Everyone Needs a Hand Now and Then

People who wonder whether the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable. -Anonymous

To say that this year has not going as planned is to put it mildly. I have decided to consider it a sad Country Western song that will have a happy ending. I am healthy again and more hopeful. The dead Kindle and furnace have been replaced and fixed. The broken work is being recreated. Time to get moving and make up for lost ground. To let go (looks to be the theme for my year) of what did not happen and focus on the moment. I continue to be a process person--it's a journey.


Jasper Johns's quote from one of his notebooks dating from the early 1970s really says so much about how I feel:

To give up
or
To do the work
To doubt that the work needs doing?
At any rate, time passes.
A clear object.
An unclear object.
_______________

To begin to do.
A way to begin.(which might or might not include a way to end.)


On a lighter note, I love exchanges and have missed doing them so I suggested to two friends--Linda Edkins Wyatt and Marie Z. Johansen that we use our hands to create art. The left hand (the one closest to our heart) will be used for a round robin. For mine, I did simple watercolor so that Linda and Marie could add to you then I decided that I would create a book so there are also blank pages. For my gift (right hand) one, I am creating something out of clay. My first attempt got knocked over and broken. While disappointing, I try to remind myself that I can always create more and this attitude is a must when it comes to creating with clay. There are times when I honestly wonder why anyone would work in an art that has so much outside our control. Since I was trying a new technique, I think my second attempt will actually be better. Practice does make perfect (or at least better). Linda was on the ball. I share her "Seek" with you. You can also read her thoughts on our hand project on her blog.

Here's to making it a great day! And hoping that your new year is going well. 

Surround Yourself with Talented People and Grow

I have always tried to surround myself with people who are smarter, more talented and hold a different point of view. It has helped me grow and push myself to be better. I have also tried to move outside of my comfort zone--I call it putting stretch marks on my comfort zone--especially when I am feeling complacent.

I have been very fortunate to have come to know and trade art with Linda Edkins Wyatt for a number of years. This is our last small group exchange. It's called :High Fashion dia de los muertos." I can only hope that she is as happy with my part of the trade. I can only encourage you to find people to trade art. I know that it has helped me grow as an artist and has enriched not only my life but the walls in my home.

How have you put stretch marks on your comfort zone lately?

Indigo Dreams and the Gratitude for Exchanges

Last year I played often with indigo dyeing. I did not just dye fabric but bisque fired clay and a small piece of wood. In all the cleaning out that I have been doing, I just could not bring myself to throw away the small 3" x 3.5" piece of wood. Ever just know that someday you're going to need something even though it seems silly?

Last night I was really happy. Linda Edkins Wyatt, Marie Z. Johansen have been doing bi-monthly exchanges this year. This month's theme was "indigo." It is a color that all three of us love.

I did not want to altered the wood piece too much so I added the words, some cardboard hearts, a little paper and some paint dots. I added carpet tacks with beads to the top and trim around the sides. A bone bead hanging from the bottom completes it. Happy for not only the challenge but the exchange with two incredible artists and people. "Always Dream Big!"

Inspiration Struck

On Christmas Eve, inspiration struck and I answered the call. Advice I strongly advise doing. I was finished with all I could do for the 18 family members that were arriving the next day but too geared up to sleep. With couple of friends, Marie Z. Johansen and Linda Edkins Wyatt, we have decided to do small art trades next year starting in February. Linda had sent me an angel for the last heARTist trade. I was intrigued by her jointed angel and spent part of an evening putting her in different positions. This is one of the many reasons that I like trading. I am exposed to a different perspective, styles and techniques.

I thought it would be fun to try and make a jointed figure that you could simply pull and get it to move. Ta Da! My dancing bears were created. I use cardboard from the post office (I ordered some Modern Art stamps) which seemed to be the perfect color and weight. I had purchased the button brads earlier in the year and they also seemed perfect. The theme is "hearts" so he has a heart in his hand and a heart belly button.  Besides, bears have always held a special place in my heart. We are suppose to create pieces that are 6-inches or less. The bear is 6.5" but I am certain the .5 inch will not be held against me. Marie and Linda are fabulous artists and people who are easy going too. We are also allowed to create anything we want for the theme and in any medium. Can't wait for February to come around so I can put my bears in the mail. I am so looking forward to trading with these two wonderful women next year! What are you looking forward to doing in the new year?

Life and Silent Meditation

Life...

Husband's job is eliminated.
Son passes the bar.

Both masks sell at ClaySpace's opening.
Turned down by a gallery show.

Sprain right wrist and get a little crabby.
Nine month old grandson reaches for me and gives me a very wet kiss.

Another friend dies.
I reconnect with one from the past.

Dad's health continues to decline.
Can't sleep because of all the ideas rattling around in my brain from sculpture class.

I get wonderful art in the mail from friends.
Make something new--mandalas for heARTist Trading Cards group. Thanks Linda Edkins Wyatt for the suggestion.

ATC- Dew

This month's ATC exchange theme for Arts in the Cards was dew. Usually ideas come quickly to me. Not with this one, I struggled. My first attempt which was humorous ended up in the trash. The deadline was fast approaching and I do not like to miss deadlines especially for the reason "I just couldn't think of anything." I use ATCs as a way of playing around with new techniques, supplies, etc. I've been playing with watercolor so that's what I decided to do.  The leaf is a punch. I also used some silver fabric spray paint that I got on sale. It seemed to spray sideways so I got it everywhere including all over me! The quote, "Delicious tears! The heart's own dew," by poet Letitia Landon (1802-1838) and seemed to fit my experience personally. Not my best work but certainly not horrible. You can check out the wonderful dew cards on the group's blog. I particularly think Linda Edkins Wyatt rocked the theme. It's always best to surround yourself with people who make you step up. Which is why I am so sad that Wanda Stivison is leaving the group because of time constraints.  Wanda, you will be missed! Who makes you step up?