Arts and Design Weekend October 10-12, 2014

It's been far too long since I've posted, much less indulged my creative muse. Life gets busy, and the moments that feed my soul, those moments spent creating, can so easily be pushed aside. There's no denying that the reasons for lack of creativity are pure magic...our two kiddos, Bodhi-oh, now 2.5 years, and sweet Hazel-nut, almost 4 months. They bring joy (and, yeah, periodic frustration) into our daily lives. I want to spend every moment with them, and yet, I know, especially for B, that independent play and his own quiet time are fundamental for his development. As necessary as that is for him, so is creative time and solitude for me.  I registered for the Arts and Design Weekend knowing that it would help light that fire, and get me back in the studio, if only for chunks of time in the wee hours of the night. 

It's a constant and personal challenge to share my art with the world. I typically have some pieces on display in our shop, and on occasion they make it to etsy, but for the most part, they remain hidden. Or at the very least, not easy to find if someone so desired. People often ask me where they can find my work...do I sell it somewhere? That is a very good question. So for now, let's see if I can get this blog rolling again and I'll just take it from there, I suppose.

Beauty in Bugs

August 2nd, 2013, Bodhi and I took a rather impromptu field trip to the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum in Lincoln Park. Not having been there in a while, I checked online first to make sure there would be things he'd enjoy. No doubt he'd have a blast, and when I saw a tidbit about this exhibit, I knew we had to spend some time there as well. 

B in front of one portion of Jennifer Angus' installation

Artist Statement...explains it better than I ever could.

Mesmerized doesn't really begin to capture my feelings when I saw this installation. I'm still trying to figure it out, but I was entranced, and couldn't stop looking, both from a distance and up close, taking picture after picture. If I ever encountered these creatures in their natural habitats, I'm quite sure I would freak out, to put it mildly. Transformed like this, they were magical.

 

These undulating ribbons of moths reminded me so much of delicate, Victorian lace winding its way up the walls.

When I got home, I searched online for more images of her work and came up with this small selection. The spaces she creates, the patterns, the mandala effects are all just beyond stunning. I look forward to stumbling upon more exhibits of this artist in the future. 

One of these days, I'll document my own work again; it's being created. But I guess part of my process is finding inspiration in all that surrounds me. I am so grateful to have had this experience today.

Visual Journaling...it's been too long.

These past few days, I've been feeling depleted, and a little defeated...hard to pinpoint why. One thing I do know is that when I feel like this, it usually coincides with a lengthy absence from my studio and creative time. I was fortunate that my sweet baby slept an entire 3 hours this morning. After getting one load of laundry started, I settled in and created via my typical process, layers upon layers of things that catch my eye or just happen to be within arm's reach.  

As I wrote on my page, I did have a vision of a plan...something that would start centrally and work its way out, like a mandala. When I feel the way I felt, I just need to cathartically purge, throw all the pieces together and see what evolves. I did have a note from my dear friend, Elon, that I came upon recently. It used to hang in my creative space, bringing both inspiration and humor to the atmosphere.  She is an inspiring woman, who exudes calming energy and wisdom; her note seemed the proper starting place for this entry.

I've been nibbling on too much of the best chocolate ever! Theo Fair Trade Chocolates, www.theochocolate.com , out of Seattle. We stock it at the store...Danger! Danger!

Layers upon layers. When the page was first covered, it was colorful, as most of my pages are, but too pristine, too neat. It just didn't feel right, it needed more stuff, more scraps, more layers. I have a variety of boxes and containers where I accumulate said scraps. I opened one in particular and it all just spoke too me. And this is the result.

Interestingly enough, as I was just finishing this page, I offered up a thank you, gratitude that B slept soundly for 3 hours. Just as I was attaching a mini thank you note, acknowledging that  perhaps a soothing energy surrounded B, the same energy that knew how vital it was for me to work in my journal today. I lifted my hand from the page, smile on my face, and, right on cue, B woke up. I need to get in that creative mode more often. 

Process

Since our son arrived a little over a month ago, I haven't had a chance to step into my art studio too much. Actually, I have had a few free moments where I could have been creative, but snuggling that little bundle of love won out! However I realized while he was snoozing one afternoon that, in addition to squeezing him to bits, my soul also needs art and creativity. I know this. I always know this. But sometimes I just need to remind myself.

 That particular afternoon was spent in "process"...no particular plan or direction. Just getting colors, lines, shapes, thoughts on paper...and awaiting the end result. I started with a gray-scale topographical map scrap and colored in some squares with colored-pencils.  

 I found a new favorite material: used dryer sheets from Seventh Generation. They're almost like a brown wax paper with a perforated surface. They crinkle and wrinkle in a lovely manner and leave a great texture to work on, when flattened.  I layered on paints, water color pastels, rubber stamps and writing. A little random stitching here and there, and I was pleased with that process session.

Different shots of the layers and textures I created. 

Everything goes into one of my many visual journals. 

Cork!

As I stood staring and smiling at this gorgeous wall, a few folks glanced my way, as if to say "Hey lady, it's just a flower." But I was mesmerized. Seriously, I stayed there for quite some time just taking it in. Loved the image, the colors and then, wait, what's the medium used for this enormous wall installation? 18,000+ handpainted corks! Swoon.

I embrace days like today where I have the opportunity and time to meander downtown a bit. Found myself strolling through Anthropologie...such visual yumminess! As an artist and a boutique owner, I can't help but be inspired by their merchandising and visual displays. It's just so good. Love the simplicity and beauty in these repeated vertical rows of red and white dots.