So excited

Here is another piece I am working on for SS.
It is an 8X10 canvas with lace background, polymer clay cake, letter tiles, bottle caps, clear word embellishment, metal corners and wire swirls.
It is not finished but it is progressing.
I am also working on a Virginia Woolf pocket book reader. I found this cute tiny purse at a dollar discount store and am embellishing it with altered pictures, handmade tiles and broaches, and excerpts from her work. I could only find decent head shots on the internet so I actually altered a photo of my grandmother and put Virginia Woolf's head on her body. I am attaching that image until the purse is dry and will post it.

Time to organize

Having people into your home is a great way to get things clean and organized. I can actually get into my studio to paint, work, and find things. So if you find yourself having a problem with space, stuff, and lack of motivation to take care of it, then invite someone to visit and you will suddenly be cleaning and organizing up a storm.

I am working on new art to submit to Somerset, for upcoming shows, and working on the woman journal, making atc's and just dreaming up even more wonderful projects. I am also preparing to teach a kids class themed "under the sea".

Here is a page from one of the journals.

Where did my blogging go?

It seems I have once again let life's little details take charge and keep me away. I like to get my ideas down for me if no one else.
I am pleased to announce I will have more art in the next issue of Somerset Studios (July/August 06). I am so pleased with this I could scream....maybe I will....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I don't remember if it's the Bohemia or Paris issue but I will have it in a couple weeks and know.

Here are entries from both to look for:

Turn North

I know it's best to not take scripture out of context but I just read Deuteronomy 2 and these words stood out.

"You have made your way....long enough....now turn north."

What a grand thought!

My respite at Kiaway is fading fast....I have to stay in that mode or frame of mind or I'll not make the turn.

time for respite

Day after tomorrow we go on our annual beach vacation to Kiawah Island, SC. I can't wait. It's the only time of year I truly seem to rest and retreat from the daily grind called LIFE.
I am attaching a photo to show you it's beauty.
In the meanwhile, I am working on a free e zine about creativity and nurturing it in your life. If interested, contact me for a free copy.
Blessings to you as you read this and find your on getaway from life.

Decision time

As a teacher you strive to teach kids the right way to do things without compromising their own intelligence and creativity. With this thought I am in a dilemma. I teach for two different art programs. One is open to being very free and expressive while learning some techniques. The other is very rigid and "stay in the lines" kind of style. I am drawn to the expressive and creative format. So I need to explain this to my supervisor with the other program. I hope I can be honest and true to my beliefs while not getting chastizement or critcism.
Here are two samples of each style. Tell me what you like or don't like. Can you tell the difference. Leave me a comment and I will send you a free booklet on Sacres Landscapes and the freedom to play and create.

stresses and strides

I am so happy to say the collaborative journal project started small but spectacularly. I am enjoying the process and camraderie for fun journal art on the theme WOMAN. I am attaching a working journal piece for the first round and a piece I did for mother's day.
I am stressing myself though by trying to change and conform which is not what my journal is about (woman, be true to yourself without apology and conformity.) Oh, well, I AM WHO I AM and that's hard to change.
Celebrate strides and ignore stress.

Elation

I am easily encouraged.
I have been submitting work to Somerset Studios and been rejected twice but am happy to say I will have work in the upcoming Gallery V, summer 06 edition of their sister magazine. My "Girlfriends" canvas and board book were submitted and I don't know yet if they are using both or just one, but I am elated either way. You can preorder the issue like I did at the following link. http://www.stampington.com/html/gallery.html

I also have a new mini canvas I made yesterday between classes.
I call it "Wings to Fly" an altered image of me as a child with wings.
My mom and dad always encouraged me to do all I wanted and keep
trying my best with all endeavors. They applauded my successes and encouraged me to keep trying when I failed. They gave me wings to fly.
The whole wing idea I guess started too from my rejection of my "flight" pieces recently submitted.

I also have more work submitted to Somerset as well as Legacy.
These are great publications if you enjoy altered art, collage, and heritage pieces.

Where's the muse of time when I need him?

After last week's high this week is too low. I am frustrated by demands of commitments, beaureacracy, time, and everyday stuff.
My mind is full of ideas and my schedule doesn't permit unlimited play.
I will get it all done somehow but only by the grace of God.
Meanwhile, here is a variation of one of the original "Her..." pieces having started the suggestions by my design teacher.

Links

Since I don't know if I can have side columns of links like some bloggers, I'll just list a few here to check out that I follow closely and have loads of fun and info in doing so and inspiration by the tons.

http://itsmysite.com/cgi-bin/itsmy/go.exe?page=5&domain=1&webdir=michelleward

http://www.artellawordsandart.com/

http://www.quotegarden.com/

http://www.thetoymaker.com/2Toys.html

http://www.lisavollrath.com/

More to come. This could keep anyone happy for months to come.

Tell me I'm CRAZY!

I had coffee with my design teacher friend Nancy this morning. She encourages me so much and I have all these ideas I want to do.
I now want to do a whole series of interactive pieces. I want all my pages in the journal project to be interactive with everyone else.
I'm thinking of applying for an artist's grant to do the interactive installation pieces. Where could I get a huge bottle made or bought. I'm talking a couple feet tall or larger? Where could I possibly work on a piece this size? How long is the table from Darlene? I have an idea for being able to use it depending on it's length.
Tell me I'm CRAZY! BUT I'm so excited. I want to do so much! Where are the hours? Where is the energy and space and time and money?

AND I have a class to teach in Denver at 2:50 and a demo lesson in Lincolnton tonight. Does the teaching pay off with the cost of gas and need to suppliment the supplies for the classes? How do I do all this I want to do? What and where are the answers?

This is the sample that caused Nancy to give me the idea to do it large as an installation piece with a real bottle and steps to go up and drop your own emotion into the bottle.

Wild Women

Wild women use red in their paintings
Scream a yellow hillside
Push pink into the night sky

Wild women let lives tangle and
Watch as their words skip across pages
Leading to dark planets.
The other side of the moon.

Wild women put the Ph.D.s in chalices
Place them on the altar and run away
To play with color squares and magic markers.

Wild women cry when they remember
Laugh at all they know they know.
Then dance like nymphs in the moonlight.


Have it; have it all:
The diapers behind
The masks put away
Days less tangle, with
Time stretched for weaving.
For play and performance,
Risk and revelation.


From Taproots: Where Ideas are Born by Carol Egmont St. John

More woman images

The text reads:

One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

From Taproots: Where Ideas are Born by Carol Egmont St. John

today's quote

Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you. Oscar Wilde

My riches are my Savior, my family, my friends, and my art.
What are yours?

Her world was filled with music

I got into town this afternoon and got straight to work on the piece. It changed a bit from my original intention due to supplies on hand but I think it's rather nice. The support is a piece of gold matboard with white acrylic paint moved about with a design comb. I made the dress and corners from sheet music. The head is from the photo and the arms and legs are from background of the original photo. I adhered everything with the acrylic paint and gel medium (as well as coated with it.) The aged look comes from a distressing ink pad called old paper. My aunt loves music so this is a tribute to her, Opal.

Relaxation Works

I am so happy to say I have finally decided how to do the next in the "Her" series that has been puzzling me. I wanted to do my aunt Opal who is a singer and comedian for local programs and competitions. She has even won in competitions in the state capital. The image I wanted to use is of her dressed for the prom but my full length picture is blurry and the clear one is only a 3/4 view. So, as I was sitting and unwinding before bed as I like to do, I was flipping through the latest issue of Legacy and found my answer. I will cut the dress from a piece of sheet music; I will use the clear face I have of her; and add the arms and legs by hand. It will be a sepia collage on canvas (as soon as I can find the one I bought and then put up when cleaning my studio.) I am excited and plan to start right now. Since tomorrow is Easter and I will be out of town three days it may be the end of the week before I can post the image. Wish me luck! Sometimes my ideas in my head look better than the finished product but many times the finished product is better. In the meanwhile, here she is.
Isn't she lovely? The working title is "Her world was full of lovely music." Don't know how I'll incorporate the words yet, but I WILL SOMEHOW!

must love quotes

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman. Margaret Thatcher
I've just realized that I haven't shared that I love quotes. I keep files on my computer of them. Search for more constantly and find them everywhere I go. I keep them in books and use them in my art. So why had I failed to share it here. I will from now on and hope you will be saving them in your own special journal or blog or file of just in your own head and heart.
I can't seem to get all I want to say about women finished. I keep finding more ways to show the complexities of women in my art, through my collages. I wish I could truly have 24/7 for just a year or so to completely devote to my art and search for my niche. I seem to have no trouble finding ops to teach or give away my art services but when will I be able to just make art and sell it? Maybe I never will. When will I be able to just make art and not worry if it's marketable. I do use alot of supplies and need to feel I am able to replenish them on my own but after 15 or so years of making much art and not much dollars my husband has yet to tell me to stop. I have often asked him if I am wasting my time and his money. He has never told me "yes." Once he ever gave me his rather large bonus check to use for art. I took a workshop through Northlight, bought a good set of brushes and other supplies. Pretty neat support huh?
I guess art should just be for the joy of it and most of the time that is why I do it. I like to share my art through many forms, sending cards to brighten someone's day, making little devotional books and yes, even giving away paintings.
Make someone happy today with your art!

check it out

Standing on my deck between storms, having my coffee, I saw a flock of Canada geese fly over, and began thinking how blessed I am. I had to come in an share where I am at this moment in time.

I am happy to note that my blog site is on the links at Artwerx.
http://www.artwerx.us/links.html
If you haven't visited this amazing site...do it now!

I am busily trying to do all my own art and fulfill all the projects I have committed to plus start a new collaborative project. I may go crazy trying but I feel that honestly art is what keeps me sane.

With all the troubles in the world and family crises that people go through I am quite blessed to have a peaceful and calm life with lots of friends, opportunities and ideas.

God is using me through my art in ways I don't even begin to imagine.
May we all honor this holy season by thanking him for the blessings in our lives.

Here's a challenge to add to your journal (if you don't journal I suggest you start, write, cut out words that fit or images that tell your story-just do it!) On a blank page add one color that implies who you are and where you are in your journey. Add one word that describes your state of being. Add one image of a flower that expresses your true soul.
Sign it, turn the page and don't look at it for a week and see if it still describes who you are. If not, do it again, and again and eventually you will be journaling every day and finding out who you are and where you want to be in life.

FYI

I am happy to say I have an adcouragement that will be featured in Artella's Monday newsletter.

I have mailed my collaborative journal proposal to 26 artists I know from across the country.
Here is another image of my own in the works for the project about WOMAN.

Are you out there?

I've done little to promote this blog but if you have seen it, I'd love some feedback. Send me your comments and I will send you an image file to use in your art. Choose ferns or angels. They are stamps but you must cut them and supply the adhesive. Thanks.