow Tea!
Your art, with your words, is just beautiful, Rebecca. Everything about your post is so inpspiring…makes me want to create and take care of myself…oh and drink bigelow too! 🙂 #client