Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Hearts, Blogs, Music & Creativity

(click all photos for more detail)

Finally, after too long off, I was able to get back to some of the heart pieces and finish them up. It seems, of late, that once I get behind on one project, then it is a case of falling dominoes....everything goes and I get to try to figure out where to restart.

("Love among the roses")

These two 4"x4" pieces were not hard at all....they were those delightful types of work that seem to make themselves, where it is a joyous journey and the whole comes together without thinking much.
I have to admit, I like those. It seems I have more of the other type that I wrack my brain on and get nowhere fast.


A slight tilted view of one of these to show the depth and crackle from the heavily applied finish. The hearts on both are made of stamped and cut Paper Clay and painted with fluid acrylics. The edge is some acrylic color added to a gel medium, then dipped into a tray of Budgie Grit. It gives a nice earthy finish to something from a garden print paper!
Then I had two pieces similiar to what I have mocked up below:


I sat looking at these until I thought my head would pop. Somewhere between starting, being distracted, and coming back to them, the original idea had gone bye-bye. I liked the ones I had done in the smaller size (pictured here) but it did not translate into the 4"x8" canvas board.
Oh. What to do.
I pushed them aside as I sewed, cleaned, designed, went to the doctor. It wasn't until I was shoveling out the table the other day that I took a good look and thought, "You have to do something", so I immediately ignored the voice in my head and checked the Blogger Dashboard for any new blog updates to comment on! I happened to be at yoborobo's, drooling over some of Pam's new work when I decided to check out some of her links on the side of other blogs she reads. (this is called *serious avoidance* folks....)
Well, I happened to click onto, yes I'm right--just checked, Bone Head Studios, and this haunting and chilling and delicious song begins to play! WHO IS THIS???? It is seductive, eerie, beautiful.....reminds me of the evenings walking the streets of the French Quarter, just as the cool of twilight descends and purple shadows fall long across the narrow streets. It was a complete sensory overload...sufficient to send me romping to Amazon to buy two Jill Tracy CD's, as that was the chanteuse this amazing voice belonged to!
After the impulse purchase, I was flooded with vision on what I wanted these two stubborn pieces to be.....I certainly did not make them, the music made them.....



I wanted that feel of decay in the background, the rust of aging metal, the crackle of paint, paper that has seen brighter and and more pristine days.....and then the hearts and wings. (though it does not show, the wings on both have a light coat of the interference paint, making them glow when held *just so* under the lights)
The edges are finished in the fine German glass glitter in black, the crackle glaze did odd things on here; I don't know why, but it is fine for the pieces!
I still have to coat the hearts and wings with a final varnish, but here is the point that all these words are leading to:

Without the blog music, I would not have come to finish these in a manner I love and am most happy with.
There is much to-do about music and blogs. If your blog is strictly commercial, well, then you have a decision to make. But if you have a blog that is an expression of you,  just think what that music adds to it! And for heaven's sake, if you don't care for music on blogs, just turn the volumn down on your speakers before blog-hopping. Don't chastise the blog writers; those who have worked so hard for real expression.......maybe, just possibly, you might be inspired.
And find something that you can't live without.
And that makes your work sing too.
Can it get much better???
I think not.

Pax.

39 comments:

yoborobo said...

I love them all! I really love the hearts with wings, the way they do look old, and the edges rusted. They tell an interesting story to me. :) Thank you for the shout-out (xox!), and isn't Flora amazing? She makes the most interesting little creatures, and her techniques are something to watch. I love her WIP posts, where I can see how her guys look in the different stages. You are on a roll, my friend. Keep that music playing! xoxox Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam!

I actually did a little more work on the winged hearts yesterday--aging it a bit more and WOW! I surprised myself! (not hard...)
I did enjoy Flora's site; love the Krampus doll! Of Course! I have no idea how she does what she does.....
I'm having an *off* day today from too much work yesterday, so I can think about the next hearts while getting the banner tabls set up and trying to get my brain around all that!
Ugh. Off to the salt mines....LOL!!


XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

Anne,
I love your hearts and how your work avoidance led you to create such a beautiful piece, and stumble across a couple of great blogs in the process. You said they were easy, but for someone like me, who has trouble tapping her inner artist, this type of layered art is difficult. Kudos!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Christine,

It was hard for me at first until I just thought to heck with it and began experimenting. Then, after not too long, your voice comes through on it.
All of us seem to have that need to grab tight and not let go into a project or new medium.....I think occasionally we should be forced to *play*!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anonymous said...

Absolutely Beautiful.... I love the wings!
I have always been tuned into & turned onto music. There are so many kinds of music I love from opera to jazz to disco & especially instrumental & classical. Can't bear country, rap or heavy rock....
My music selection on my blog is something I listen to!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Unknown said...

Lovely, I especially like the last ones with the butterflies. So rich and to be honest now overly Valentine Day-ish, which is so nice as they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Kate xoxoxoxo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Marilyn,

That's why I leave the jazz on my blog--I just turn it on and work!
But.....I learned I need to step outside my *zone* and hear some other things too. I'm with you on country and rap, though there is a bit of heavy metal I like, and of course, punk.
It's odd how we choose music and what it is that stimulates the creativity through it.
Would be interesting to know.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Kate!

I added a bit more to finish up the last two with the wing and will probably *try* to photograph them. The high gloss finish is a pip to get a decent picture without glare......
I really was happy with what happened with them....magic!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anonymous said...

Anne that was a real lesson in how to release your inner artist. Yes my artist is so inner I can hardly get her out at all, but I also love the idea of stepping away and out of the box to use medium that are new to us. I so enjoy your art and your blog. Glad you are up and down the stairs and back to the table. Blessings
QMM

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi QMM!

I'm always amazed at how things work out, and I guess of all the things I enjoy getting to post on blog are things that I thought were totally lost artistically and then WHAMMO! Something works.
I suppose, in the end, it is being open to the nontraditional ideas, the things we would normally shake our heads at, and not being afraid to try something new.
Because in the end, if it doesn't work, is this the WORST thing that has happend in life????
(no) heehee!
That's the part I have to remind myself of!
It's all a matter of perspective.

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Anne, these are wonderful! Have you done a step-by-step somewhere or do you teach a class? The whole paper clay and crackle finish intrigues me and I've never had enough guts to use them... Maybe I will have to try it! I have paper clay, but not the rest. Or do you use something else? So inspiring!

And...I love the music on your blog. When I used to use a different browser, blog music would always shut it down, but now I can enjoy music AND art AND writing! Nice!

Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Silke,

I've not done a class because where I am, there are not enough people interested in this type of artwork.
I have considered on-line classes--that was before the hip break last March, and ever since then, well, it's been Dr. after Dr. and therapy.
I think it would be fun to teach and I think it would be a useful tool for people to apply in different manners. A *jumping off place* if you will.
So maybe, since I am better, I need to rethink the issue, as I have a seperate blog I use just to try out bits of HTML so I don't screw up THIS one! LOL!!!
Glad you can enjoy the music---sometimes my broadband has a fit with certain blogs that are not blogger...or maybe it's IE....who knows!

XXOO!!
Anne

audrey said...

SO beautiful, Anne. Your artwork is ALWAYS beautiful. I LOVE the hearts with the butterfly wings.
It would be great if you could do an online class. I think it would be a big hit! Do keep that rolling around in your head, please.
MUSIC. Oh, what would we do without it? It sets the mood for just about everything and the choices are endless!! Me, too, on the country and rap. No, thank you.
Can't wait to see what you do next!
You inspire me to get busy!!!!
♥♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Audrey!

I think what I will be doing next is church banners....so I will try and squeeze little things in. I have one set that are going to be back breakers with the hip----I may have to sew them by hand, and that's no joke!
I had an idea on the way from town for a broken heart piece as I think everyone has gone through one of those times in life when you feel like your heart will never be the same again.....
It would be larger....
And yes, I will keep thinking about classes!

XXOO!!
Anne

Bunny said...

Seems to me you have a lot of love in your heart. I just love all your heart artwork just amazing. Now on the music side of things LOL I always have my volume off some of the music is nice but Oh some not for me so I always feel better in the silence. Hugs and keep up your wonderful artwork. Amazing..

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Bunny,

It's good to hear your side of the music issue too. I just know a few peole who have been blasted because they had music on their blog, and I mean, really blasted.
There are days when I am sort of tuned into other things mentally that I turn the speakers off.
But boy....I sure am glad I had them on the other day!
I'm not sure about lone in my heart...I hope so. I think it is important, above all else.
Take care!

XXOO!!
Anne

di from di-did-it said...

once again, you've done things with hearts that I actually like... the rich, sensuous colors & textures I just want to run my fingers over... and I totally relate to the whole music thing... dh often makes fun of me for wondering off course, but I believe it's my spirit guide taking me on the journey I need at that moment... it just looks like procratination.... lol!
thanks for sharing another entertaining & enlightening post!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Di.....I'm gonna bring you out of the closet with hearts yet! LOL!
Let me confess....there are a LOT of hearts I could care less about. I guess I always think of them rich and velvety and like the human heart--VITAL! And maybe that makes the difference....I don't know. I'm afraid to over think things for fear they will leave!
And yes, those *side trips* are quite often very essential. I do think we are guided....

XXOO!!
Anne

Flora said...

Dear sweet Anne, Thanks so much for blogging about my blog and it's music!!!! I'm sooooo very glad that Tracy's music inspired you to create such a lovely piece of work!!!
You tackled the problem with people who don't care for music on blogs just perfectly!!!!
Yours is very soothing, thanks again!!!
Blessings,Flora

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Flora....THANK YOU!!! It was so great to jump that hurdle with the two pieces and have them done (will try and post final pics tomorrow--learning a new camera!) and done in a beautiful manner!
I cannot wait for the CDs to arrive, to listen to them at length and see what pops up in my grey matter... :)
Love your work....don't have a CLUE how you do it!

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh Anne, I was just about to comment on how much I love all of these new pieces, when Low and Behold, my eyes came across that new facebook image of you and WOWZA! You are stunning!
**kisskiss** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

LOL!!!!
Deb, that *new* image is not, ummmm, NEW. I was just tired of the other one and I can't remember how old I was when I had this picutre taken. I know it's been a lot of POUNDS ago.....I tend to measure those over years...LOL!!!
I couldn't get in those pants if my life depended on it! (I wish....)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Anne,
Oh, you must be in LOVE !!!
To achieve these gorgeous hearts.
If only we lived closer.....I'd love to come and play with you.
Hugs,
Anna

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Anna Rose,

I do wish we ALL were close...would be so much fun to run from studio to studio!! (and kitchen tables too, where coffee and talk solve all the worlds problems!)
I guess I just have loved heart imagery, and these have come to life....everything stews for a long time; these probably since before Katrina hit New Orleansa.
I am not a fast burner! LOL!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Jan said...

Oh lots to comment on this post and on your commenters posts. heh heh. First of all, I hope you didn't dip your hearts into the USED budgie grit at the bottom of the cage! NO!!
Your words regarding music on blogs is interesting to me as a new blogger. I love music so much and have it on almost always. Do I put music on my blog or not? Sometimes blog music bugs me but as you say, if you don't like it, turn it down/off!! So I may yet figure out how to put one of those players on. Then I could force people to listen to what I like,ha hah.
and wouldn't it be loverly if we could all get together and have a play date! Maybe we could. Virtually, anyway. Wouldn't be anything like the same as all getting together in someones studio and throwing fabric, paint, beads, paper, COLOR around. something to think about though. a play date.

Leslie said...

Pretty awesome, all of them! Glad you got back to them and I so know from the domino effect...

Magpie's Mumblings said...

The hearts are beautiful, and definitely not valentiney-cutsey (which I absolutely KNOW are not words in the proper Funk & Wag's dictionary). I too was concerned about the use of 'slightly used' bird gravel and then I remembered that it normally isn't kept on the bottom of the cage.
As for the music issue...I can't work without it but I don't actively listen to it - if that makes any sense at all. It's just background. If there is NO music in my studio then I can't seem to create...the lack of noise is deafening.

Jan said...

I forgot to say that I love your hearts! Especially your musically inspired ones.

Anonymous said...

So lovely to see you back into your pretty art things, anne!...
I'm in a bit of a hurry,as i leave soon for my dr appointment!...today is the day!
Just want to tell you....i got the Jill Tracy music on I- tunes...i love the tawdry, sultry tone of her voice too!..thanks for passing that on!...i love to see what music is on the blogs..
even if i turn it down sometimes!...such a variety!

ooops, gotta get dressed now!..
xoxo, gypsy

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Jan...me dear.....my Budgies never get GRIT!!!! It's strictly for the studio. I've read too much about them ingesting enought hat they cannot eat, and with ONE little blue feathered fart....oooooo....yep. We'd be looking for an Aviary Vet.
But it is an excellt cheap sorce of sand texture on the outer finish or mixed with opaque paint and gel! :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Leslie....I feel like the domino on the end, with all the others piled atop! LOL!!!
And so today I'm taking the day off to have lunch with a girlfriend!
Besides, the knees won't work....weather change, ya know....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey MA,

*NO USED BUDGIE GRIT*!!!! LOL!!!
It is just one of my staple supplies for texture, and is CHEAP. (or should I say *cheep!*???) I discovered the stuff before the birds came to run my life here......sigh.....
It has lots of possibilities art-wise.
Yeah, If i don't have some sort of music on, I feel like the walls are closing in.....I seldom work in silence.... <:)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hello again Jan! LOL!
Thank you!!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Gpysy;

Please let me know about the DR. I pray for the best for you.
Glad you checked out Jill Tracy----isn't she amazing??? What a voice! Like the 30's and the present, mixed in one sexy package! I was stunned with her, and I do NOT stun easily with music, and especially with a lot of female singers that all want to sound alike. She is a dark gem!
Take care my dear---will try and e-mail later!

XXOO!!
Anne

Ces Adorio said...

How did I misss these? These are all beautiful. No wonder you are pulling your hair! You have been very busy but look at the outcomes - ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. You are an AA true and through.

*Ulrike* said...

I love the butterfly heart. That is just stunning! If you ever do online classes let us know!
Ulrike
~~~

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Ulrike,

I think I better consider classes; I have enough people asking! Have one big stinking project to get out of the way, and maybe in the time of doing that I can work on class info at night..... :)
Multi-tasking!
Thanks!

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

I so glad you're considering classes. There's a great beadguild in MI and I know they'd love to have you and there are plenty of people here that I think would travel to take a class.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Commented on your blog---thinking about on line classes.
that way it is open to everyone, and if someone misses the first class deadline, I can repost it.
Thinking.....key word!
I just want to make sure there is enough interest before doing all the prp work, which will require a lot of time!
Thanks!

XXOO!!
Anne

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