how it all began…
In my early days, I often sold my art at local art markets. I specialized in selling one-of-a-kind hand-painted tote bags, and each of these totes held a unique story about me. Sometimes, I painted my dreams, while other times, I let my imagination create entire worlds within my mind. On occasion, I simply used my art to express the longing for comfort or the winding paths that mirrored my life's journey. At nearly every art market, someone would inquire, "Interesting name... What does it mean?" A simple one-sentence explanation never sufficed, so here's a full article detailing the story behind my brand's name!
The name 'Mind in the Mountains' originated during a particular moment in my life when I found myself at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), awaiting someone close to me. This was a period marked by my departure from my role as an Architectural Coordinator, a decision driven by the pursuit of "finding myself." (Admittedly, it sounds like an unusual reason to leave a job.)
Following this, and after experimenting with several ad-hoc jobs, I made a pivotal choice to purchase a hundred tote bags and embark on a journey of painting them. This decision came after a cruise holiday during which I participated in a tote bag painting activity. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, but the organizers also expressed a keen interest in purchasing my creation. A latent desire to express my creativity stirred within me, and I saw this opportunity as a promising starting point. Consequently, tote bags became my canvases, and people began carrying my art with them. My aspiration was for each bag to be an authentic expression of my heart and mind, ensuring that every piece remained unique.
Interestingly, I toyed with several other intriguing names before settling on 'Mind in the Mountains.' Names like 'The Outcast Club' or 'The Uncommon People' briefly crossed my mind. Looking back, these names revealed a desire to connect with individuals who felt misunderstood, broken, or wounded—emotions I had experienced myself and observed in others. Remarkably, this essence remains at the core of my brand today.
Returning to my time at IMH, I recall that the phrase 'embraced by creation' frequently popped into my mind during my brainstorming sessions. However, it didn't quite feel like the right name. The idea of mountains, as a manifestation of creation, also loomed large in my thoughts. These natural wonders symbolized an embrace, especially when one found themselves within their midst—an embrace akin to comfort, which I deeply craved during that period. I can't pinpoint the exact moment 'Mind in the Mountains' came to me, but I distinctly remember scribbling it down on a scrap piece of paper while seated on those unforgiving plastic chairs at IMH.
"Mind in the Mountains" - and just like that, it clicked!
After weeks of contemplation, this was the name that resonated with me. It perfectly aligned with the direction my brand was taking at that time. As I created, my mind was indeed in the mountains, and I felt embraced by the act of creation.
Every brushstroke became a path,
Every color represented a place,
The destination remained unknown.
As I painted, My mind resided in the mountains.
Over the years, the significance of this name continued to evolve alongside my personal growth. I discovered that I could authentically express myself by delving into the intangible. The mind, much like an invisible canvas, allowed me to express the inexpressible through colors, strokes, and texture. It enabled me to convey what a photograph couldn't capture—the essence of my inner world, my heart, mind, and soul—the authentic self. This revelation became one of my missions: to empower people to express their true selves through art. The best part? Anyone could do it.
Written by: Talya Shelley
