Art.....Life.....Intermittent Internet

I have been in one of those typical artist slumps. It is a normal thing and the odd things it takes to get OUT of one, well, are unique to each artist.
Too much stress, feeling like my creativity was being pulled in too many directions without any particular benefit to me, the artist.....time for change. Had to make more than one hard decision just for me. And after the first, things started to flow.
Something absolutely silly to get the  art-cells awake.....

Yup.....an ATC that is half Sweet Pea and half, well....YOU KNOW. It just came out of the clumps and crevices of grey matter. And that's okay too. I like it!
Then I moved on to a 6"x6" canvas which gave me FITS. I had the central element in it but it was fighting me tooth and nail so I left it in the dark cellar and stewed.
Finally, it all sort of blew through the brain at once and I worked quickly.

 

Lolo, those eyes were inspired by your photo on your blog.......and I am hoping you take this as a compliment! LOL! Of course if you hate it, don't tell me...haha!
I used mica gels and iridescent paint on this and little shows unless you have the piece in your hand and gently move it back and forth in the light. Things appear, glitter, and disappear again. Yes, those are tiny watch parts punched through the canvas. I also used a crackle medium, which turned out so-so. I am perpetually in search of a really GOOD one. You can see bits of it, but not what is visible on the actual piece. None the less, the whole makes me happy and I think the meaning is pretty clear~~my heart, my key.

While in search of the elusive mojo, there were a few moments of utter lunacy and hilarity.....I have no qualms with making an ass of myself for the sake of a good laugh. (had a heck of a time finding that knife of DH's that is firmly gripped between the teeth)
And then there are my friends that *know* me and send things totally appropriate for my studio work.....

At my age, I need BOTH types! LOL!!!!
As I ramble through this post, I might also mention the internet has been down, up, half up and in other stages of non-use. I have been indulging in a book from Silke when I am off-line, and I think I could spend MORE time off-line~~it is a good thing.
And now to finish this off, back to my sewing. What I have been cutting.....

I generally am a pretty hardy soul about fabrics, but the one in the background? It had me terrified. Yesterday I put the scissors to it and feel 1000% better. Two stole pieces cut and ready for the sewing when the hand work is completed. Bead decisions....visualizing....letting myself soak into this one as it requires a different approach and must be PERFECT, and I want it to tell a story.
I also have on the sideline, brewing, a commission for three altar cloths and matching pulpit hangings, so there is work-work-work through the winter. Feast or famine. It's all good.
I will be in and out of here sporadically.....I think it is pretty obvious *where* I'll be and what I'll be doing.
When I'm not out Swashbuckling.
You have to have a little fun!  ;-)




Pax....

Delightful Goodies!

Yesterday was a great surprise as it was a *good mail day*, and I have to admit, with my *surprises* of late, a nice one was welcomed! The items below are strictly in the order I opened them!

First, a box from the Delightful Deb......and I wondered what on earth could it be? Had Milo escaped??? (that was a fear....)
But no, it was the very charming and personable Perriquin Pumpkin. Pam's little Skellie girl took an immediate liking to him, and Frida is keeping a motherly eye on things.......but I don't think there will be mischief!  ;-)

Thank you Deb!!! He makes me smile each time I look over at him, as he is right beside the computer desk!

Then the second package I opened was from Jan at Laughing Dog Arts and I was careful opening it as it was wrapped in brown paper stamped with all sorts of interesting designs....yes it will be saved for collage!

A beautiful hand beaded Sacred Heart Pin, with a milagro in the center, and gold beads in the flame that I could not get to show in the photo......trust me......it glows!

Wrapped around it, to keep it safe in the mail, was the following tea towel, which says it ALL!!!! (yes, Jan knows me far too well! LOL!!!!)

I am not sure after that quote there is any more I can say!
Yes, there is......THANK YOU GIRLS! Your timing couldn't have been any better for lifting my spirits and making me smile and feel the outreach of love from miles and miles away.
Sometimes, living in the middle of nowhere, being cloistered with work in the studio and not getting out, life gets far to quiet and lonely and yes, unfortunately, I have to do that to finish large projects.
And then there are beams of sunlight that come in on the wing and remind me I am not alone and there are wonderful people on the *other* side of my blog page~~~reading, laughing, commenting, and gauging how close I am to being sent off to the local mental facility...LOL! (joking...just joking....don't give anyone ideas....)
Seriously, thanks. Many, many times over.
Smiles are priceless.

Pax....

Long Overdue Thanks!!!! ♥♥♥

As I have mentioned of late, I am behind on everything and keeping up with things that should have been posted on my blog is at the top of the list. I am pretty sure I am three weeks behind.....at least.
So let me begin with this utterly amazing, meticulously detailed work of art I received from Ces.
When she read about how happy I was with a single acorn, she took it upon herself to do THIS! Nine exquisite acorns, each labeled on the back with the Latin Quercus name, done in amazing detail on lovely cream paper and signed, matted and ready to frame.
If you have enjoyed seeing her acorns on her blog, as she draws and posts them, then you cannot imagine having nine in front of you in real life. (that you now own!)
I have drawn for years, yet I still look at these and there is something completely magical in the style, the inkwork, the finished product. I want to stare and study and muse and just LOOK. And the other thing that is something I cannot absorb---how quickly she creates these.
We all often wonder, are we artists? What does the word mean? Do you have to make money from art to be *an artist*?
Let me say this; there are many people making money from art-like work that are far from being artists. They fake it well, but cower in the presence of real talent. Perhaps it is salesmanship that gets them by--I don't know.
And then there are people who are true artists and struggle with the idea or do not think they are. Because they do not show? Are not represented by a gallery? Or an agent?
Those things mean nothing. Art is what is in you, the raw talent that you draw out and put to paper, canvas, fiber or photo. Art is your soul, your vision, your very essence of being.
Ces........you are an artist. End of story.
And thank you from the bottom of my nutty little heart for this amazing piece that now allows me to keep my single nut in my studio, and THIS goes into the gallery hall.
I have the best of both worlds!
Truly.....I do!

Pax....